Introduction to Industrial Hygiene

History of Industrial Hygiene

• 370 BC – Hippocrates identifies lead poisoning in miners and metallurgists.

• 50 AD – Pliny the Elder identified use of animal bladders intended to prevent inhalation of dust and lead fume.

• 1556 – Georgius Agricola – describes diseases and accidents associated with mining, smelting,

and refining.• 1567 – Paracelsus – described respiratory diseases

among miners.• 1700 – Bernardino Ramazzini – published “De Morbis

Artificum Diatriba” (Diseases of Workers)

History of Industrial Hygiene

• 1775 – Percival Pott described scrotal cancer in chimney sweeps in England. Led to Chimney Sweeps Act of 1788.

• 1830 – Charles Thackrah publishes first book on occupational diseases in England.

• 1919 – Alice Hamilton writes “Exploring the Dangerous Trades”.

• 1936 – Walsh Healy Act requires companies supplying the government to maintain a safe and healthy work environment.

• 1939 – AIHA formed.• 1960 – First CIHs (18) recognized by ABIH• 1970 – OSH Act formed OSHA

Industrial Hygiene

• Recognition, evaluation, and control of environmental factors which may cause sickness or impaired health among workers

• Environmental Factors– Chemical

– Biological

– Physical

– Ergonomic

Chemical Hazards

• Physical Hazards• Health Hazards• Particulates

– Dusts

– Fumes

– Mists

– Fibers

• Gases• Vapors• Oxygen Deficiency• Combinations of above

Biological Hazards

• Bacteria– Brucellosis, legionella,

tuberculosis • Viruses

– Hepatitis B– HIV

• Mold• Allergens

– Dander– Latex

Physical Hazards

• Temperature• Noise• Vibration• Electromagnetic radiation• Ionizing radiation• Non-ionizing radiation

Ergonomics

• Interaction between people and their work environment

• Adapt the job to fit the person• Primary risk factors

– Lifting– Twisting – Bending– Pushing, pulling– Awkward postures

– Repetitive motions

Industrial Hygiene

• Recognition

• Evaluation

• Control

Recognition of Potential Health Hazards

• Visible dust or fume clouds• Odors• Symptoms

– Irritation of skin or eyes– Headache– Difficulty breathing

• Difficulty hearing• Chemical inventory• Knowledge of the industry

Recognition – Chemical Inventory

Recognition- Visible

Recognition - Ergonomics

Evaluation - Screening

• Screening techniques– Detector tubes & badges– Sound level meters– Particle counters– Radiation survey meters– Area or personal samples

Detector Tubes

Sound Level Meter

Evaluation – Detector Tubes & Badges

Draeger Gas Detector Tubes Toxic Gas Detector System

MSA Kwik-Draw Pump

3M Organic VaporPassive Air Monitoring Badge

Evaluation – Full Shift

• Full Shift Instruments– Air sampling pumps (1)– Electronic data loggers (2)– Badge dosimeters (chemical & radiation)(3)– Noise dosimeters (4)

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Hierarchy of Controls

• Engineering Controls

• Administrative (work practice) Controls

• Personal Protective Equipment

Engineering Controls

• Elimination • Substitution• Process modification• Enclosure or containment or operation or worker• Ventilation

Administrative Controls

• Changes in work procedures to reduce the duration, frequency, and severity of exposure to hazardous chemicals or situations.

• Written safety policies• Rules• Training• Supervision• Job rotation

Personal Protective Equipment

• Last line of defense• Must be properly selected, used, & maintained• Gloves, safety glasses, respirators, safety shoes, protective clothing

Summary

Recognition, evaluation, and control of environmental factors which may cause sickness or impaired health among workers.