physical and mechanical hazards at the workplace

Question 1

what are the health effects of UV radiation at the workplace ?

Answer 1

1. conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers
   ( welders flash )
2. skin erythema ( basal cell carcinoma )

Question 2

what is the presentation of welders flash ?

Answer 2

redness, severe pain, photophobia, gritty eye sensation

Question 3

what is the prognosis of welder’s flash ?

Answer 3

self limiting within 48 hours

Question 4

what are the occupations exposed to ultraviolet rays ?

Answer 4

electric welding
phtocopying machines
photo therapy of skin disorders
sterilization of surgical equip

Question 5

what occupations are exposed to infrared rays ?

Answer 5

iron and steel industry
melted metals
glass industry

Question 6

what is the main health effect of exposure of infrared rays ?

Answer 6

posterior polar cataract

Question 7

what occupations are exposed to microwave ?

Answer 7

hotels kitchens and homes

Question 8

what is vibration measured in ?

Answer 8

Hz

Question 9

what are the types of vibration ?

Answer 9

segmental

whole body

Question 10

what are the health effects of whole body vibrations ?

Answer 10

git symptoms 
decreased visual acuity 
vertigo 
muscoskeletal disorders 
trophic skin lesions

Question 11

what is HAVS ?

Answer 11

hand arms vibration syndrome which is also known as white finger , which happens due to vibrations occurring at a localized part of the body that is in contact with the tool

Question 12

who are the exposed group to HAVS ?

Answer 12

pneumatic drills
jackhammers
chain saw
drilling tools

Question 13

what are the risk factors of HAVS ?

Answer 13

too tight grasp

awkward positions

Question 14

what is the clinical picture of HAVS ?

Answer 14

tingling in the fingers followed by numbness

colour changes : intermittent blanching, followed by cyanosis then red flush

Question 15

what is the association between the seasons and HAVS ?

Answer 15

the attack starts on exposure to cold environments, as the condition worsens the attack s occur inn the summer

Question 16

what is the treatment of HAVS ?

Answer 16

most cases are treated by removing the worker form the exposure
in severe cases calcium channel blockers can be used or sympathectomy

Question 17

at what level does NIHL occur ?

Answer 17

on prolonged exposure to sounds that are above 85 dB

Question 18

where does the acoustic dip lie in NIHL ?

Answer 18

4000-6000 Hz

Question 19

what factors influence the severity of electrical injury ?

Answer 19

1. characteristics of the electric current
2. length of contact
3. the size of the individual
4. pathway of the current through the body

Question 20

what type of electrical currents carry a higher rate of morbidity ?

Answer 20

morbidity is higher in low voltage injuries

Question 21

what may be the clinical picture of electrical injuries ?

Answer 21

assortement of burns 
VF 
respiratory arrest 
coma 
blunt trauma

Question 22

what are the proper measures to free an individual from contact with an electric current ?

Answer 22

1. if possible power should be turned off

2. if not, a non conducting object should be used to pull the victim away

Question 23

what is an example of a repeated impact action ?

Answer 23

using the knee or the hand as a hammer