Element 9: Physical & Psychological Health Flashcards
What does a daily exposure of 85dB(A) mean?
This refers to a daily exposure to noise at a level of 85dB(A) over course of working day (8 hours), or equivalent exposure over shorter period.Significantly relates to Upper exposure action level.
What are general limitations of ear defenders & ear plugs?
Ear defenders-
• uncomfortable when worn for long periods tempted to remove or constantly adjust.
• May be incompatible with PPE.
• Must be routinely inspected, cleaned & maintained to ensure effectiveness.
Ear plugs-
• Difficult to see/supervise.
• Not replacing regularly can cause ear infection.
• Easy to lose/misplace
Limitation on noise reduction depending quality & type. Removing reduces effectiveness. Seal between ear & protective device less than perfect due to long hair, thick spectacle frame & jewellery, incorrect fitting or wearing helmets or face Sheilds.
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Identify 3 benefits audiometry allows.
• Recognition of existing hearing loss (before starting employment)
• Further damage or hearing loss during employment identified.
• Removal or exclusion of workers from high noise areas (to protect from further loss)
• An evaluation of effectiveness of noise controls
State symptoms of Hand arm vibration syndrome
• Fingers turning white
• Loss of pressure, heat & pain sensitivity (nerve damage)
• Reduction in grip strength & manual dexterity (muscle weakening).
• Abnormal bone growth at finger joints (joint damage)
What control measures can be taken with regard to tools & equipment, to reduce risk of vibration injuries?
Choice of equipment:
• Mechanise activity- breaker on arm rather than hand operated
• Change tool or equipment for one with less vibration generation characteristics.
• Use tools that create less vibration e.g diamond tip masonry cutter instead of tungsten hammer drill.
• Support tools (tensioners or balancers) allowing operator to reduce grip & feed force.
• Added anti vibration mounts to isolate operator from vibration force.
Maintenance:
• Keep moving parts properly adjusted & lubricated.
• Keep cutting tools sharp
• Replace vibration mounts before wear too badly
• Ensure rotating parts are checked for balance
• Keep all equipment clean. Check for corrosion
When do Control of Vibration at Work Regs 2005 require that health surveillance be conducted?
Where appropriate:
• RA shows risk of developing vibration related conditions, or employee reaching action levels. Records of surveillance should be kept.
• Where an identifiable disease related to vibration exposure is discovered, monitoring required to minimise effects & maintain adequate control.
What type of non ionising radiation is given off by:
A) Radio transmitter
B) Hot plate on stove
C) Arc welder in operation
D) Laser measuring device
A) Radio frequency
B) Infrared radiation
C) Ultraviolet radiation
D) Visible radiation
What are acute health effects of high dose ionising radiation?
• Sickness & diarrhoea
• Hair loss
• Anemia due to red blood cell damage
• Reduced immune system due to white blood cell damage.
All cells in body affected by radiation. A large dose can kill in hours or days.
What are health effects of artificial optical radiation?
• Burns or reddening of skin
• Of surface of eye (Photokeratitis)
• Burns to retina of eye
• Blue light damage to eye (photoretinitis)
• Damage to lens of eye that causes early cataracts
What is radon & where likely to be found?
Naturally occurring gas originating from uranium, occurring naturally in rocks & soils - Much higher in certain parts of UK. Highest levels- basements, caves, mine’s, utility Industry service ducts & some ground floor buildings, gets in through gaps & cracks in floor.
Identify 4 areas for which a Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) is responsible & outline when employer must appoint one.
Where controlled areas have been designated.
• Compliance with current legislation.
• Local rules & systems of work
• Room design layout & shielding
• Investigation of incident including spillage or losses.
State 6 main work related causes of stress & for each give one example of preventative measure.
• Demands - workload, speed & deadlines - should be reasonable where possible. Set in consultation with workers. Working hours & shift patterns carefully selected & flexible hours allowed where possible. Workers selected on competence, skills & ability to cope with difficult or demanding work.
CONTROL - Employees encouraged to have more say in planning how their work is carried out. Problem solving etc.
SUPPORT- Feedback to employees will improve performance & motivation. Feedback positive.
RELATIONSHIPS- Clear standards of conduct. Lead by example.Policies tackle misconduct, harassment & bullying.
ROLE- defined objectives & reporting responsibilities
CHANGE- employees consulted given opportunity to ask questions. Be supported before during & after.
Identify 6 potential effects of stress on employee & 3 on employer & the organisation.
• Physical or psychological- headaches, dizziness, panic attacks, skin rashes, stomach problems, poor concentration.
Effects sickness absence, effects output & costs for replacement. Morale motivation.
