Industrial Hygiene

Bureau of Workers’ Compensation

PA Training for Health & Safety
(PATHS)

PPT-140-01 1
 Industrial Hygiene

History: Although considered by some to be a

new science, personal safety resulting from the
recognition of hazards can be traced to:
• 4th Century BC: Hippocrates, lead toxicity
• 1st Century AD: Pliny the Elder, zinc and sulfur
health risks
• 2nd Century AD: Galen, lead poisoning & acid
mists
• 1556: Agricola, miners’ diseases
• 20th Century, Dr. Alice Hamilton, drew
correlation between worker illnesses and their
exposure to toxins

PPT-140-01 2
Industrial Hygiene Defined
“Industrial hygiene is the science of anticipating,
recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace
conditions that may cause workers' injury or
illness. Industrial hygienists use environmental
monitoring and analytical methods to detect the
extent of worker exposure and employ
engineering, work practice controls, and other
methods to control potential health hazards.”*

*[Link]

PPT-140-01 3
 Industrial Hygienist

Defined: The Industrial Hygienist uses regulations

dealing with exposures to promote safety through
the elimination of said exposures. Such includes:
1. Engineering Safeguards
2. Work Practices
3. Administrative Controls
4. Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)

PPT-140-01 4
 Industrial Hygiene Laws
Some of the laws resulting from the recognition of
hazards and the move to reduce or eliminate them
include:

1. Metal and Nonmetallic Mines Safety Act of 1966

2. Federal Coal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1969
3. Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970,
4. Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA) of
1976, and
5. SARA Title III, Superfund Amendment and
Reauthorization Act of 1986

PPT-140-01 5
 Industrial Hygiene Goals

• Explain various hazards; chemical and physical

and protective measures to promote safety.
• Define important terms related to hazards.
• Overview of health effects of these hazards on
the human body.
• Importance of performing a Job Hazard
Analysis.
• Implementing the IH program.

PPT-140-01 6
 Important Terms

• Gases, vapors, fumes, dusts/fibers & mists

• Routes of entry

• Units of concentration

• Respirable Hazards

• Breathable Air

PPT-140-01 7
 Important Terms

• Simple asphyxiant

• Chemical asphyxiant

• Gas & vapor density

• Carcinogens

• Toxic & highly toxic

PPT-140-01 8
 Important Terms

• Reproductive toxins

• Irritants

• Corrosives

• Sensitizers

• Hepatotoxins (liver toxins)

• Nephrotoxins (kidney toxins)

PPT-140-01 9
 Important Terms

• Neurotoxins (nerve toxins)

• Hematopoietic system (blood forming system)

• Synergistic Effect

• Your Right to Know

• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)/Safety Data

Sheet (SDS)

PPT-140-01 10
Chemical Health Hazards

• Gas

• Vapor

• Fume

• Dust/Fiber

• Mist

PPT-140-01 11
 Routes of Entry

Inhalation

Ingestion

Absorption

Alveoli
Injection

PPT-140-01 12
 Parts Per Million (ppm)

Permissible exposure limits

will be described as those
limits to which a worker is
allowed to safely be exposed.

PPM: Four (4) eye drops in a

55 gallon drum is equivalent
55
to 1 part per million (1 ppm).
Gallons

PPT-140-01 13
Milligrams per Cubic Meter of Air

Empire State
(mg/m3) Building

X 1000 = 1 mg/m³

Approximate Volume = 1,000,000 m³

PPT-140-01 14
 Micrograms per Cubic Meter of Air

Empire State
Building

X 1 = (1 µg/m³)

X 50 (artificial sweetener packets)

= 50 µg/m³
(OSHA PEL for Lead).

Approximate Volume = 1,000,000 m³

PPT-140-01 15
 Fibers per Cubic Centimeter

(f/cc)

Fiber – Means a
particulate form of
asbestos, 5 micrometer
(µm) or longer, with a
length-to-width ratio of
at least 3 to 1.

PPT-140-01 16
 OSHA PEL for Asbestos

0.1 f/cc is equivalent to the

number of fibers on the tip of
a pencil mixed in with the Average amount of air a worker
volume of ten refrigerators. breathes during an 8-hour shift
(ten refrigerators)

PPT-140-01 17
 Respirable Particles

Respirable dust is less

than 10 microns (µm)
in diameter!

Human hair is between 80 – 120

microns (µm) in diameter.

PPT-140-01 18
 Respirable Particles

Respirable Dust,
e.g., Lead, Silica &
Asbestos (<10 µm) A lower case 'o' when
printed in Times New
Roman size 10 (1mm). Large Dog
Human Hair
(80 – 120 µm)
1m
1 cm
o

.000001 .001 0.01 0 1

Micron (µm) Millimeter (mm) Centimeter (cm) Meter (m)

PPT-140-01 19
Particle Diameters

PPT-140-01 20
High Efficiency Particulate Air

100

Capable of filtering 0.3 micrometer particles

with 99.97% efficiency.

PPT-140-01 21
 Gases

Examples of gases found in the workplace:

Oxygen – used for welding and cutting.

Acetylene – used for welding and cutting.
Propane – used for heating & fuel.
Carbon Dioxide – used as an inert gas and can
be found naturally in sewers.
Methane – the principle component of natural
gas and found in earth deposits.

