Prefinal Notes on Chemical and Biological Hazards PDF

**PREFINAL NOTES** *CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL HAZARD AND CONTROL* BIOLOGICAL HAZARD - Biological hazards, also known as **biohazards**, refer to biological substances that threaten the health of living organisms. These substances can come in various forms, potentially harming humans,...

**PREFINAL NOTES** *CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL HAZARD AND CONTROL* BIOLOGICAL HAZARD - Biological hazards, also known as **biohazards**, refer to biological substances that threaten the health of living organisms. These substances can come in various forms, potentially harming humans, animals, or the environment. - Biohazards can be derived from various sources, such as **bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, prions, biological toxins,** and **other pathogenic microorganisms.** Depending on the type and severity of exposure, they may cause infectious diseases, allergic reactions, or other health problems. BIOLOGICAL HAZARD EXAMPLES: - **Human Blood and Blood Products** Human blood and its products, such as serum, plasma, and other blood components, can pose a serious biological hazard due to their potential to carry infectious pathogens. Notable among these are the viruses responsible for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. These pathogens can lead to severe, sometimes life-threatening diseases. Exposure can occur in numerous ways, such as skin puncture by contaminated needles, direct contact with broken skin or mucous membranes, or accidental ingestion or inhalation. - **Animal Waste** Animal waste, encompassing excreta, discarded animal parts, or bedding material, can harbor various pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Microorganisms present in animal waste, including Salmonella, E. coli, and various parasites, can lead to human diseases, ranging from gastrointestinal issues to more severe conditions. People working in close contacts with animals or their waste, such as those in farming, veterinary practice, or pet retail, face higher exposure risks. - **Human Bodily Matter** Human bodily matter, encompassing blood, saliva, urine, and mucus, can carry numerous pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The routes of infection can be diverse, including direct contact with broken skin or mucous membranes, inhalation of aerosols, or accidental ingestion. - **Microbiological Waste** Microbiological waste, originating from research, clinical, or diagnostic laboratories, refers to discarded cultures, stocks, or specimens of infectious agents that may harbor high concentrations of pathogens. Such waste can include bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, and parasites used for research or diagnostic testing. Due to their close contact with these materials, lab workers face an elevated exposure risk. - **Pathological Waste** Pathological waste is discarded human tissues, organs, or body parts resulting from surgical procedures or autopsies. Given their biological origin, these waste materials can potentially harbor many pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, or prions, which may cause infectious diseases. The risk of exposure to these pathogens is heightened for healthcare professionals, such as surgeons, nurses, and mortuary staff, who regularly interact with such waste in their line of work. Pathological waste can pose a direct infection risk via contact transmission or indirectly by contaminating surfaces and instruments. - **Sharps Waste** Sharps waste, an important category of biomedical waste, consists of objects that can puncture or lacerate the skin, including but not limited to needles, scalpels, lancets, broken glass, and even certain types of plastic. - **Molds and Yeasts** Molds and yeasts, two common types of fungi, can pose various health risks to individuals. When inhaled or when they come into contact with the skin, they can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. - **Organic Material** Organic material encompasses many substances, including garbage, wastewater, sewage, plant materials, and organic dust, which can harbor diverse microorganisms. - **Airborne Pathogens** Airborne pathogens refer to infectious microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and other microbes, that can be transmitted through the air - **Stinging Insects** Stinging insects, including bees, wasps, hornets, and certain spiders, present a hazard to workers, especially those engaged in outdoor activities WHAT IS A CHEMICAL HAZARDS? Chemical hazards arise from harmful chemicals that can cause adverse health effects, ranging from minor irritations to severe diseases such as cancer. Chemicals exist either as solid, liquid or gas; no matter its nature of existence, hazardous chemicals will still be harmful to humans and the environment. These chemicals can be classified as toxic, harmful, corrosive, explosive, etc. EXAMPLES OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS IN THE WORKPLACE: - **Corrosive:** These are chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in living tissue at the site of contact. Under the DOT hazard class system, corrosives are listed as hazard class 8. Example of such chemicals are oven cleaners and caustic soda. - **Hazardous to the environment:** As the name implies, these are chemicals that are hazardous to the environment. Example of such chemicals are pesticides and mercury. - **Explosive** -- These are chemicals that contains a great amount of potential energy that can produce an explosion if released suddenly, usually accompanied by the production of light, heat, sound, and pressure. Examples include nitroglycerin or grain dust. - **Toxic:** These are chemicals that can can damage an organism. Examples are: lead or sodium cyanide - **Health Hazard:** These a chemicals that can cause health issues, ranging from mild to severe health challenges. Such as chemical irritants like adhesives; carcinogens, mutagens and reproductive toxins like asbestos, silica dust and diesel fumes. - **Sensitizer:** These are chemicals that can cause exposed people to develop an allergic reaction in normal tissue after repeated exposure to the substance. For example, isocyanate paints that can cause