1. 1 Health Module 7

2. 2Objectives After this module you should be able to – identify the most common health hazards – take the necessary steps to avoid and control those hazards

3. 3 Health Hazards Chemical Hazards – hydrogen sulfide – carbon monoxide – silica – hexavalent chromium Physical Hazards – noise – heat/cold Biological Hazards

4. 4 OSHAct of 1970 The purpose of the OSHAct is to “assure, so far as possible, every man and woman in the nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources.”

5. 5 Applicable Standards 1910.95 Occupational Noise Exposure 1910 Subpart Z Toxic and Hazardous Substances 1926.52 Occupational Noise Exposure 1926 Subpart Z Toxic and Hazardous Substances

6. 6 Chemical Hazards Why should chemical hazards be communicated? – Exposure Risk: about 32 million workers are potentially exposed to chemical hazards – Number of Chemicals: about 650,000 chemical products exist; hundreds of new ones are introduced annually – Health Effects: may include heart ailments, central nervous system damage, kidney and lung damage, sterility, cancer, burns, and rashes – Safety Hazards: potential to cause fires, explosions, or other serious accidents

7. 7 Purpose of HazCom The purpose of OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard is to – “… ensure employers and employees know about work hazards and how to protect themselves so that the incidence of illnesses and injuries due to hazardous chemicals is reduced.” Label Program MSDS Hazard Communication Program Container Labeling Material Safety Data Sheet

8. 8 Multi-Employer Workplaces When other employers have employees on site that may be exposed, the program must include – methods to provide contractor employees with on-site access to MSDS’s – methods used to inform other employers of precautionary measures for normal and emergency situations – the employer’s chemical labeling system

9. 9 Why a Written Program? Employer: program ensures that all employers receive the information they need to inform and train their employees Employees: program provides necessary hazard information to employees

10. 10 MSDS’s should be kept in a location(s) that can be easily accessed at all times

11. 11Labeling Containers of hazardous chemicals entering the workplace must be labeled with – identity of chemical – appropriate hazard warnings message, picture, or symbol hazards of chemical target organs affected legible in English, may have other languages – name and address of responsible party

12. 12 NFPA Label National Fire Protection Association The higher the number (max is 4), the greater the hazard Check the MSDS

13. 13 what’s in the bucket? labels must legibly identify the contents and the hazards

14. 14 Material Safety Data Sheets Prepared by chemical manufacturer or importer and describes – physical hazards, such as fire and explosion – health hazards, such as signs of exposure – routes of exposure – precautions for safe handling and use – emergency and first aid procedures – control measures

15. 15 Material Safety Data Sheets

16. 16 read the label and msds before using identify what it is and what type of health issues are present

17. 17 Hydrogen Sulfide Also called sour gas (H 2 S) Flammable, colorless gas that is toxic at extremely low concentrations Heavier than air and can accumulate in low-lying areas

18. 18 Hydrogen Sulfide Smells like “rotten eggs” even at low concentrations Causes a worker to quickly loose the sense of smell Many areas of the country where the gas is found have been identified, but pockets of it can be found anywhere

19. 19 Possible Solutions for H 2 S Hydrogen sulfide gas can accumulate in any low or enclosed areas, such as a gas venting system, mud system, cellars, pits, and tanks Possible solutions – provide adequate ventilation for the removal of any accumulation of H 2 S – implement effective confined space entry program

20. 20 H 2 S Monitoring Active monitoring for hydrogen sulfide gas and good planning and training programs for workers are the best ways to prevent injury and death

21. 21 1910 Subpart Z 1910.1000 Air Contaminants – includes Z Tables, worker exposure rates for specific listed substances – worker exposure must not exceed these limits PEL = permissible exposure limit

22. 22 1910.1000(a) Table Z-1 2 types of limits 1.8-hour time weighted average (TWA) worker exposure shall not exceed 8-hour TWA in any 8-hour work shift of a 40-hour work week 2.Ceiling (c) limits worker exposure shall at no time exceed a ceiling (c) exposure limit 2 common units of measure – Parts per million (ppm) – Milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m 3 )

