Occupational Health and Ergonomics Quiz

Domain VI: Occupational Health and Ergonomics

• Occupational Health Engineering addresses applying engineering techniques to eliminate or control workplace exposures to harmful environmental agents or stresses

6.1 Introduction

• The BCSP divides the examination into six major areas:

  • Process Design Parameters: Design of industrial processes, material selection, protective clothing/equipment, and related exposure control considerations
  • Industrial Ventilation: Design and use of ventilation for exposure control
  • Noise Control Methods: Design of equipment, enclosures, noise abatement, and exposure control methods
  • Radiation Protection Design Parameters: Design of facilities, equipment, and procedures to eliminate or control ionizing and non-ionizing radiation
  • Personal Protective Clothing: Analysis and selection of PPE and administration of PPE programs
  • Chemical Hazard Protection: Evaluation of chemical hazards and design of equipment, facilities, and processes to eliminate, minimize, and control chemical hazards and exposure

• Additional examples and solutions are provided to familiarize the reader with formulae from the Examination Information booklet (provided to candidates during the exam).

6.2 Industrial Ventilation

• Key formula for general ventilation calculation: $$Q = \frac{(403)(S.G.) \times 10^6 \times P \times K}{(M.W.)(L)}$$

• where: Q = required air flow (ft³/hr) S.G. = specific gravity of solvent P = number of pints evaporated per hour K = factor of safety M.W. = molecular weight of solvent L = maximum allowable concentration (e.g., LFL or TLV, in ppm)

• example: In an operation, 8.0 pints of acetone are evaporated per hour. Acetone has a TLV of 2.0% by volume in air and a specific gravity of 0.79. The chemical formula for acetone is (CH3)2CO. Carbon = 12, H = 1, O = 16. Calculate the general ventilation rate required to maintain the acetone concentration below its TLV with a safety factor of 6.

• Solution:* RWL = 13,173 ft³/hr

6.3 Industrial Noise Control

• Sound: Pressure variations in the atmosphere
• Amplitude: Maximum value of a sinusoidal wave
• Frequency: Cycles per second (Hertz) of sound waves
• Types of Noise Exposure:
  • Continuous: Constant level and spectrum (8 hours/day, 40 hours/week)
  • Intermittent: Varying level over a workday
  • Impact: Short, sharp bursts of sound

6.4 Radiation

• Ionizing radiation: Electromagnetic or particulate radiation capable of producing ions
• Some isotopes are unstable and undergo radioactive decay.
• Alpha particles: Small, high-energy positively charged particles
• Beta particles: Small energy charged particles, identical to electrons
• X-rays: High-energy radiation produced by electron bombardment

6.5 Chemical Hazard Protection and Toxicology

• Toxic material: Adverse effects on normal human physiological function
• Routes of entry: Ingestion, inhalation, skin absorption, eye absorption, injection
• Dosage: Amount of chemical per unit of body weight
• Dose threshold: Minimum dosage producing a measurable adverse effect
• Lethal Dose (LD50): Dosage that causes death in 50% of test animals
• Lethal Concentration (LC50): Dosage by inhalation causing death in 50% of test animals
• Types of Toxins:
  • Corrosives: Irreversible alteration of tissues
  • Asphyxiants: Prevent oxygen from reaching tissues (simple and chemical)
  • Target organ chemicals: Attack specific organs, without regard for entry route

6.6 Ergonomics and Human Factors Engineering

• Ergonomics: Science of matching task requirements to human capabilities (for efficiency and safety)
• Application Areas:
  • Visual Display Terminals (VDTs)
  • Office ergonomics
  • Workplace design
  • Manual material handling
  • Tool and equipment design
  • Cumulative trauma disorders
  • Job and environmental stress
  • Work methods
• Control-Display Compatibility: Controls should be positioned near their associated displays and grouped by function

6.7 Example Questions

• Contains multiple-choice questions covering various aspects of occupational health and safety, including diseases, exposures, and protection measures. Focus on exposure limits, dosage calculation, and calculation of noise reduction.

Test your knowledge of Occupational Health Engineering and its principles. This quiz covers various areas such as process design, industrial ventilation, noise control methods, and personal protective equipment. Prepare to demonstrate your understanding of safety in the workplace and strategies for exposure control.