an allergic reaction or effect, usually affecting the skin or respiratory system. - **Oxidizing:** Oxidizing chemicals are materials that spontaneously evolve oxygen at room temperature or with slight heating or promote combustion. Examples are hair dyes and bleaches. - **Flammable:** These chemicals can can be easily ignited in air at ambient temperatures, i.e. it has a flash point at or below nominal threshold temperatures defined by a number of national and international standards organizations. Examples are liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or methylated spirits. MANAGING CHEMICAL HAZARDS: However, here are other precautions you could adopt: - **Chemical Inventory and Classification:** Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all chemicals used in the workplace. Classify chemicals based on their potential hazards, such as flammability, toxicity, corrosiveness, and reactivity. - **Safety Data Sheets (SDS):** Obtain and maintain Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals used in the workplace, and also ensure that the SDS are easily accessible to all employees and that they understand the information provided. - **Proper Storage:** Store chemicals in designated areas with proper ventilation and segregation based on compatibility. Use secure storage cabinets and containers to prevent leaks, spills, or accidental exposure. - **Labeling:** Clearly label all containers with the name of the chemical, hazard information, and handling instructions. - **Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):** Provide appropriate PPE, such as gloves, goggles, and respirators, based on the nature of the chemical hazards. Also all employees must be trained on proper use of these PPE's. - **Training and Education:** Conduct regular training sessions to educate employees on the hazards associated with specific chemicals. The training should include, proper handling, storage, and emergency procedures. - **Emergency Response:** Chemical spillage and other emergency do occur in the workplace, so you need to develop and communicate clear emergency response procedures in case of chemical spills, leaks, or exposures. - **Ventilation:** Implement effective ventilation systems to control and minimize exposure to hazardous fumes and vapors. - **Waste Management:** Establish proper procedures for the disposal of chemical waste. Segregate and label waste containers appropriately, and ensure compliance with local regulations. - **Regular Inspections and Audits:** Conduct regular inspections to identify and address potential hazards. Perform audits to assess the effectiveness of the chemical hazard management program and make improvements as needed. ***PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL HAZARD & CONTROL*** **Physical hazards refer to environmental factors that can cause harm or injury to a person's physical health. These include things like:\ o Noise\ o Extreme temperatures\ o Vibration\ o Radiation\ o Unsafe machinery or tools\ o Poor lighting or ventilation\ ** **Physical hazards are elements in the workplace that can cause bodily harm or injury. They are often visible and can be directly associated with the work environment. Key examples include:** **Slips, Trips, and Falls:** - **Causes: Wet floors, cluttered walkways, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting.** - **Impact: Can lead to sprains, fractures, or serious injuries.** **Machinery Risks:** - **Causes: Operating heavy machinery without proper training or safety measures.** - **Impact: Potential for amputations, crush injuries, or other serious accidents.** **Chemical Exposure:** - **Causes: Inhalation or skin contact with hazardous substances like solvents or acids.** - **Impact: Can result in respiratory issues, skin diseases, or long-term health problems.** **Psychosocial hazards are aspects of the work environment, social interactions, or job design that negatively impact an individual's mental health and well-being. These include:\ o Stressful working conditions\ o Workplace bullying or harassment\ o Lack of job control or autonomy\ o High job demands with little support\ o Poor work-life balance\ ** **Psychosocial hazards are factors that affect mental health and well-being. They are often less visible but can have profound effects on employees. Key examples include:** **High Workloads** - :Causes: Unrealistic deadlines, understaffing, or excessive overtime. - Impact: Can lead to stress, burnout, anxiety, and decreased job satisfaction. **Workplace Bullying** - Causes: Harassment by colleagues or supervisors through intimidation or verbal abuse. - Impact: Can result in emotional distress, decreased productivity, and high turnover rates. **Lack of Support** - Causes: Insufficient guidance from management or a lack of teamwork. - FIRE AND ELECTRICAL HAZARD Fire Hazard A fire hazard refers to anything that can increase the chance of a fire occurring or help it spread. This includes things like flammable materials (like wood or chemicals), electrical issues, open flames, and messy workspaces. It\'s important to identify and reduce these hazards to keep everyone safe. Common fire hazard on site Flammable Materials: Items like wood, paint, solvents, and gasoline are often present and can easily ignite. Welding and Cutting Equipment: Sparks from welding or cutting can ignite nearby materials if proper precautions aren't taken. Electrical Equipment: Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or improperly maintained tools can pose significant fire risks. Improper Storage: Storing flammable materials near heat sources or in poorly ventilated areas increases the risk of fire Lack of Fire Safety Equipment: Insufficient fire extinguishers, alarms, and emergency exits can hinder effective response in case of a fire. Poor Housekeeping: Cluttered work areas can increase fire risks by allowing combustible materials to accumulate. Electrical Hazard An electrical hazard is any condition involving electricity that can potentially cause injury or damage. This includes exposed wires, overloaded circuits, faulty equipment, and improper grounding. These hazards can lead to electrical shocks, burns, or even fires, making it crucial to identify and address them in any environment, especially construction sites.