PPT-140-01 22
 Gases

Examples of gases found in the workplace:

Hydrogen Sulfide –break down of organic

matter and can be found naturally in sewers.

Carbon Monoxide – highly toxic and produced

by the incomplete combustion of fuels.
Welding Gases – The welding arc can produce
ozone, phosgene and carbon monoxide gases.
Diesel Exhaust – Nitrogen Dioxide.

PPT-140-01 23
 Gases

Important questions concerning gases:

 What is the gas density?

 What is the flammable range (LFL) of the gas?
 How toxic is the gas (PEL, TLV, REL & IDLH)?
 Is the gas a simple asphyxiant or a chemical
asphyxiant?

PPT-140-01 24
 Gas Density
Helium .062

Gas Density
(Air = 1)

Propane
1.55

Carbon
Dioxide 1.53
PPT-140-01 25
 Breathable Air

Composition of Air
Substance
% by Volume (ppm)
(Gas)

Nitrogen 78% (780,000)

Oxygen 20.9% (209,000)

Argon 0.9% (9,000)
Carbon
0.1% (1,000)
Dioxide

PPT-140-01 26
 Simple Asphyxiants
Asphyxiant Gas
LFL PEL IDLH NFPA 704M
(Gas) Density

Carbon 1.53 NA 5000 40,000

Fire: 0
Health: 0

Dioxide
Reactivity: 0
Specific Hz: NA

Fire: 0

Nitrogen .97 NA E³ NA Health: 0

Reactivity: 0
Specific Hz: NA

Fire: 0

Argon 1.38 NA E³ NA Health: 0

Reactivity: 0
Specific Hz: NA

Fire: 4

Methane .55 5.3% E³ 5,300 Health: 1

Reactivity: 0
Specific Hz: NA

PPT-140-01 27
Confined Space: Safety Concerns

Sewer Entry

• Engulfment

• Toxic gases

• Explosive -Flammable
gases

• Oxygen Deficiency

PPT-140-01 28
Heating Devices & Asphyxiation

Fresh air must be supplied in sufficient quantities.

PPT-140-01 29
 Chemical Asphyxiant

Carbon Monoxide – “The Silent Killer”

Hydrogen Sulfide – Rotten Eggs

PPT-140-01 30
Carbon Monoxide (CO)

• Odorless, colorless and toxic gas.

• Found in combustion exhaust.

PPT-140-01 31
Vent Engines to Outside

Good example of generator exhausts being

vented to the outside.

PPT-140-01 32
Concentration of Carbon Monoxide (CO) & Health Effects
%
Volume ppm Health Effects
of Air

.02 200 Possibly headache, mild fatigue in 2-3 hrs.

.04 400 Headache, fatigue, and nausea after 1-2 hrs.

Headache, dizziness and nausea in 3/4 hour,

.08 800 collapse and possible unconsciousness in 2
hrs.
Headache, dizziness and nausea in 20 min.;
.12 1200 collapse, unconsciousness, possibly death in
2 hr.
PPT-140-01 33
 Hydrogen Sulfide

• Colorless, very poisonous,

flammable gas.
• Characteristic foul odor of
rotten eggs.
• Bacterial breakdown of
organic matter in the
absence of oxygen.
• Found in swamps and
sewers (manholes).

PPT-140-01 34
 Concentration of Hydrogen Sulfide & Health Effects

%
Volume ppm Health Effects
of Air

.0002 .02 Odor detected by human nose.

.001 10 Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.

Headache, dizziness and nausea;
.005 50
coughing and breathing difficulty.
Severe respiratory tract irritation, eye
.01 100 irritation, convulsions, coma & death in
severe cases.
PPT-140-01 35
Welding, Cutting & Brazing Gases

• Carbon Dioxide
• Carbon Monoxide
• Nitrogen Dioxide
• Nitric Oxide
• Hydrogen Fluoride
• Ozone
• Phosgene

PPT-140-01 36
 Diesel Exhaust

• Ensure proper
ventilation.

• Do not idle engines

excessively.

• See manufacturers
MSDS/SDS.

PPT-140-01 37
Respiratory Protection for Gases

• Acid gas cartridges

[White]

• Organic vapor (OV)

acid gas cartridges
[Yellow]

• Multi vapor gas

cartridges [Olive
3M™ Organic Vapor/Acid
Green]
Gas Respirators 5000
Series

PPT-140-01 38
End of Service Life Indicator (ESLI)

The indicator completely The indicator background

changes color when the changes to a different
service life of the cartridge color as the service life
is expired. shortens

PPT-140-01 39
 Vapors

Examples of vapors found

in construction:

• Gasoline – used for fuel.

• Organic Solvents – used

as paint thinners (toluene Nail polish
remover, an
& turpentine) & glue organic solvent
solvents (acetone & (usually acetone)
methyl ethyl ketone) has a distinctive
vapor odor.

PPT-140-01 40
 How Vapors are Formed

Liquid reaches a certain

temperature – Flash
Point.

At Flash Point – vapor is

released into the air. Water needs to
The amount of vapor is be heated (212ºF)
for vapors to be
dependent on the
formed.
Vapor Pressure.

Some solvents give off vapor

at or below room temperature
(72ºF).

PPT-140-01 41
 Vapors

• What is the vapor density?

