CHAPTER 3 3.

2 CHEMICAL SAFETY

3.1 OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE Hierarchy of Chemical Control

Anticipation : Identifying potential hazards in the Law - Regulations - Industry code - Good practices
workplace before they are introduced
Recognition : Identifying potential hazard that poses Hazard vs PPE for Eyes, Face and Body/Hands
to health.
Evaluation of the extent of exposure to the chemical
hazards, physical or biological agents (or adverse
ergonomic situation) in the workplace.
Control of the chemical, physical or biological agent
-or adverse ergonomic situation, by procedural,
engineering or other means where the evaluation
indicates that this is necessary.

Health Hazard
1. Chemical : Gas, liquid, dust.
2. Physical : Noise, vibration, heat, cold,
electromagnetic field.
3. Biological : Bacteria, fungi, virus.
4. Ergonomic : Lifting, stretching.
5. Psycho-social : Stress, fighting, work organization.

Importance of Occupational Hygiene

1. Improve worker health.
Symbols
2. Lower social and health care cost.
3. More efficient working process.
4. Reduce unemployment due to health problem.

Anticipation of Risk
During design stage of a process/ equipment or
formulation of chemicals or before starting process
or work operations

How to anticipate potential risk ?

1. Process characteristics.
2. Physicochemical properties.
3. Possible health effect.
4. Past experience.

Exposure Standard
Limits below which workers may be exposed to
health risks without experiencing any adverse health
effects

Hierarchy of Control
1. Eliminate or substitution.
2. Engineering control : Redesign, automation,
barriers.
3. Administrative control : Procedure, safety sign,
housekeeping.
4. PPE.
3.3 INDOOR AIR QUALITY 3.4 WORKING IN CONFINED SPACE

IAQ : Refers to quality of air inside buildings
served by common air-conditioning /
mechanical ventilation system.
Example Health IAQ
1. Sick building syndrome (SBS) : When more
than 20% occupants complaint about air in
building.
2. Building related illnesses (BRI) : Dermatitis,
tuberculosis, asthma, common cold.
Confined space is one that meets :
1. Space large enough to enter.
2. Limited or restricted entry or exit.
3. Not designed for continuous occupancy.
Permit require if :
1. Hazardous atmosphere.
2. Engulfment hazard.
3. Configuration hazard.
4. Other recognized hazard.

Symptoms of Poor IAQ Entry Duties

1. Headache 1. Supervisors
2. Fatigue - Know space hazards and consequences
3. Skin disorder - Verify emergency plans, procedure and
4. Fever equipment
5. Loss of memory - Remove unauthorized personnel
6. Drowsiness 2. Entrant
7. Nausea - Know space hazards and consequences
- Use appropriate PPE
Acceptable IAQ by ASHRAE - Maintain communication with attendant
Air in which there are no known contaminates 3. Attendant
at harmful concentrations and which a - Know existing and potential hazards
substantial majority (usually 80%) of the people - Maintain communication with entrant
exposed do not express dissatisfaction. - Remain outside space

VOC : Which are emitted as gasses from certain Step to enter confined space
solid or liquid and may have short and long term 1. Must attend training and education.
health effects. 2. Have permit signed by SV.
3. Identify possible hazard.
Symptoms from VOC 4. Wear appropriate PPE.
1. Headache 5. Maintain communication between entrant
2. ENT irritation. and attendant.
3. Vomiting

Source of VOC
1. Air fresheners.
2. Citrus cleaners.
3. Rubbing alcohol.

Control of IAQ
1. Housekeeping and cleaning.
2. Inspection and maintenance MVAC.
3. Create awareness.
4. Environment Tobacco Smoking (ETS).