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WEEK 2 ELEMENT 7

Physical and Psychological (Hazards & Control)

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Decibel, Lepd
dB(A) dB(Decibel) = Unit of measure of loudness (on logarithmic scale)

A= A weighted-frequency most closely resembling human hearing (filter) Daily Personal Noise Exposure (Lepd)
Total noise exposure individual is subjected to during a working day averaged over 8 hour period

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Anatomy of the Ear

Outer ear

Middle ear

Inner ear

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Health effects of Noise

Chronic: a) Tinnitus (ringing in the ear, over-stimulation of the hair cells) b) Permanent threshold shift (permanent damage) c) Loss of frequency (damage to hair cells) Acute: a) Trauma from loud noise ( explosion, Burst eardrum) b) Temporary threshold shift (hearing affected at
specific frequency)

c) Short term tinnitus (over-stimulation of the auditory

nerves)

d) Secondary effects (stress, loss of concentration)

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How does noise get to us? (2)

There are three main ways noise can be transmitted:
1) Direct Through the air from noise source to receiver

2) Reflected
Via walls, ceilings, and other structures 3) Ground and structure

Structure borne through wall or floor

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Noise transmission Paths

Reflected

Direct Noise Source

Ground and structure

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Noise Control Techniques

Source

Path

Receiver

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Noise Control Techniques

Source: Design, maintenance/lubrication, reduce speed/energy Path: location, enclosure, silencers, absorption, damping, isolation, lagging, screens Receiver: ear protection, job rotation

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Tighten loose equipment

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Source reduction on Plant

Regular lubrication
Eliminate unnecessary leaks Properly adjust machinery

Padded containers for catching components

Switch equipment off especially fans Use rubber or plastic bushes Specify noise emissions levels in orders Check condition and performance of installed noise control equipment

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Path of Noise prevention Techniques

Location Move source away from noise sensitive area Enclosure Surrounding the noise source with sound insulating material (care to be taken not to overheat machine) Silencers Reducing noise from exhaust pipes etc. using absorbent materials or baffles Absorption Surrounding/obstructing noise source with absorbent materials (e.g. foam)

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Path of noise control techniques

Damping

Reduction in structure borne noise by the use of rubber/cork, springs etc.

Isolation

Protection of persons from sound source by distance or sound proofed rooms

Lagging Insulation of pipes to reduce sound transmission Screens Acoustic screens placed on the path

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Practical measures to reduce exposure to excessive noise

Lubrication and maintenance Change the process/design Reduce energy Isolation Silencing Enclosure Insulation Absorption Damping Reduce time of exposure PPE

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Types of Hearing Protection

Ear Plugs
Comfort Hygiene

Ear Defenders
Comfort Reusable

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Assumed Protection
Noise attenuation devices typically increase the pressure drop of the air distribution system, increasing its energy consumption
Attenuation in dB Frequency (Hz) Mean Attenuation (dB) Standard Deviation (dB) Assumed Protection (dB) 63 19.8 7.5 12.3 125 19.9 7.8 12.1 250 20.0 6.4 13.6 500 22.2 4.9 17.3 1000 24.1 3.5 20.6 2000 30.7 4.3 26.4 3150 38.8 4.5 34.5 4000 41.4 4.7 36.7 6300 41.5 4.5 37.0 8000 40.8 5.9 34.9

Taking the igures for assumed protection, it becomes immediately obvious that noise in the lower frequency range is more difficult to protect against.

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Reasons for lack of wearing of hearing protection

Poor fit Resistance to use Uncomfortable Incompatibility Interference Hygiene Supervision Deterioration Abuse

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Types of Ionising Radiation

Alpha Beta Gamma X-Ray Neutron

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The Penetrating Power of Different Types of Radiation

Skin or paper stops Alpha

Thin aluminium stops Beta

Thick Lead stops Gamma

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Why Is Radioactivity So Useful

Easy to detect

Easy to locate radiating radioisotopes

Radiation can be very penetrating Can be used to look inside solid objects

Non Destructive testing

Radiation can destroy living cells Useful for sterilizing Kills micro-organisms Destroying cancer cells

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Paper Machine

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Non Destructive Testing (NDT)