• What is the flash point of the liquid to which
vapor is produced?
• What is the vapor pressure?
• What are the flammable limits (FL) of the
vapor?
• How toxic is the vapor (PEL, TLV, REL & IDLH)?

PPT-140-01 42
Vapor Density

Vapor
Density
(Air = 1)

Gasoline 3 – 4

Turpentine 4.69

PPT-140-01 43
 Flash Point

Flash Point is the minimum temperature at

which a liquid gives off a vapor in sufficient
concentration to ignite.

PPT-140-01 44
How Solvents Affect the Body

• Dissolve skin fats and • Vapors can be

oils. inhaled.
• Skin dryness, • Central nervous
cracking, redness, and system damage.
blisters • Systemic health
• Local health effect effect

PPT-140-01 45
 Vapor Pressure

Fewer Vapors More Vapors

(Less Hazardous) (More Hazardous)

Toxic solvent with a Toxic solvent with a

relative low vapor relative high vapor
pressure pressure
PPT-140-01 46
 Hazardous Vapor Pressure

• Vapor pressure is less than 1mmHg; it is not

likely to evaporate (not an inhalation
hazard).

• Vapor pressure greater than 50 mmHg; it is

likely to evaporate (is an inhalation hazard).

PPT-140-01 47
 Respiratory Protection: Vapors

• Organic vapor (OV)

cartridge [Black]

• Organic vapor (OV) acid

gas cartridges [Yellow]

• Multi vapor gas

North 7700 Series Half-Face
cartridges [Olive Green] Respirator equipped with
organic vapor acid gas
cartridge (yellow)

PPT-140-01 48
 Fumes

Examples of fumes found in the workplace:

• Welding Fumes
• Asphalt
• Naphtha – “Coal Tar” a brown or
black thick liquid that comes
from coal; it’s an irritant
known to cause cancer
• Lead Fumes
• Hexavalent Chromium (CrVI)

PPT-140-01 49
Welding Fumes

Welding fumes are some of the most

hazardous exposures a construction
worker may experience.
PPT-140-01 50
 Fumes Affect the Body

Irritate the skin, eyes and

nose; causing an
immediate (acute) health
effect.

Fumes can easily pass

from the lungs into the
blood stream; resulting in
a systemic health effect.

Fumes are respirable size

particles that are inhaled and
can enter the blood stream.
PPT-140-01 51
 Welding Fumes

• Metal Fume Fever

[Zinc (Galvanized
Metal)]

• Siderosis [Iron, Iron

Oxide (Rust)]

• Manganism
(Manganese)

PPT-140-01 52
 Engineering Controls
Remember… Using proper engineering controls
will help prevent diseases associated with welding
and cutting. Always use them!

Courtesy of Sentry Air Systems, Inc. Houston, TX USA

Model 300 Welding Fume Extractor
[Link]

PPT-140-01 53
 Asphalt Fumes
Made from petroleum
• Headache
• Skin rash
• Sensitization
• Throat & eye irritation
• Cough
• Suspected carcinogen

No specific OSHA standards.

Must wear appropriate PPE.

PPT-140-01 54
 Naphtha (Coal Tar)

By-product of coal.
• Acne
• Allergic skin
reactions
• Known to cause
cancer

Photosensitivity – A condition in
which a person becomes more
sensitive to light.

PPT-140-01 55
 Lead Fumes

Lead poisoning
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea & vomiting
• Stomach cramps &
constipation
• Fatigue
• Joint or muscle aches,
anemia
• Decreased sexual drive.

PPT-140-01 56
Plumbers Melting Pot (Lead)

• Plumbers melt lead in

special melting pots.
 Cast iron joints and
fittings.
Electric Melting
• Temperature must never Pot
exceed 900°F.
• Use electric pot with
temperature gage.
Fuel
(propane)
Melting Pot

PPT-140-01 57
 Hexavalent Chromium
(CrVI) compounds
• Dyes, paints, inks, plastics.
• Stainless steel & chromium
metal.

Health effects:
• Lung cancer
• Irritation or damage to the nose, throat, and
lungs.
• Irritation or damage to the eyes and skin.

PPT-140-01 58
Respiratory Protection for Exposure to
Fumes
Particulate Air Filter Use Description
Oil
Designation P R N
Efficiency
Oil Proof Oil resistant Not Oil Proof
95 Low Efficiency Low Efficiency Low Efficiency
Oil resistant Not Oil Proof
Oil Proof
99 Medium Efficiency
Medium
Efficiency
Medium
Efficiency
Oil Proof Oil resistant Not Oil Proof
100 High Efficiency High Efficiency High Efficiency

PPT-140-01 59
 Dusts & Fibers

Examples of Dusts & Fibers found in

construction:

• Crystalline Silica
• Asbestos
• Metal Dusts
• Lead-Based Paint
• Fiberglass

PPT-140-01 60
 Dusts & Fibers

Important questions concerning dusts &

fibers:

• What is the particle size of the dust and/or

fiber?

• How toxic is the dust and/or fiber (PEL, TLV,

REL & IDLH)?

• How does the dust or fiber affect the body?

• Is the dust or fiber regulated by OSHA?

PPT-140-01 61
 Dusts & Fibers

How they affect the body

Dusts
&
Fibers

PPT-140-01 62
Body’s Defense Against Dust

Cilia
Mucous

PPT-140-01 63
 Dust in Air

• Dusts are solid particles

suspended in air.
• May be produced by
crushing, grinding,
sanding, sawing or the
impact of materials
against each other.
• Anyone performing
these tasks is at risk.