23. 23 Table Z-1 Examples Substance8-Hour TWACeiling Acetone1000 ppm Carbon monoxide50 ppm Chlorine1 ppm Particulate not otherwise regulated (PNOR) 15 mg/m 3, total dust 5 mg/m 3, respirable dust

24. 24 Hydrogen Sulfide Decomposition of materials, human waste Naturally present in some oil/gas reservoirs Rotten egg odor at low concentrations Possibly no warning at high concentrations PPMEffectTime 10 Permissible Exposure Level8 Hours 50 - 100Mild Irritation - eyes, throat1 Hour 150 Olfactory nerve paralysis 200 - 300Significant Irritation1 – 1/2 Hour Pulmonary irritation & edema 500 - 700Unconsciousness, dizziness15 - 30 Mins Death >1000Unconsciousness, DeathMinutes Cessation of respiration

25. 25 Carbon Monoxide Odorless, colorless gas Combustion by-product Quickly collapse at high concentrations PPMEffectTime 50 Permissible Exposure Level8 Hours 200 Slight headache, discomfort3 Hours 600 Headache, discomfort1 Hour 1000-2000 Confusion, nausea, headache2 Hour 1000-2000 Tendency to stagger1.5 Hours 1000-2000 Slight heart palpitation30 Min. 2000-2500 Unconsciousness30 Min.

26. 26 Steps to Protect Workers Against Health Hazards Anticipate potential hazards Recognize potential hazards Evaluate exposure and risk Control exposure and risk

27. 27 Hazard Recognition The NIOSH Pocket Guide provides chemical and physical property information about chemicals.

28. 28 Routes of Exposure Inhalation – airborne contaminants Absorption – through the skin Ingestion – eating – drinking

29. 29 Control Methods

30. 30Controls Engineering controls (remove hazard) – process change, chemical substitution – ventilation, shielding, guarding – requires little or no worker action Administrative controls (manage exposure) – worker rotation, procedures, training – controlled access areas – requires worker action

31. 31Controls Personal protective equipment (PPE) – respirators, gloves, clothing – requires individual worker action – last line of defense, behind engineering and administrative controls – addressed in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I

32. 32 what’s the health hazard? identify what it is and what type of health issues are present

33. 33 warning signs can alert workers to workplace hazards workers should be made aware of hazardous areas and be prepared to enter such areas

34. 34 Special Emphasis Program (SEP)

35. 35 Health Effects of Silica Silicosis – irreversible but preventable – most commonly associated with silica dust Other possible effects – lung cancer – some auto-immune diseases Scanning electron micrograph by William Jones, Ph.D., compliments of OSHA

36. 36 PEL for Silica 10 mg/m 3 % Quartz + 2 = ? mg/m 3 PEL for respirable dust containing a % silica.

37. 37 Corrective Action: repair air conditioning unit for cab so that operator can close windows in the cab and prevent dust from entering cab can you identify the hazard?

38. 38 can you identify the hazard? Corrective Action: workers should wear a NIOSH-approved respirator for respirable dust; additionally, water can suppress the dust

39. 39 Hexavalent Chromium A toxic form of chromium metal, generally man-made. Used in many industrial applications, primarily for its anti-corrosive properties. Can be generated during welding on stainless steel or metal structures coated with chromate paint. Used in electroplating (chrome plating)

40. 40 Inhalation of dusts, mists, or fumes or hot processes that cause its formation in fumes. Eye or skin contact with powder, dusts, or liquids How Can Hexavalent Chromium Enter the Body?

