Industrial Hygiene for Construction Pete Rice CIH, CSP
Introduction Industrial Hygiene Awareness in the Construction Industry Welcome! Over the 60 min., this course will provide basic information on the science and art of industrial hygiene. Job of the industrial hygienist (IH) Discussion of construction worksite health hazards: air contaminants, chemical, biological, physical, ergonomic
Introduction Knowledge Assessment 1. True or false: The environment and its relation to worker health was recognized as early as the fourth century B.C. A. True! B. False 2. Which of the following is a way that proper industrial hygiene can save a company money? A. Lowering insurance premiums B. Increasing productivity C. Preventing fines D. All of the above
Introduction Knowledge Assessment (cont.) 3. Which of the following is most likely to be an industrial hygiene concern in the construction industry? a. Protection from radiation b. Proper airflow c. Comfortable office design d. Protection from communicable diseases 4. True or false: Information must be available regarding the identities and hazards of all hazardous chemicals in the workplace. a. True b. False
OSH Act of 1970 The purpose of the OSH Act is to assure so far as possible every working, man and woman in the nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources. 5
Industrial Hygiene Background What Is Industrial Hygiene? Industrial hygiene: art and science of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace conditions that may cause injury or illness. Industrial hygienists: Use monitoring and analytical methods Detect extent of worker exposure Employ methods to control health hazards
History of Industrial Hygiene History of Industrial Hygiene Fourth century B.C.: Hippocrates noted lead toxicity in mining industry First century A.D.: Pliny the Elder devised a face mask for those working with zinc and sulfur In 1700: in Italy, first comprehensive book on industrial medicine 1788: Chimney-Sweepers Act in England 1913: First state industrial hygiene programs
History of Industrial Hygiene MSHA and OSHA The U.S. Congress has passed 3 landmark pieces of legislation aimed at safeguarding workers health: Metal and Nonmetallic Mines Safety Act of 1966 Federal Coal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1969 Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 Safety Tip: Today, nearly every employer is required to implement the elements of an industrial hygiene and safety, occupational health, or hazard communication program. To learn more about the laws, visit the Mine Safety and Health Administration at http://www.msha.gov and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at http://www.osha.gov.
Nature of IH Work IH s Prevent Harm IHs and hygiene technicians help prevent harm to: workers, property, environment, general public Make the workplace safer and more healthful. Increase worker productivity (reduce absenteeism and equipment downtime). Save money (lower insurance premiums and workers compensation payments; prevent fines). Safety Tip: The term Occupational Hygiene (used in the UK and Commonwealth Countries as well as much of Europe) is synonymous with Industrial Hygiene (used in the U.S., Latin America, and other countries that received initial technical support or training from U.S. sources).
Nature of IH Work Analyze and Design IHs analyze environments and design programs to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury. Chemical, physical, radiological, biological hazards More ergonomic equipment Inspections Advise management on cost effectiveness. Provide training.
Nature of IH Work IH Measurement IHs prepare and calibrate scientific equipment. Collect and handle samples according to strict sampling and analytical methodology. Coordinate with laboratory scientists. Ship samples according to strict regulations. Objective: ensure personal safety and accurate, compliant test results.
Nature of IH Work Inspections IH inspection may include: PPE used according to regulations Hazardous materials stored correctly Testing for potential accident and health hazards Talking with workers Observing work and elements of the environment Studying causes of injury, illness, or accident
Nature of IH Work Teamwork / Recordkeeping IH communications may include: Checking in with management about programs Consulting with engineers, physicians, chemists, security specialists, first responders Writing reports and filling out OSHA forms Preparing documents used in legal proceedings Giving testimony in court Developing policies, procedures, manuals
Nature of IH Work Varied Responsibilities The responsibilities of IHs vary by industry. Mining: proper airflow, no buildup of gases Environmental: proper handling of waste Ergonomic: comfortable, safe office design Health physicists: protection from radiation General Industry and Construction: wide range of activities. Safety Tip: IHs examine the workplace for health hazards such as exposure to lead, asbestos, pesticides, or communicable diseases.
Nature of IH Work Situational Analysis You are an employee of a nuclear weapons production facility. Why would you expect to find a health physicist onsite? A. A health physicist specializes in disease control, including cancer. B. A health physicist specializes in protection from hazardous radiation exposure.