PPT-140-01 64
 Crystalline Silica

Quartz
- Sand
- Gravel
- Clay
- Granite
- Other forms of rock

• Smaller particles can be

inhaled deep into the
lungs - cause damage.

PPT-140-01 65
 Silicosis

• Disease of the lungs

due to the breathing
of dust containing
crystalline silica
particles.

• NO cure!

PPT-140-01 66
 Silicosis

Concrete cutting
with no engineering
control or PPE!

PPT-140-01 67
 Silicosis

Silicotic Lungs Normal Healthy Lungs

PPT-140-01 68
 Crystalline Silica

Exposures to crystalline silica dust include:

• Concrete cutting.
• Sandblasting for surface preparation.
• Crushing and drilling rock and concrete.
• Masonry and concrete work (e.g., building and
road construction and repair).
• Mining & tunneling.
• Cement worker wearing a full-face piece
negative pressure air purifying respirator.
• Demolition work.
• Cement and asphalt pavement manufacturing

PPT-140-01 69
 Potential Silica Exposure

Road work (street cutting):

worker wearing respirator
to protect against potential
silica exposure.

NOTE: Respiratory
protection must be used in
conjunction with
engineering controls and
other safe work practices
(e.g., wetting the work to
minimize airborne dust).

PPT-140-01 70
 Asbestos

• Exposure during demolition

or remodeling jobs.

• Found in some taping

compounds, asbestos
cement, pipes and floor
tiles.

• Measured in fibers per cubic

centimeter (ff/cc).

• 29 CFR 1926.1101 Asbestos

PPT-140-01 71
 Asbestosis

Asbestosis & mesothelioma

• Rare form of cancer

that develops from the
protective lining that
covers many of the
body's internal
organs.

Worker with chronic

health problems; he
needs oxygen.
PPT-140-01 72
Lead-Based Paint Dust

• “White Lead" (a lead carbonate)

• “Red Lead" (a lead oxide)

PPT-140-01 73
 EPA Certified Lead Renovator

• All work performed under

the supervision of certified
lead renovators.
• Post signs and warn
building occupants.
• Barricade off work area
and contain lead dust.
• Clean all objects and
surfaces.

PPT-140-01 74
 Fiberglass Insulation

• Provide general or local

exhaust ventilation
systems.

• Wear appropriate PPE.

• Maintain PEL for

nuisance dusts (15
mg/m³).

PPT-140-01 75
 Dust & Fiber Respirator Selection Guide
Hazard Efficiency Comments
Atmosphere supplying respirators may be
Silica 100 (HEPA)
required.
Requires specific respirators to be used based
on task and exposure level. No disposable
Asbestos 100 (HEPA)
filtering facepieces allowed! Atmosphere
supplying respirators may be required.

Requires specific respirators to be used based

Lead 100 (HEPA) on task and exposure level. Atmosphere
supplying respirators may be required.

No specific respirator required. Select

Fiberglass 95, 99 or 100
approved respirator based on exposure
Insulation (HEPA)
level, use and comfort.

No specific respirator required. Select

Nuisance 95, 99 or 100
approved respirator based on exposure
Dust (HEPA)
level, use and comfort.
PPT-140-01 76
 Mists

Examples of mists found in the workplace:

• Oil mist

• Paint mist

• Pesticides

• Aerosols

PPT-140-01 77
How Mists Affect the Body

Skin
Desig-
nation

X
Mists

PPT-140-01 78
 Respiratory Protection: Mists

AOSafety 95110 Paint Spray Respirator

Filters designated as
a “P” or “R” if the
mist contains oil.

• Organic Vapors
• Paints
• Lacquers
• Enamels
• Detachable Prefilter
PPT-140-01 79
Chemical Health Hazard Categories

• Carcinogen

• Corrosive

• Toxic & Highly Toxic

• Irritant

• Sensitizer

• Affects a Target Organ

PPT-140-01 80
 Reproductive Toxins

Mutation • Benzene (mutagen)

- Permanent change • Cadmium and compounds
of the genetic (fertility & teratogen)
material in a cell. • Chloroform (mutagen)
• Lead and compounds
Teratogen
(fertility, teratogen &
- Malformations of mutagen)
an embryo or fetus • Mercury and compounds
(fertility & teratogen)

PPT-140-01 81
 Synergistic Effect

• Two or more hazardous

materials are present at
the same time.

• Smoking paralyses the

body’s natural defense –
cilia.

PPT-140-01 82
 Your Right to Know

OSHA – Hazard
Communication Standard
(HCS)
• Chemical
manufacturer
responsibilities
• Labels
• MSDS (now SDS
under the GHS)

PPT-140-01 83
 HCS Compliance
Contractors Guide to Compliance
• Become familiar with the OSHA’s Hazard
Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
• Prepare and implement a Hazard Communication
Program.
• Assign a competent person to implement all
aspects of the Program.
• Identify all hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
• Labels and other forms of warning must be in
place.
• Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) available.
• Employee information and training conducted.

