Health Risks and Exposure Assessments

Health Risks and Symptoms

• Coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and difficulty breathing may indicate serious health issues, including cancer.

Airborne Chemical Hazards

• Monitoring is essential when exposure is believed to routinely exceed safe exposure levels.
• PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) indicates level of acceptable exposure; low exposure requires less protective measures compared to high exposure, which necessitates better ventilation.
• TLV (Threshold Limit Value) is akin to PEL, used for assessing exposure.
• Notification of monitoring results is crucial for awareness.

Fume Hoods Functionality

• Designed to isolate harmful chemicals and apparatus that may pose physical hazards.
• Functions include spill containment and controlling inhalation exposure from toxic vapors or dust.
• Key usage practices: confirm proper functioning, keep materials 6 inches inside, avoid rapid movements, ensure unblocked airflow, and maintain sash position.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Specific PPE is mandatory to protect against exposure to chemicals and physical hazards in laboratory settings.

Laboratory Hygiene Practices

• Always wash hands after exposure and before leaving the lab.
• Storing food in chemical storage refrigerators is strictly prohibited.
• Do not taste, smell chemicals, eat, drink, chew gum, or apply cosmetics near chemicals.

Laboratory Equipment Safety

• Glassware can break, presenting chemical, biological, and cut hazards; ensure proper usage and disposal.
• Equipment with moving parts (e.g., centrifuges) can pose hazards if clothing or hair gets caught and require careful operation.
• Electrical equipment may create fires or shocks; operate with dry hands and avoid wet areas.
• Compressed gas cylinders can explode; handle with care and report leaks.

Chemical Storage Guidelines

• Chemical segregation is crucial: separate by state (solids, liquids, gases) and hazard class.
• Important to note biological agents, ensuring proper storage to minimize risks.

Definitions of Hazardous Materials

• Important to differentiate between toxic, corrosive, irritant, and harmful substances to assess risk.

Forms of Hazardous Substances

• Includes solids, liquids, dusts, biological agents, vapors, gases, and fumes, each presenting unique risks.

COSHH Assessments

• The purpose is to control health risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace.
• Employers are legally required to conduct COSHH assessments.
• Key steps include risk assessment, control measures determination, prevention of exposure, and ensuring proper maintenance and monitoring.

Compliance with COSHH Regulations

• Steps for compliance: assess risks, determine precautions, prevent exposure, maintain controls, monitor exposure, conduct health surveillance, prepare emergency plans, and ensure training for employees.

CHIP Regulations

• Focus on the identities of chemical hazards, providing necessary hazard information and safe packaging for chemicals.

Biological Hazard Entry Routes

• Hazards can enter the body through skin absorption, inhalation, ingestion, or injection.

Health Problems from Chemical Exposure

• Skin issues like dermatitis may present as redness, swelling, and blisters.
• Inhalation of gases or fine dust can damage lungs, leading to chronic conditions like occupational asthma.
• Prolonged exposure may cause liver and kidney damage or acute poisoning if ingested.

Identifying Hazardous Substances

• Resources for identification include supply labels, safety data sheets, industry information, and seeking expert advice.

GHS (Globally Harmonized System)

• Aims for uniform classification and labeling of chemicals worldwide.
• Includes hazard communication requirements for labeling and safety data sheets with specific information on chemical hazards.

New Hazard Warning Symbols

• Updated symbols to convey dangers such as toxicity, corrosiveness, carcinogenic potential, and irritants.

Controlling Hazardous Substances with COSHH

• Identify hazardous substances and individuals at risk, evaluate risks, implement control measures, deal with emergencies, and conduct regular assessments and reviews.

This quiz covers various health risks associated with airborne chemical hazards, including symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath. It focuses on monitoring requirements for ensuring safety amid potential exposure to unsafe levels of chemicals in the environment. Learn about the importance of health safety in various settings.