Example Classification of Occupational Safety and Health Hazards CHEMICAL PHYSICAL BIOLOGICAL ERGONOMIC SAFETY Fumes* Cold Stress Insects Circadian Rhythm Construction/Maintenance* Gases* Heat Stress/Illness* ants, bees, (shift work/rest cycles) Electrical* Liquids* Ionizing Radiation* scorpions, spiders Fatigue Emergencies* Mists* alpha, beta, Microbes Hand tools* Environmental Conditions* Particulates/Dusts* gamma, x-rays Bacteria Manual Material Fire/Explosions* Vapors* Noise* -tuberculosis** Handling** Mechanical and Non-Ionizing* Parasites (biomechanics) machinery systems* Radiation Viruses lifting, pushing, Motorized Equipment* lasers, RF, Hepatitis B, HIV*, Hanta pulling, carrying Pressurized Systems* microwaves, Avian Flu virus Mental Task Overload Fall Protection* U.V. light Poisonous (toxic) plants Stress (occupational and Motor Vehicle Occupant O 2 Deficiency* Reptiles non-occupational) Safety** Pressure Snakes Substance Abuse Vibration Sanitation* Work Station Design** Small Mammals dials, controls, signals, dogs, rodents, labeling, office (computer) skunks workstations Potentially violent people* Repetitive Motion* * Employee safety and health regulations adopted. ** Employee safety and health regulation in development (2009) All hazards must be addressed in employer s overall safety and health program if present at work site.
Construction IH General overview of the various health hazards to which construction workers may be exposed: Chemical Hazards Physical Hazards Biological Hazards Ergonomic Hazards
Construction IH Construction work is dynamic, diverse, and constantly changing. This poses a great challenge in protecting the health and safety of construction workers. Construction workers are at risk of exposure to various health hazards that can result in injury, illness, disability, or even death.
Risk Factors in Construction Factors increasing the health risk of construction workers include: constantly changing job site environments and conditions multiple contractors and subcontractors high turnover; unskilled laborers constantly changing relationships with other work groups diversity of work activities occurring simultaneously exposures to health hazards resulting from own work as well as from nearby activities ( bystander exposure )
Types of Health Hazards Health hazards are generally grouped as: Chemical Physical Biological Ergonomic Ergonomic hazards are the most frequently occurring health hazards in construction and the cause of most injuries.
Some Examples of Construction Health Hazards Occupations Brickmasons Drywall installers Electricians Painters Pipefitters Carpet layers Insulation workers Roofers Carpenters Drillers, earth, rock Excavating and loading machine operators Hazardous waste workers Potential Health Hazards Cement dermatitis, awkward postures, heavy loads Plaster dust, heavy loads, awkward postures Heavy metals in solder fumes, awkward posture, heavy loads, asbestos Solvent vapors, toxic metals in pigments, paint additives Lead fumes and particles, welding fumes, asbestos dust Knee trauma, awkward postures, glue and glue vapor Asbestos, synthetic fibers, awkward postures Roofing tar, heat Noise, awkward postures, repetitive motion Silica dust, whole-body vibration, noise Silica dust, histoplasmosis, whole-body vibration, heat stress, noise Heat stress, toxic chemicals
Chemical Hazards Chemicals can exist in the form of: dusts, fumes, fibers (solids) liquids, mists gases, vapors Chemicals are found in variety of products used at construction sites. Workers may also be exposed to chemicals generated during construction activities. Examples of chemical hazards found in construction work: asbestos lead silica cadmium carbon monoxide welding fumes spray paints cutting oil mists solvents hexavalent chromium
Chemical Hazards Chemicals can enter the body through: inhalation ingestion breathed in Inhalation is typically the most common way chemicals can enter the body in a work situation. accidental swallowing through eating, drinking, or smoking absorption absorbed through contact with skin or eyes Injection, in which a chemical enters the body when the skin is punctured, occurs rarely (e.g., paint from a high-pressure spray gun).
Chemical Hazards Two types of health effects from chemical exposure HEALTH EFFECTS EXPOSURE EXAMPLE ACUTE Appears immediately or within short time following exposure, (minutes or hours); death possible from some hazardous substances Typically sudden, short-term, high concentration Headache, collapse or death from high levels of carbon monoxide CHRONIC Usually develops slowly, as long as 15-20 years or more Continued or repeated for a prolonged period, usually years Lung cancer from exposure to asbestos Some chemicals can have both acute and chronic effects, e.g., carbon monoxide.
IH Basics Exposure Limits Air Contaminants OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration NIOSH National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists 25
IH Basics Exposure Limits Air Contaminants OSHA PEL, STEL, Ceiling NIOSH REL s, TWA, STEL, Ceiling ACGIH TLV s, TWA, STEL, Ceiling 26
IH Basics Exposure Limits Air Contaminants TWA STEL takes into account variable exposure through a full shift, 8 hour work day limit of exposure during a short period, 15 minutes CEILING absolute maximum level of exposure not to be exceeded 27
IH Basics Exposure Limits Air Contaminants Legally enforceable OSHA PEL OSHA AL (action level) OSHA EL (excursion limit) 28
Asbestos Construction workers may be exposed to asbestos during demolition or remodeling of older buildings built before 1980 which can contain asbestos insulation, or other asbestos containing products. Asbestos removal can only be done by specially trained asbestos workers. Asbestos exposure can cause breathing problems, lung cancer and cancer of the lung lining many years after exposure.