PPT-140-01 84
 Health Hazard Terms

• Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke

• Frost Bite & Hypothermia
• Noise Induced Hearing Loss
• Cumulative Trauma Disorder
• Ergonomics
• Ionizing Radiation
• Non-Ionizing Radiation
• Melanoma

PPT-140-01 85
 Physical Health Hazards

Temperature Extremes
• Too hot or too cold.
Noise
• Irreversible hearing loss.
Repetitive Motion
• Cumulative Trauma Disorder
Radiation
• Discomfort and eye damage
(non-ionizing)
• Cancer (ionizing),

PPT-140-01 86
 Heat

Heat Cramps
• Electrolyte imbalance caused by sweating.
• Too much or too little salt.
• Do not rely on thirst to replenish fluids.
Heat Exhaustion
• Headache
• Nausea
• Fainting
Heat Stroke
• Hot, dry skin
• High temperature

PPT-140-01 87
NOAA’s Heat Index Chart

PPT-140-01 88
 Sun

• Cover up.
• Use sunscreen with a sun
protection factor (SPF) of at
least 30.
• Wear a wide brim hard hat.
• Wear UV-absorbent sunglasses
(eye protection).
• Limit exposure.

PPT-140-01 89
Safe Work Practices (Heat)

• Drink water frequently.

• Wear light-colored, loose-
fitting, breathable clothing.
• Take frequent short breaks
in cool shade.
• Eat smaller meals before
work activity.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol or
large amounts of sugar.
• Work in the shade.
• Consult doctor regarding
medications.
• Know limitations of PPE.

PPT-140-01 90
 Cold

• Frostbite
• Hypothermia
 Wear several layers of clothing.
 Wear gloves and a helmet liner.
 Wear warm footwear with one or two pairs
of warm socks.
 Wear a scarf or face mask.
 Take frequent short breaks in a warm
shelter.
 Drink warm, sweet beverages.
 Eat warm, high calorie food such as pasta
dishes.

PPT-140-01 91
Cold Exposure

Workers exposed to cold must

dress appropriately for the
weather.

PPT-140-01 92
 Cold Stress
LOW TEMPERATURE + WIND SPEED + WETNESS =
INJURIES & ILLNESS

When the body is Wind Speed (MPH)

unable to warm itself, 0 10 20 30 40
serious cold-related
illnesses and injuries 30°F / -1.1°C –
may occur, and Little Danger
permanent tissue 20°F / -6.7°C – (Caution)
damage and death Freezing to Exposed
Flesh within 1 Hour
may result.
10°F / -12.2°C –
Hypothermia can
occur when land 0°F / -17.8°C – Danger
temperatures are Freezing to Exposed
above freezing or Flesh within 1 Minute
water temperatures -10°F / -23.3°C –
U.S. Department are below
of Labor 98.6°F/37°C. Cold- -20°F / -28.9°C –
Occupational related illnesses can
Safety and slowly overcome a
Health person who has been -30°F / -34.4°C –
Extreme Danger
Administration chilled by low Freezing to Exposed Flesh
temperatures, brisk -40°F / -40°C – within 30 Seconds
OSHA 3156 winds, or wet
1998 clothing.
-50°F / -45.6°C –

Adapted from: ACGIH®

Threshold Limit Values,
and Physical Agents
Biohazard Indices, 1998
– 1999.

PPT-140-01 93
 Occupational Noise

Noise is measured using

sound level meters.

Decibel (abbreviated
dB) unit used to measure
the intensity of a sound.

Standard Sound Level

Meter
Quest Technologies

PPT-140-01 94
 Decibels

Normal Conversation Yelling

60 – 65 dB 80 – 85 dB

PPT-140-01 95
What is A-Weighted?

• A-weighted response most resembles

the sensitivity of the human ear.

PPT-140-01 96
 Tinnitus

• “Ringing in the ears”

• Damage to tiny sensory

hair cells in the inner
ear.

PPT-140-01 97
The Inner Ear

Cochlea

Ear Drum

PPT-140-01 98
PPT-140-01 99
 Occupational Noise Exposures (29 CFR
1926.52)
Duration per day, Sound level dBA
OSHA Requirement…
hours slow response
8 90 When employees are
subjected to sound levels
6 92
exceeding those listed in
4 95 Table D-2, feasible*
administrative or engineering
3 97
controls must first be utilized.
2 100 If such controls fail to reduce
sound levels within the levels
1½ 102
of the table (D-2), ear
1 105 protective devices must be
provided and used.
½ 110
¼ or less 115 PPT-140-01 100
 Noise Control
Engineering & Administrative Controls
• Enclosures (operator cabs)
• Routine maintenance on tools and equipment.
• Lubrication to reduce friction.
• Acoustical enclosures & sound absorbing
materials.
• Use rubber mallets to erect and dismantle
scaffolding and formwork.
• Rotate workers
• Post warning signs.
• Train all employees on how to properly wear
hearing protective devices.

PPT-140-01 101
Equipment Operator Cab Enclosure

PPT-140-01 102
Administrative Noise Control

PPT-140-01 103
Noise Control: PPE

PPT-140-01 104
 Hearing Conservation Program

• Monitoring employee noise exposures.

• Engineering, work practice, and

administrative controls.

• Signs and barriers to warn workers of high

noise levels.

• Individually fitted hearing protector.

• Employee training and education.

• Baseline and annual audiometry.

• Procedures for preventing further

occupational hearing loss.

• Recording Keeping.

PPT-140-01 105
 Hearing Protection

• Know your hazard.

