Element 4:- Chemical and biological health hazards and controls Flashcards
what is Target Organs:
- A part of the body which sustains an adverse effect when it is exposed to or by contaminated by a particular harmful agent
E.g: Mercury, Lead (the brain)
Asbestos, Ammonia (the Lungs)
Bodies defences against dust:
- The hair and wetness of the nose
- The change of direction of the larynx
- Sneezing and coughing
- The hair cells in the respiratory tract
- Tears and blinking of the eyes
Dermatitis Symptoms:-
Blisters, Inflammation, Dryness, reddening, cracking of skin
Protective measures against dermatitis
- Eliminate the substance
- Substitution of the substance
- Barrier creams,
- Good hygiene practices
- PPE
Routes of entry in the body
- Inhalation
- Ingestion
- Absorption
- Direct entry
- Injection
Acute effects:
Adverse health effects resulting from single or short term exposure which is usually reversible e.g. Alcohol
Chronic:
Adverse health term effects resulting from prolonged or repeated exposure leading to a gradual often irreversible effects e.g. liver disease caused by Alcohol
Classification of Hazardous Substances
Irritant:- Non-corrosive substances which through immediate, prolonged or repeated contact with skin or mucous membrane may cause inflammation e.g. Petrol
Corrosive:- Substances which on contact with living tissue may destroy it by burning e.g. acids
Harmful:- Substances which if swallowed, inhaled or penetrate the skin may cause damage to health
Very Toxic:- A poisonous substance which in low quantities may cause death, acute or chronic damage to health
Toxic:- A poisonous substance which in low quantities may cause death, acute or chronic damage to health
Carcinogenic:- Substances which cause disorders to cell growth that may lead to cancer
Information on Manufacturers Safety data sheets
- Identification of the substance
- Manufacturers information
- Composition of the ingredients
- First-aid precautions
- Fire-fighting measures
- Handling and storage
- PPE
- Disposal considerations
- Transport information
- Regulatory information
adv + disadvantages of Grab Sampler (Chemical stain detector tube)
Adva: Low cost Takes little time Immediate result Little training Information during spillage Good for coarse indication
disadv: Inaccurate Positioning of tube Only a snap shot Inefficient Chemical use only Substance specific
Hazardous substance risk assessment 5 steps as normal
Control of health hazards
Eliminate
Reduce by substitution
Isolate:-
• Total Enclosure
• Segregate the people
Control • Engineering Control (LEV) • Maintenance of controls • Change the work pattern or method • Hygiene and housekeeping
PPE
Discipline
Emergency controls for spillage, air pollution etc. • Ventilation systems alarmed • PPE • Emergency showers, eye wash facilities • Booms, sawdust, spillage procedures • Evacuation procedures • Isolation of the area • Evacuation of the employees at risk • PPE for staff involved in clear up
Local Exhaust Ventilation
Main Parts:
- Hood, Ducting, Filter, Fan
LEV becomes inefficient because of:
Checks opposite of above
- Blocked filters
- Lack of maintenance
- Position of hood
- Unauthorised alterations
- Broken ducting
- Wear of fan blades
- Incorrect settings
- Increased contaminant level
- Inadequate design
- Failure of operators to use it
what is Ammonia
- Strongly
- alkaline colourless gas
- with a pungent odour.
- It’s corrosive
- cause irritation to the eyes and upper respiratory tract in small concentrations.
Large concentrations- cause blindness and fluid in the lungs.
(Eye protection and respiratory protection essential)
Asbestos Main types:-
Blue, Brown and White
asbestos Diseases:
- Asbestosis, Lung cancer, Mesothelioma
Use of asbestos:
- Pipe lagging
- Wall and roof panels
- Ceiling tiles
- Textured coatings
- Insulation materials
- Gaskets
- Brake linings
what is Carbon Dioxide
- Colourless
- odourless gas
- heavier than air.
- Low levels increases the rate of respiration
- high levels depress the rate of respiration leading to unconsciousness /even death.
(Produced in fermentation process e.g. breweries.)
what is Carbon Monoxide
Colourless
odourless
tasteless gas
Found where incomplete combustion occurs e.g. boilers, vehicle exhausts
Inhalation results in headache, drowsiness, flushed “pink” appearance and ultimately asphyxiation
what is cholorine?
greenish toxic gas with a pungent smell
highly irritant to the respiratory system
what’s Dust:
Nuisance dust can cause asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and conditions such as asbestos, Silicosis.
Dust Identification
- Visual signs of dust
- Dust lamps
- Static or personal sampling
- Health surveillance
Control measures for dust:
- Elimination
- Substitution e.g. pellets instead of powders
- Enclosure of the process
- Local exhaust ventilation
- Vacuuming instead of sweeping
- Damping down
- Limiting time of exposure
- Limiting numbers exposed
- Respiratory protective equipment
what’s lead?
heavy, soft and easily worked metal.
Can enter body by eating contaminated food but usually by breathing fumes or dust.
Acute lead poisoning can result in nausea, headaches, effects on the nervous system sometimes death in severe cases.