41. 41 When welding, keep your head out of the welding plume. Use available local exhaust ventilation at all times. 21 Welding Work Practices

42. 42 In some jobs involving chrome 6 exposure, you may need to wear a respirator. The type of respirator worn depends on the amount of chrome 6 in the air. The employer must provide you with the proper respirator and provide medical evaluations, fit- testing, and additional training. Types of Respirators for Hexavalent Chromium

43. 43Noise

44. 44 Noise Exposure Limits Duration per day (hours)Sound level (dBA, slow response) 1287 1088.5 890 692 495 397 2100 1 ½102 1105 ½110 ¼ or less115

45. 45 Noise Exposure Examples

46. 46 Audiometric Testing Workers exceeding 85 dBA Baseline in 6 months Mobile test van, baseline within 1 year Avoid noise 14 hours prior Annually STS 10 dB average in either ear

47. 47Audiogram

48. 48 Factors Leading to Heat Stress High temperature and humidity Direct sun or heat Limited air movement Physical exertion Poor physical condition Some medicines Inadequate tolerance for hot workplaces

49. 49 extreme temperature are just as hazardous as anything else at the workplace take breaks and hydrate as often as necessary; eat, do not work through your meals

50. 50 Heat Stress

51. 51 Preventing Heat-Related Illness Know the signs/symptoms of heat-related illness; detect them in your co-workers Block out direct sun or other heat sources Use cooling fans or air conditioning Drink lots of water; about 1 cup every 15 minutes Wear lightweight, light colored clothes Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or heavy meals Rest periodically in a cool area

52. 52 Cold Stress The harmful effects of hypothermia, frost bite, and trench foot may arise for any worker exposed to high winds and cold temperatures Wet conditions increase these effects Hypothermia is when the body’s temperature dips to 95°F or below – symptoms are fatigue, uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, irritable, bluish skin, and clumsy

53. 53

54. 54 Preventing Cold Stress Personal protective clothing (3 layers) – outside layer to block the wind – middle layer of wool or synthetic fabric – inner layer of cotton to allow ventilation – cover hands and face Use an on-site source of heat such as air jets, radiant heaters, or warm contact plates

55. 55 Bloodborne Pathogens Occupational exposure – reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact – with blood or other potential infectious materials (OPIM), e.g. – certain body fluids, tissues

56. 56 keep the change house as orderly as possible; disinfect frequently

57. 57 proper handwashing is key to the prevention of illnesses

58. 58 Access to Records 1910.1020 Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records Employees, representative, and OSHA have the right of access Preserved for 30 years, with exceptions Employee consent for medical records OSHA access order posted if identifiable Employee information

59. 59 Your Employer Is Responsible For Inventory: identify and list hazardous chemicals in workplaces MSDS and Labeling: obtain material safety data sheets and labels for each hazardous chemical, if not provided by the manufacturer, importer, or distributor Written Program: implement a written HazCom program including labels, MSDS, and employee training Communication and Training: communicate hazard information to employees through labels, MSDS’s, and formal training programs

60. 60 You Are Responsible For Correcting the hazards you are able to correct Reporting to your supervisor the hazards you are unable to correct

61. 61 Case Study A 46-year-old died on the job, changing a gas-flow measuring device. There were high levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) present. The man was "performing routine operations within the facility." When the oilfield worker failed to check in at 5pm, another man was sent to check on him, he found that the hydrogen sulfide alarm system had been set off.

62. 62 Always Remember Ventilation Respirator selection and use Housekeeping Hygiene and facility practices Medical requirements Training

63. 63 Memory Check 1.What are the 3 routes of entry of chemicals into the body? a.ears, eyes, and mouth b.nose, mouth, and skin c.swallowing, inhaling, and drinking d.inhalation, absorption, and ingestion

64. 64 Memory Check 2.How can a worker find out what chemical is in a product that they use? a.ask the supervisor b.look on the label c.read the MSDS d.all of the above

65. 65 Memory Check 3.An MSDS a.is an acronym for Material Safety Data Sheet b.should be on file for hazardous chemicals used, stored, and produced on site c.provides information for handling and storing chemicals d.all of the above