Using X or Gamma Radiation Sources

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X-Rays

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Harmful Effects of Ionising Radiation

Acute Effects Somatic - Damage to exposed person mild nausea to severe illness, diarrhoea, headaches, death local exposure can lead to reddening of the skin/hair loss Genetic - Damage to reproductive cells Chronic Effects Somatic Chronic effects as above plus various types of cancer (e.g. lung cancer among uranium miners) Genetic - Damage to offspring of exposed (Reduced
reproductive success )

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Protection Against Ionising

Time Dose rate is directly

proportional to exposure time

Distance All points

equidistant from the source have same effect

Shielding placing a physical

barrier between the source and the individual

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Other types of protection against ionising radiation

Personal Protective Equipment Environmental and personal monitoring Training and supervision Good hygiene practices Correct disposal of radiation materials

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Employer may have to appoint

Radiation Protection Advisor: To advise provide expert advice on the protection of persons from radiation (often consultants) Radiation Protection Supervisor: To ensure that work with radiation is carried out properly

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Non-Ionising Radiation
Ultra-violet Infra-red Lasers Microwave

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Ultra-Violet / Infra-Red
Ultra-Violet Welding, sun rays
Two main hazards effects on skin and eyes

Infra-red Hot metal e.g. foundries

Heat and for eyes risk of cataracts

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Lasers In Use

Cutting

Surgery

Eyes are more vulnerable to damage from mild retina burns to permanent blindness

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Microwave

Risk of burns to skin and eyes

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Protection against non-Ionising radiation

Shielding
Distance between source and person Reducing duration of exposure Personal protective equipment Protective creams

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Workplace Environment and Welfare Requirements

Working Environment Ventilation, Temperature, Space, Lighting, Workstations, Seating Safety Floors, Traffic Routes, Falls, Falling Objects, Windows, Doors Maintenance Equipment, Cleanliness, Window cleaning Welfare Facilities Toilets, Wash stations, Drinking Facilities Clothing, Meal Facilities and smoking

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Working Environment

Lighting

Thermal

Ventilation

Space

Noise

Vibration

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Health and Safety effects of inadequate lighting

Eye strain Headaches

Poor posture
Tripping over unseen objects Increased likelihood of error Increased time to evacuate

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Factors to consider in the provision of adequate lighting

The tasks being undertaken The layout and size of work area The equipment being used Availability of natural lighting Suitability of artificial lighting The shift patterns Glare from computer screens Areas in shadow Maintenance/replacement of faulty lighting Requirement for emergency lighting

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Working in Hot Environment

TWI Gulf WLL36 2008

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Working in Hot Environment

Protective Measures Medical pre-selection Acclimatisation Cold Drinks Minimise Exposure Shielding and refuges Regular work breaks Ventilation Control of humidity Suitable clothing Health Surveillance Reducing hot/cold at source Mechanical aids

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Working in a Cold Environment

Health Effects Onset of fatigue Shivering Loss of Dexterity Cold burns Frostbite Hypothermia

Precautions Thermal clothing Reduced Exposure Monitoring Fail safe mechanisms Alarms for cold stores

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Room dimensions and space

3m

11 m3 for each person of clear space 1.9 m 1.9 m

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Workstations and Seating

The health effects of working in a seated position: Vertebral and muscular damage High blood pressure Circulation problems e.g. thrombosis Suitable seat for sedentary work: Good lumbar support Ability to adjust the seat back and seat height Provision of foot rests Stability of the seat base Swivel ability Provision of arm rests Suitable seat material for the environment

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Welfare Requirements
Sanitary Conveniences

Washing Facilities
Drinking Water Accommodation for clothing Facilities for changing clothing Facilities for eating meals

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Sanitary Conveniences
Number of People At Work 1 to 5 6 to 25 26 to 50 Number of Water Closets 1 2 3 Number of Wash Stations 1 2 3

51 to 75
76 to 100

4
5

4
5

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Working Environmental Factors that Can Create Stress

Inadequate Lighting Cramped/dirty/untidy conditions Poor Layout (Privacy/Security) Glare, Temperature/Humidity Inadequate ventilation/stale air Noise, Vibration

Inadequate welfare facilities

Inclement weather conditions

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ERGONOMICS
Definition:
Study of relationship between a worker and the working environment or