Welding Fumes Welding fumes contain a variety of chemicals depending on what is being welded on, chemical makeup of welding rods, fluxes and shielding gases. Generally, welding in confined spaces or welding on stainless steel which generates hexavalent chromium, are the most hazardous welding activities.
Solvents A variety of solvents with varying degrees of toxicity are used in construction. They are in paints, glues, epoxies and other products. Generally, the possibility of exposure to excessive amounts of solvent vapors is greater when solvents are handled in enclosed or confined spaces. Solvents can: - Irritate your eyes, nose or throat, - Make you dizzy, high, sleepy, give you a headache or cause you to pass out, - Affect your judgment or coordination, - Cause internal damage to your body, - Dry out or irritate your skin.
Silica more than just dust Silica or quartz dust exposure is very common in construction from drilling, cutting or grinding on concrete, sandblasting, rock drilling or in masonry work. Exposure to excessive silica dust causes lung scarring and lung disease over time. Brick cutting Blowing concrete dust with compressed air Concrete cutting
Lead Construction workers can be exposed to lead on bridge repair work, lead paint removal on metal structures or buildings or demolition of old buildings with lead paint, or using lead solder. Lead is highly toxic and can cause severe, long term health problems.
Confined Spaces Exposure to chemicals or lack of oxygen in confined spaces can be deadly. Airborne chemicals can quickly reach dangerous levels in confined spaces that are not ventilated. Carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, welding fumes and solvent vapors are typical confined space chemical hazards. In some confined spaces, oxygen deficiency will cause the person entering to instantly collapse. As many co-workers who attempt rescue die in confined spaces as the original worker who collapsed. Confined spaces include manholes, sewers, vaults, tanks, and boilers in new construction or in repair and maintenance work.
Physical Hazards Physical hazards are different types of energy which may be hazardous to workers. They include: Noise Vibration Temperature extremes Radiation Pressure
Physical Hazards Noise Probable noise levels of some common construction equipment at operator s ear Prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels can cause noise-induced hearing loss. Noise levels above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss. When you are exposed to excessive noise levels, the first stage is temporary hearing loss. Over time, the hearing loss becomes permanent. Equipment or Tool Back hoe Bulldozer Chopsaw Grader/scraper Front end loader Jackhammer Nail-gun Router Welding equipment Noise level will probably exceed: 85 decibels 87 decibels 92 decibels 107 decibels 90 decibels 102 decibels 97 decibels 90 decibels 92 decibels Source: U.W. Dept. of Environmental & Occupational Health Services Rick Neitzel July, 2005
Physical Hazards Noise Several factors influence the noise levels to which workers are exposed: Type of equipment being operated Condition/maintenance of the equipment Other equipment running at the same time Enclosed or partially enclosed spaces High noise levels can be sporadic in construction. Damage to hearing is cumulative and exposure limits are based on 8-hour averages. Workers not using or operating equipment are often exposed to excessive noise as much as the operators.
Physical Hazards Whole Body Vibration Whole-body vibration can occur from operating large mobile equipment, such as drillers, air hammers, pile drivers, tractors, graders, excavators, earth-moving equipment, and other large machinery.
Physical Hazards Vibration Hand-arm vibration can result from using handheld power tools, such as pneumatic drills and hammers, and disc grinders. Hand-arm vibration may cause carpal tunnel syndrome, a disease that affects the fingers and hands. In the long run, permanent damages to the nerves will result in a loss of the sense of touch and dexterity. Working in a cold and damp environment can aggravate the harmful effects of hand-arm vibration.
Physical Hazards Temperature Extremes A change in body temperature due to extreme work environmental conditions can lead to stress or illness from heat or cold. If not treated in time, both heat and cold stress/illness can develop into life-threatening situations. Heavy work in high temperatures can cause muscle cramps, dehydration, sudden collapse, and unconsciousness. Cold temperatures can lead to fatigue, irregular breathing, confusion, and loss of consciousness (hypothermia). Heat illnesses: Heat rash Fainting Heat cramps Heat exhaustion Heat stroke Cold illnesses and injuries: Frost nip Immersion injury (trench foot) Frost bite Hypothermia
Physical Hazards Heat Hot conditions can occur from: prolonged work under direct sunlight in summer (e.g., asphalt paving or roofing in summer) wearing impermeable protective clothing when doing heavy work working in an enclosed area with a strong heat source, poor ventilation, and high humidity (e.g., heavy equipment operators in an enclosed cab with without sufficient ventilation)
Physical Hazards Cold Cold conditions: cold air temperatures rain, snow, sleet, or other wet weather conditions windy conditions underground construction work working over water and falling in
Physical Hazards Ionizing Radiation X-rays and gamma rays from equipment used to gauge the density and thickness of pipes, to inspect welds, or for detecting weakness of metal structures radioactive isotopes from flow meters Health effects: increased risk of developing cancer and genetic disease.
