PRINCIPLES OF INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this topic, students should be able to:
• Explain in detail the principles of industrial hygiene
CATEGORIES OF HAZARD
Chemical hazards
There are
thousands of
hazardous
chemicals
commonly used
at work.
Dusts – in this case stone dust contains crystalline silica
which causes silicosis, a serious lung disease
Silica released during stone cutting activities
Source: HSE
Now you see it
Mists – in this case paint containing isocyanates, a
major cause of occupational asthma
Vapours are given
off paints and
other solvent
based products
such as inks and
adhesives
Fume – very fine particulate matter
Physical HAZARD
NOISE
Vibration (this hand grinder will also produce high
noise levels)
Non-ionising radiation like the ultra-violet radiation
generated by arc welding
The thermal environment – hot and cold
Biological hazards
Biological agents like the micro-organisms that can cause
legionnaires’ disease and anthrax
Ergonomic hazards
Back and muscular damage caused by poor manual
handling practices
Tasks involving repetitive actions
The use of display screen equipment
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE PRINCIPLES
Recognition Evaluation Control
Occupational hygienists are trained to anticipate and
recognise health hazards at work
Bakers are exposed
to flour dust which
can cause
occupational
asthma
Bakers are about
80 times more
likely to develop
occupational
asthma than other
workers
Coal miners and
quarry workers are
exposed to dust
that can cause
silicosis – a serious
debilitating lung
disease
Cleaning with
solvents can lead to
dermatitis and
exposure to solvent
vapours.
And some solvents
can be absorbed
through the skin
This worker is
exposed to dust,
noise and vibration
Arc welders are
exposed to metal
fumes which can
cause metal fume
fever and, in some
cases, asthma and lung
cancer.
They’re also exposed
to irritant gases and
ultra-violet radiation
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE PRINCIPLES
Recognition Evaluation Control
RISK = Hazard x Exposure
Exposure assessment is an important part of the
occupational hygienist’s role
Personal Exposure Sampling
Observations
Biological
Monitoring
Which may involve taking blood samples
But taking urine samples is usually preferable as it’s
easier and more acceptable to the worker
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE PRINCIPLES
Recognition Evaluation Control
The “Hierarchy Of Control”
Prevention
Engineering
Work practices
PPE
Prevention
Process
Elimination Substitution
change
ENGINEERING -containment
A fume
cupboard
– an example
of local
exhaust
ventilation
Work practices / organisation
Time Reduce exposure time
Job rotation
Work – rest regimes
Work scheduling
Distance Segregation
Restrict access
Rest areas
Organisation Reduce numbers exposed
Good working practice
Written procedures
“Permits to work”
Prevention
Engineering
Work practices
PPE
Personal protective equipment – which should be the
last resort
Respiratory
protection
Chemical
protective
clothing,
gloves and
eye protection
Management measures
Maintenance of controls
Supervision
Exposure monitoring
Screening & health surveillance
Information, instruction, training
Review and audit
THANK YOU