The design of a task around the requirements of individual human capability

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Ergonomics
People vary enormously in height, weight, strength etc The equipment designed to average man This leads to physical injuries

The Cranfield Man

1.35m

AVERAGE OPERATOR 1.75m 0.48m 1.83m 1.07m

DIMENSION HEIGHT SHOULDER WIDTH ARM SPAN ELBOW HEIGHT

CRANFIELD MAN 1.35 m 0.61m 2.44m 0.76m

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Ergonomic Assessment
Organisation: Supervision, procedures, breaks shift patterns Equipment or process: Human limitations, Analyse task etc. The Individual: Physical capability, knowledge, attitude Environment: Temperature, noise, space, lighting etc.

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Causes of WRULDs
WRULDs are caused by:
Repetitive finger, hand, or arm movements, e.g. assembly line work, key board operators Twisting movements, e.g. meat and poultry preparation Squeezing, e.g. using pliers, scissors Pushing, pulling, lifting or reaching movements, e.g. assembling packing boxes. Work on a production line. Bricklaying

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Symptoms of Work related Upper Limb Disorders

1) Numbness or tingling in fingers etc. 2) Pain

3) Restriction in joint movement

4) Soft tissue swelling

In addition to symptoms ..Redness, swelling and limitation of movement

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WRULDs Injuries
Injury
Tenosyno vitis

Description
Inflammation of the tendons and or tendon sheaths

Symptoms
Aching, tenderness, swelling, extreme pain, difficulty using hand Pain swelling, tenderness and redness of hand, wrist Tingling, pain and numbness in the thumb and fingers

Causes
Repetative movements often non strenuous

Tendonitis

Inflammation of the area where the muscle and tendon join Pressure on the nerves which pass up the wrist

Repetative movements

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Repetitive work with bent wrist. Use of vibrating tools

Tension neck or shoulders

Inflammation of the neck and shoulder muscles

Localised pain in the neck or shoulders

Having to maintain a rigid position

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WRULDS - Prevention
Identify at risk jobs (frequent hand and arm movement) Reduce the force frequency and duration Design of the task Design of the equipment Design of the work station Automate the process Job rotation Regular breaks Training Employees in correct use of tools Medical surveillance Assessment of individuals for the task

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Health Effects of DSE

1) Musculoskeletal disorders (hand, arm, shoulder & neck) 2) Eye and eyesight problems (temporary visual fatigue) 3) Fatigue and stress (high speed, less breaks, lack of social
interaction)

Other minor or alleged health effects

1. Epilepsy ( a common chronic neurological disorder) 2. Facial dermatitis (itching, reddening)

3. Radiation (electromagnetic)
4. Effects on pregnant women - (stress)

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DSE Users who are they?

Uses DSE for continuous or near continuous spells of an hour or more at a time Uses DSE more or less daily Has to transfer information quickly to or from DSE Needs high levels of attention and concentration Highly dependant on DSE

No choice in the use or non-use of DSE

Requires special training or skills

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D.S.E. Assessment
Organisation: Job rotation, Breaks
Individual: Physical Characteristics, Training Environmental: Noise, Lighting, Glare, Temperature, Space etc. Equipment: Height/position of keyboard and screen, seating posture, design of chair, screen definition and colour, adjustability of equipment

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D.S.E. Workstation Layout

1) 2) 3) 4) Good lighting No glare, distracting reflection Noise to a minimum Ample legroom to allow postural movement 5) Minimise glare (windows) 6) Suitable software 7) Screen suitable position 8) Ample work surfaces 9) Suitable chair/adjustable 10) Footrest if necessary 11) Suitable environment

TWI Gulf WLL54 2008

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Other DSE Requirements

Plan work with breaks

Provision of eye/eyesight test

Training and information Risks from DSE work Importance of good posture Laptops (design, usage) The Mouse (good posture & technique)

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Display Screen Equipment: Laptops

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Health Effects of Vibrating tools

Acute: Tingling or pins and needles in the hands and extremities

Chronic:
Numbness and blanching of the fingers Swollen painful joints Reduction in manual dexterity Reduction in the sensation of touch

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Risk Factors of vibrating tools