Physical Hazards non-ionizing radiation ultraviolet light from sunlight & welding infrared radiation from torch welding and cutting radio waves from radio transmission devices ( roof-top dishes & antennas) lasers used for aligning, ranging, and surveying are usually low-powered but can cause eye injuries if directly viewed for extended time Health effects: skin cancer eye damage premature skin aging burns
Biological Hazards Diseases or illnesses can occur from biological sources: Microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi, molds) West Nile virus Lyme Disease Histoplasmosis (fungus in bird droppings) Hantavirus Plant toxins poison oak & sumac; stinging nettles Some of these diseases are minor infections; others can be serious or deadly.
Biological Hazards Exposure may occur during demolition, renovation, sewer work, work on air handling systems, or other construction work from contact with contaminated or disease-carrying: soil water insects (mosquitoes, ticks) bird or bat droppings animals structures
Ergonomic Hazards Ergonomic hazards can cause painful and disabling injuries to joints and muscles. The can occur from: heavy, frequent, or awkward lifting repetitive tasks awkward grips, postures using excessive force, overexertion using wrong tools for the job or using tools improperly using improperly maintained tools hand-intensive work Ergonomic hazards are the most frequently occurring health hazards in construction and the cause of most injuries.
Ergonomic Hazards can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and injuries: strains and sprains one of the most common injuries among construction workers tendonitis carpal tunnel syndrome low back pain fatigue
Multiple health hazards In some cases, workers can be exposed to several health hazards at the same time or on the same worksite over time.
IH Monitoring Instruments IH Monitoring Instruments 2 Types of Monitoring Methods: IH Monitoring Area Monitoring Perimeter Monitoring Personal Monitoring Integrated Sampling
IH Monitoring Instruments Direct Reading (Real Time) Instruments Direct reading instruments enable rapid detection of: Flammable or explosive atmospheres Oxygen deficiency Gasses/vapors Radiation
Air Monitoring Instruments Specialty Toxic Gas Meters Specialty meters designed to monitor specific contaminants Mercury Carbon Monoxide Hydrogen sulfide Ozone Others
Air Monitoring Instruments Direct Reading Colorimetric Indicator Tubes Characteristics: Measure concentrations of specific gases and vapors Indicator chemical reacts with sampled compound Stain/color change is interpretable Subject to chemical interference, cross sensitivity.
IH Monitoring: Unique Hazards Radiation Detectors Ionizing detectors/dosimeters include those which detect: Alpha radiation Beta Gamma X-Rays Detectors display readout in R/hr, rems/hr, or counts per minute Non-ionizing Microwaves Radar energy UV
IH Monitoring Instruments Direct Reading Instruments Drawbacks: Usually detect/measure only certain chemicals Not designed to detect very low concentrations Interference/false readings
Personal Monitoring Personal Monitoring Method: samples collected in breathing zone If respirators are worn, wear outside facepiece Personal samples collected to measure inhalation exposure
Personal Monitoring Personal Sample Method: Typically collected by battery operated pump on worker Pump draws a specific amount of air at constant flow After period of time, collection sent to lab Personal Monitoring Advantages/Drawbacks The greatest advantage is: Accuracy down to parts-per-billion range Biggest drawback: Lab analysis may take several days and cost of some analysis.
Monitoring Principles Perimeter Monitoring To determine offsite migration of airborne contaminants: Helps to determine if site control strategies are working
IH Monitoring - Noise Noise Monitoring Several sound measuring instruments are available: Noise dosimeters Sound Level Meters Octave-band analyzers
IH Basics OSHA Hierarchy of Control Engineering controls Work practice controls Administrative controls Personal protective equipment (PPE) 60
Summing Up In Summation OSHA recognized industrial hygiene as an integral part of a healthful work setting early on. By recognizing and applying the principles of industrial hygiene to the work environment, America s construction jobsites have and will become more healthful and safer.
Safety Tip: Additional information is available in OSHA s pamphlet on industrial hygiene, which can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/publications/osha3143/osha3143.htm. Summing Up Additional Information on Industrial Hygiene For information on a career as an IH, contact: American Industrial Hygiene Association, 2700 Prosperity Ave., Suite 250, Fairfax, VA 22031 (http://www.aiha.org) For information on the certified IH or associate IH: American Board of Industrial Hygiene, 6015 West St. Joseph Hwy., Suite 102, Lansing, MI 48917 (http://www.abih.org)