• Trust the annual audiogram.

• Select hearing protection that is right for you.

• Wear your hearing protection correctly.

• To test the fit, cup your hands over your ears,

then release.

PPT-140-01 106
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)

• A hearing protector's
ability to reduce noise.
29
Noise
Reduction
DECIBELS
Rating
• The greater the NRR,
(When used as directed)

THE RANGE OF NOISE REDUCTION RATINGS FOR EXISTING

the better the noise HEARING PROTECTORS IS APPROXIMATELY 0 TO 30
(HIGHER NUMBERS DENOTE GREATER EFFECTIVENESS)

reduction. NMC Company Model Earplug

• Listed on the hearing

protector box.

PPT-140-01 107
 Proposed NRR

• Minimally trained users (the lower number)

vs. Highly motivated, trained users (the
higher number).

• Reflects A-weighted attenuation – no

adjustment necessary.

Possible for most Possible for a few motivated

NRR
21 individually trained users
to achieve or exceed
34 proficient users to achieve or
exceed
Noise
Reduction
Rating 0 10 20 30 40 50
Noise Reduction (dB) When Worn As Directed

PPT-140-01 108
OSHA NRR Adjustment Calculation

29
Noise
Reduction
NRR – 7 Rating DECIBELS
(When used as directed)

THE RANGE OF NOISE REDUCTION RATINGS FOR EXISTING HEARING

PROTECTORS IS APPROXIMATELY 0 TO 30
(HIGHER NUMBERS DENOTE GREATER EFFECTIVENESS)
For example… NMC Company Model Earplug

Ear plugs with a

listed NRR of 29…

29 – 7 = 22

PPT-140-01 109
NIOSH NRR Adjustment Calculation

Subtract 25% from the

Earmuffs manufacturer’s
adjusted NRR

Subtract 50% from the

Formable Ear
manufacturer’s
Plugs
adjusted NRR

All Other Ear Subtract 70% from the

Plugs manufacturer’s
(Canal Caps) adjusted NRR

PPT-140-01 110
 Dual Hearing Protection

22 + 5 = 27
(Adjusted NRR) (Dual Protection NRR)

Formable Ear Plugs Earmuffs

Listed NRR = 29 Listed NRR = 16
Adjusted NRR (29 – 7) Adjusted NRR for Dual
= 22 Protection = 5
PPT-140-01 111
 Dual Hearing Protection

WARNING!
Make sure that any plugs used with double
protection do not have a cord; it will interfere
with the fit of the earmuffs and not provide added
protection.

PPT-140-01 112
Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs)

• Repetitive motions
• Forceful exertions
• Awkward postures
• Static postures
• Mechanical compression
of soft tissues
• Fast movement
• Vibration
• Lack of sufficient recovery

PPT-140-01 113
Activities that can Cause
CTD’s

 
PPT-140-01 114
Cumulative Trauma Disorders

• Tendonitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
• Rotator cuff tendonitis
• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Raynaud’s syndrome
• Trigger finger

PPT-140-01 115
 Preventing CTDs

• Using hand tools with smooth, rounded edges

and long handles.
• Job layout - Tools, parts, and equipment should
be easy to reach.
• Job rotation or reassignment.
• Regular breaks.
• Adjusting physical factors in the
• work environment.
• The ability to stretch and move around.

PPT-140-01 116
 Ergonomics

o Study of fitting the job to the

person…
• Fits your hand.
• Allows a good grip.
• Takes less effort.
• Does not require you to
work in an awkward
Paladin Tools 1300
position. Series
• Does not dig into your
Ergonomically-
fingers or hand. designed handles for
• Comfortable and effective. effortless operation.

PPT-140-01 117
Pre-Work Stretch & Flex

Trunk and Lower Back

PPT-140-01 118
Ionizing Radiation

Stopped by a
sheet of paper

Can cause
tissue damage

Stopped by
several feet of
concrete or a few
inches of lead

PPT-140-01 119
 Non-Ionizing Radiation

• Infrared Radiation (IR)

• Microwave (MW) & Radiofrequency (RF)

• Extremely Low Frequency (ELF)

Symbol for Symbol for

Infrared Symbol for Magnetic
Radiation (IR) Microwave Field
(MW) & Radio
(RF)

PPT-140-01 120
 Ultraviolet Radiation (UV)

Welding & cutting creates

radiant energy that must be
protected against (see
requirements for filter lens
shade number).

Prevention methods

PPT-140-01 121
 Ultraviolet Radiation (UV)

NIOSH/John Rekus/[Link]

Bad Work Practice – not Bad Work Practice –

wearing a shirt will result in welder unprotected from
sunburn and skin damage. ultraviolet radiation.

PPT-140-01 122
 Melanoma

• Type of skin cancer.

• Leading cause of death

from skin disease.

• Excessive exposure to
sun light.

PPT-140-01 123
Protect Against UV Radiation

• Avoiding working in
the sun.

• Wear protective
clothing and (hats).

• Apply sunscreens.