Frequency of the equipment Magnitude of the energy Strength of the grip and other forces Time of exposure Frequency of exposure Low temperature Individual factors

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Control Measures for vibrating tools

Eliminate the use of vibrating tools Select low vibration equipment Maintenance of equipment and tools Reducing grip force required Reducing exposure time Introducing health surveillance Provision of gloves and heated pads Information and training on risks and indication of injury

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Stress
Is defined as the reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demands placed upon them

Home Sickness Children Marital Financial Travel Bereavement

Work Kind of work Physical conditions Uncertainty Conflict Kind of jobs

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Health Effects of Stress

PHYSICAL EFFECTS Raised heat rate Increased sweating Headaches Dizziness Blurred vision Aching neck and shoulders Skin rashes Lower resistance to infection BEHAVIOURAL EFFECTS Increased anxiety Irritability and sudden mood changes Drink or smoke more Difficulty sleeping Poor concentration Inability to deal with tasks

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Work Problems of Stress

Results Lack of motivation Lack of commitment Poor timekeeping Increases in mistakes Increases in absence Poor decision making Poor planning

This reflects in relationships at work as Tension between colleagues and supervisor Poor service to clients Ind. Relationship Problems Increase in discipline Problems

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Problems that lead to stress

Culture of the organisation Shift work, Unsociable hours, Excessive Overtime Job insecurity, fear of redundancy Repetitive/Monotonous work Lack of breaks and control over job Work rate too high or too low The working environment Relationships (supervisors & peers) Harassment and bullying Fear of violence Lack of communication Personal & social factors

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Management action to avoid Stress

Clear company objectives Selection of employees, training, clear defined roles, clear work objectives Good communication Realistic work schedules Close employee involvement Training and development of staff Impartial investigation of stress Policies to recognise and deal with stress Good management support Consistency of treatment

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Stress control measures

Individual Selecting employees Training Job Clearly defined roles Comfortable working environment Realistic work schedules Grievance procedure Organisation Clear work objectives Communication Employee involvement Management support, training and development Management of change Risk management, openness Management style

Investigation of stress (signs / complaints)

Work flexibility

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VIOLENCE AT WORK
HSE Definition: Any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work

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Areas of Violence at Work

Internal Violence By fellow employees and this can involve bullying External Violence Physical, verbal aggression and assault by people outside the organisation

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Persons at Risk
Work involving direct contact with public (Hospitals, Benefits offices, Shops) Work where money or valuables stored Stressful and emotive circumstances exist Work with people suffering mental impairments (Illness, Injury, Substance abuse) Working alone (taxi Drivers)

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Preventative Measures (1)

1) Queue management and information (The time
customers have to spend waiting to pay and their experiences in the queue)

2) Less face to face contact

3) Use cashless systems 4) Check credentials and locations 5) Avoid lone working in high risk areas 6) Call in systems for lone workers

7) Arrangements for Staff working late

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Preventative Measures (2)

8) Employee training
9) Change public waiting areas 10) Provide staff with escape routes

11) Video Cameras, alarms, visible security

12) Protective screens/security codes 13) Wider counters/higher floor staff side

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Drugs and Alcohol at Work

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Drugs and Alcohol at Work

All new applicants will be screened Random testing will be applied automatically. Test will apply to all staff Testing will be carried out after specific incidents Training for supervision to recognise the problem What help the employer will make available to the employee If an employee brings to the attention of the employer they have a problem it will be treated with confidence. What are the disciplinary actions the employer will take

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Welding Hazards
Electric shock
(arc welding) (gas welding)

Oxygen enrichment

Manual handling (cylinder handling)

Fire risk (sparks)

Eye damage (UV) Burns (hot metal)

Fume inhalation
Tripping over cables Musculoskeletal problems

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Hazards of Busy hotel kitchen

Electrical and mechanical hazards associated with machinery such as food mixers & processors Hot surfaces Sharp implements Wet or obstructed floors increasing the risk of slips, trips & falls Boiling water & hot cooking oils causing burns; Manual handling hazards Health hazards (e.g. foodstuffs causing allergic reactions); & cleaning materials that may be corrosive Hot, busy environment of a commercial kitchen

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Other Job Hazards

Various cleaning operations Vehicle workshops Fibre insulation in loft Night shift working