PPT-140-01 124
Biological Hazards – Important Terms

• Fungi (mold)
• Histoplasmosis
• Hantavirus
• Blood Borne Pathogens
• Universal Precautions
• HIV
• Hepatitis – HBV & HCV
• Rabies

PPT-140-01 125
 Biological Health Hazards
• When working in health care
facilities.
• Accumulation of animal waste
and the presence of rodents,
insects and birds.
• During demolition and
remolding of old structures.
• During clearing operations
and the removal of plants,
trees and other foliage.
• Landscaping
PPT-140-01 126
 Fungi (Mold)

Molds are organized into

three groups:

1. Allergenic

2. Pathogenic

3. Toxigenic

PPT-140-01 127
How Molds Affect the Body

• Spores small enough to be

airborne.
• Considered respirable.
• Produce toxic agents known as
mycotoxins.

Mold

PPT-140-01 128
Minimize Exposure to Mold

Worker exposed to fungi (mold) – wearing

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

PPT-140-01 129
 Histoplasmosis

• Disease caused by inhaling the spores of a

fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum (H.
capsulatum).

• Fungus seems to grow best in soils having high

nitrogen content, especially those enriched with
bird manure or bat droppings.

PPT-140-01 130
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

• Disease spread by rodents that is similar to

the flu.

• Virus is in urine and feces.

PPT-140-01 131
Respiratory Protection: Mold

• Avoid breathing in mold or mold spores!

Approved Filtering Facepiece Half Mask, Elastomeric, Air

Respirator (Disposable) – any Purifying Respirator – any
combination of N, R & P with combination of N, R & P with
efficiency 95, 99 or 100. efficiency 95, 99 or 100.

PPT-140-01 132
 Bloodborne Pathogens

• Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

• Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

• Human Immunodeficiency
Virus (HIV)
Symbol for
Bloodborne Pathogen

PPT-140-01 133
Spreading Bloodborne Pathogens

Present Route of Entry

Quantity
Susceptibility

For an infection to occur, all four

conditions must be present.
PPT-140-01 134
 Bloodborne Pathogens

Concept of bloodborne
disease control which
requires that all human
blood and fluids be
treated as if known to be
infectious.

Protect yourself against

bloodborne pathogens –
always wear gloves

PPT-140-01 135
Preventing Disease

Frequent hand washing will help

to prevent sickness and disease.

PPT-140-01 136
 Poisonous Plants

• Poison Ivy

• Poison Oak

• Poison Sumac

• Others?

PPT-140-01 137
Poisonous & Infectious Animals

• Rabies

• Give some thought to what, if any, poisonous

and infectious animals could be on a job-site
you will be working at

PPT-140-01 138
 Hazard Control

The analysis of potential hazards involves a

survey resulting in the proper application of:

• Engineering Safeguards
• Work Practices
• Administrative Controls
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPT-140-01 139
Hazard and Risk Assessment

• Know the hazard characteristics

• Determine permissible limits of exposure
• Match the correct protection to the hazard
• Select the proper detector to verify amount of
material in evidence
• Understand the detectable ranges
• Will conversion factors apply to the target hazard

PPT-138-01 140
Hazard and Risk Assessment

• Will temperature or humidity affect readings?

• Is monitor intrinsically safe? Can it be
calibrated?
• Are capabilities and limitations understood?
• What other safety concerns also apply?
- PPE - Fire protection - Backup
- Ventilation - Lock-out/tag-out

PPT-138-01 141
 Resources

• Safety Data Sheets

(SDS)

• NFPA standards
(National Fire Protection
Association)

• NFPA Fire Protection

Handbook

PPT-138-01 142
 Resources
Technical manuals:
Sax’s “Dangerous
Properties of Industrial
Materials”

Emergency guides:
“Emergency Response
Guidebook”

Each cited source has

valuable information toward
monitor planning
PPT-138-01 143
 Resources

• “NIOSH Pocket Guide to

Chemical Hazards”

• The following slides give

an overview of the
NIOSH categories to aid
in your monitoring
operations

PPT-138-01 144
 Detectors

General types include:

• Passive badges and dosimeters
• Tubes/pumps
• Combustible gas indicator (CGI)
• Single gas
• Multiple gas
• Flame ionization detector (FID)
• Photoionization detector (PID)
• Radiological

PPT-140-01 145
Match Detector to Hazard

Match the detector to the

hazard!
• In one situation, a field
team used a Combustible
Gas Indicator in an acid
spill atmosphere
• Detector heads were
“poisoned” due to contact
with the acid vapor
• Detector heads had to be
replaced and unit
overhauled

PPT-138-01 146
 Dosimeters

• Passive Monitors
Permeation of gases
through a membrane
onto a collection medium
• Film Badge
Desorbed with carbon
disulfide
Analyzed by gas
chromatograph

*Air Monitoring for Toxic Exposures,” Shirley A. Ness,

Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1991, page 85

PPT-138-01 147
 Tubes

• Test atmosphere is drawn

into tube
• Tubes are gas/vapor
specific
• Presence of gas/vapor
changes reagent color in
tube
• PPM and percentage
gradients on tube indicate
amount of gas/vapor in
atmosphere

PPT-138-01 148
 Tubes and Pumps

• Specific number of
pump strokes required
for precise reading if
using a manual pump

• Pump assemblies are

calibrated to draw
either 50cc or 100cc on
each stroke when set

PPT-138-01 149
 Solid State Sensors

Semiconductors can be used

for:

– General survey monitors

– Specific gases and
hydrocarbons
– Toxic gases

• Reads electrical resistance

decreases across a
Wheatstone bridge

PPT-138-01 150
Combustible Gas Indicators

• Also called CGIs

• Catalytic combustion
• Voltage drop is read
across a Wheatstone
bridge

PPT-138-01 151
 Single Gas

• Sensor is gas-specific
• Electro-chemical principle
• Chemical specificity is due
to electrodes and
electrolytes used
• “Ticker” used by gas
companies specific to their
product
• Note sensing head

PPT-138-01 152
 Multiple Gas

• Visual and audible alarms

• Specific detector heads
may be incorporated
based on your hazards
• This one detects:

o Oxygen content
o Percent LEL
o Carbon monoxide
o Hydrogen sulfide

PPT-138-01 158
 Multiple Gas

• Read oxygen level

first to verify correct
level between 19.5
percent to 23.5
percent or reading for
LEL will be incorrect
for the challenge
gas/vapor

PPT-138-01 154
 Multiple Gas

• With pump for wand With

Pump and
attachment wand port
– May be delay in sample reading
based on length of sampling
wand/hose
– Monitor slowly so as to not
wander into hazard zone
• Without pump it will still
detect, but as a diffusion
detector

PPT-138-01 155
 Multiple Gas

• Pump brings in a
measured volume of air to
be tested With Pump:
• More exact than hand Drawn
sample is
pump more exact

• Without pump the

measurement is
Without
dependent upon the Pump:
amount of ambient air Diffusion
coming into contact with
sensing heads
PPT-138-01 156
 Flame Ionization Detector

• Also called FID

• OVA (organic vapor
analyzer)
• Carbon counter
• Current corresponds to
positive ion collection
count
• Organics ionized by a
hydrogen flame (not by a
lamp like the PID) and
counted

PPT-138-01 157
 Photoionization Detector
• Also called PIDs
• Can be hand-held or
used to monitor a fixed
location
• Reads most organic and
some inorganic
compounds
• UV (Ultraviolet) lamp
converts ionizing
materials to electric
signal (not a flame like
the FID)
PPT-138-01 158
 Radiological
• Personal dosimeters
-Self-readers
-Dosimeters

• Radiation field units

also read:
-Alpha
-Beta
-Gamma
-Neutron

PPT-138-01 159
 Radiological

• Radiation causes
ionization in the
detecting media
• Ions produced are
counted electronically
• Relationship
established between
number of ionizing
events and quantity
of radiation present

PPT-138-01 160
 Radiological

Detector Detects

Ion detection tubes Gamma and X-radiation

Proportional detection tubes Alpha
Geiger-Mueller tubes Gamma and/or Beta
Scintillation detection Alpha or Gamma

PPT-138-01 161
 Other Detection Means

• Samples are obtained by

either:
Bag sample or
Swipe sample

• Then subjected to
sophisticated equipment (e.g., Gas Chromatograph
gas chromatographs and
spectrophotometers)

• Each of these has its merits,

but can be time-consuming
Spectrophotometer

PPT-138-01 162
 Field Monitoring

• Perform tasks to make

area safe for monitoring
• Map the release area
• Select a pattern to use in
the search area
• Brief the monitoring team

PPT-138-01 163
 Field Monitoring

• Monitor the suspect

location for initial
readings
• Continue to monitor
throughout an event
since conditions can
change due to the
possible intrusion of
gases or vapors
• When LEL or PPM
readings are exceeded,
vacate the location

PPT-138-01 164
 Summary

• Industrial hygiene determines hazards then provides

the means to reduce or eliminate the threat to promote
a healthy workplace.

• Investigate the hazards via a Job Safety/Hazard

Analysis.

• Match the remedial methods and PPE to counter the

threat.

• Be mindful to constantly check the changing workplace

environment and provide required safety.

PPT-140-01 165
 Contact Information

Health & Safety Training Specialists

1171 South Cameron Street, Room 324
Harrisburg, PA 17104-2501
(717) 772-1635
RA-LI-BWC-PATHS@[Link]

Like us on Facebook! -
[Link]

PPT-140-01 166
Questions

PPT-140-01 167
 Bibliography

• Shirley A. Ness, “Air Monitoring for Toxic

Exposures,” Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1991
• Carol J. Maslansky & Steven P. Maslansky, “Air
Monitoring Instrumentation,” Van Nostrand
Reinhold, 1993
• “Handbook of Compressed Gases,” Compressed Gas
Association, Inc., 3rd Edition, 1990
• “NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards,”
Department of Health and Human Services, CDC,
NIOSH Publication No. 2005-149, 2005
• OSHA Fact Sheet, DSTM 9/2005

PPT-138-01 168
 Bibliography
“Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene,” Barbara A.
Plog, and Patricia J. Quinlan, 6th Edition, National
Safety Council, 1121 Spring Lake Drive, Itasca, Il,
60143-3201, 2012, [Link] or 800-621-7619 or
630-285-1121

FM 21-76, US Army Survival Manual, Headquarters,

Department of the Army.

“Emergency Response Guidebook,” US DOT, Pipeline

and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and
Transport Canada, latest edition

PPT-140-01 169
 Related Programs

Here are some related programs we have which

you can obtain for free:

• Hearing Conservation and Noise Control

• Infectious Diseases
• Job Hazard Analysis
• Basic Air Monitoring

Email and request our full list of offerings at:

RA-LI-BWC-PATHS@[Link]

PPT-140-01 170