OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

OVERVIEW
SAFETY AND HEALTH OFFICER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (SHEP)

1
 Objective
To state the definition of OH
To explain the concept of prevention in OH
To explain the application of epidemiology
in OH

2
 Definition of Occupational Health
Promotion and maintenance of the highest
degree of physical, mental and social
wellbeing of workers in all occupations.
Prevention from illnesses and diseases due
to the workplace or process.
Protection from risks at work.
Placement of workers in environments and
job tasks suitable to their physiological and
psychological capabilities.

3
 Concept of Prevention in OH

OH DISEASES
PREVENTION WORKPLACE PROMOTION
ACCIDENTS

Workplace Factors Lifestyle

-Hazard -Smoking
-Work environment -Alcohol and drug abuse
-Equipments, machinery etc -Hobbies

4
 Application of Epidemiology in OH
Clearly understand the causes of the various
diseases
Asses the level of harm and disease causing
agent/material (e.g. benzene causes
cancer)
Determine the PEL
Plan OSH programmes

5
TOXICOLOGY

6
 Objective

State the definition of toxicology

Explain the relationship between dose and
effect
Explain the concept of toxicokinetics

7
 Definition of Toxicology
Study of chemicals or physical agents that
produce adverse responses in the biological
system with which they interact.
"The right dose differentiates a poison and a
remedy." -Paracelsus
Basic concept of toxicology : Dose-response
relationship

8
 Dose-Response Relationship

9
 Concept of Toxicokinetics
Movement of toxic materials
Route of entry of toxic materials into the
human body (inhalation, ingestion &
absorption)
Outcome of toxic materials (distribution,
metabolism & excretion)
Helps in
1. Control measures
2. Biological monitoring
3. Medical Surveillance
10
 Concept of Toxicokinetics

11
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
STANDARDS

12
 Objective
To define OH standards
To explain the category of TLV
To explain the limitations of OH standards
To explain the Malaysian Occupational
Exposure Standard

13
 Definition of OH standards
 Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL)
– Ceiling limits or an eight-hour time-weighted
average airborne concentration or maximum
exposure limit.
 Threshold Limit Value (TLV)
– Airborne concentration of a contaminant to
which is believed that most workers may be
repeatedly exposed, day after day, without
developing any adverse health effects.
 Ceiling limits (CL)
– Airborne concentration in the air that cannot be
exceeded at any time throughout the duration
of the working day.

14
 Categories of TLV
TLV-TWA (Threshold Limit Value Time
Weighted Average)
– Eight-hour time weighted average value
TLV-STEL (Threshold Limit Value - Short
Term Exposure Limit)
– Short term permissible exposure limit value
TLV-C (Threshold Limit Value – Ceiling)
– Highest concentration value that may not be
exceeded throughout the duration of work

15
 Limitations of OH standards
Data base on TLVs is limited
 Individual differences
Difficulties in measuring existing exposure
 Difficulties in attaining samples that reflects
accurately the breathing zone sample
 Uncertainties on the actual quantity inhaled

16
 Malaysian Occupational
Exposure Standards
Factories and Machinery Act (FMA) 1967
– Lead Regulations 1984
– Asbestos Process Regulations 1986
– Mineral Dust Regulations 1989
– Noise Exposure Regulations 1989
Occupational Safety and Health Act
(OSHA)1994
– Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals
Hazardous to Health Regulations 2000

17
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE OVERVIEW

18
 Objective
State the definition of IH
Explain the principles of IH
State two roles of IH practitioners

19
 Definition of IH
“That science and art devoted to the
anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and
control of those environmental factors and
stresses arising in or from the workplace, which
may cause sickness, impaired health and well-
being, or significant discomfort among workers
or among citizens of the community”
AIHA

20
 Principles of IH
Anticipation of Hazard
Hazard Identification
Risk Assessment
Risk Control

… of chemical hazards, physical and biological

agents from work activities with the objective to
prevent or reduce the risks to health.

21
22
 Role of IH Practitioners
Prevention of exposure to or contact with
health hazards and control of health risks in
the workplace environment.
Address the source of problems by
identifying the hazard and method of
contact and how to prevent or minimise
exposure and/or its effects.

23
PHYSICAL HAZARDS

24
 Objective
 State the definition of 5 physical hazards
 State at least 2 specific characteristics for
each physical hazard
 State the legislations requirement related to
each physical hazard
 List at least 3 health effects of physical
hazards
 Explain the control methods for each physical
hazard
 Explain the health monitoring methods
recommended for each physical hazard

25
 Noise
Specific Characteristics
 Sound
– changes of pressure in the air, water and specific
medium that is identifiable by the human ear
 Noise
– any unwanted sound
 Components of sound
– Frequency & amplitude
 Type of sound
– continuous, fluctuating, impulse & intermittent

26
 Related Legislations
F.M. (Noise Exposure) Regulations 1989
– Permissible exposure limits
– Noise exposure monitoring
– Methods of compliance such as
engineering, administrative controls etc.
– Audiometric testing
– Hearing protection equipments
– Information, instructions and training
– Recordkeeping by the employer

27
 Health Effects
Emotional disturbances and sensitive
Communication problems
Loss of hearing and hearing related injuries
Tinnitus
Psychological disturbances
High blood pressure
Hearing loss
– Conduction type
– Sensory-neural

28
 Radiation
Specific Characteristics
Emission and propagation and emission of
energy in the form of rays or waves.
Energy radiated or transmitted as rays,
waves, in the form of particles.
Types of radiation (ionizing & nonionizing)
Source of radiation (natural & artificial)

29
 Related Legislations
Atomic Energy Licenses Act 1984
Radiation Protection (Licensing) Regulations
1986
Atomic Energy Licenses Act 1984
Radiation Protection (Basic Safety
Standards) Regulations 1988

30
 Health Effects
Dependent on
– intensity of the absorbed dose
– types of radiation
– organ sensitivities
Ionizing health effects
– cancer, mutagenesis, infertility & skin burns
Nonionizing health effects
– damage to eyes (welding works), skin
destruction (uv and infra-red), skin burns
(laser) & heat stress (micro waves)

31
 Control Measures
Radiation protection programme
– reduction of optimum exposure
• time, distance, shielding
– monitoring of rates of radiation dose
– radiation safety audit
– training –X-ray technician, RPO
Health surveillance
– exposure monitoring (individual &
workplace)

32
 Vibration
Specific Characteristics
Movement of solid objects where amplitude
and frequency produced causes harm to
those exposed to it.
Types of vibration
– Whole-body vibration (WBV)
– Hand-arm vibration (HAV)

33
 Related Legislations
OSHA 1994 (General)
– Objective 3: to promote a working
environment that is conducive and
suitable to the worker’s psychological and
physiological needs

34
 Health Effects
Whole-body vibration
– eye strain, nausea, vomiting, headache,
backaches, may cause lung damage and
heart failure

Hand-Arm Vibration
– Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
– paleness of fingers; aches and pain in hands
– damages the peripheral blood flow,
periphery nerves and musculoskeletal system

35
 Control Measures
 Conduct Risk Assessment
 Exposure monitoring
– measurement of vibration magnitude
(accelerometer)
 Health surveillance
– History (medical, occupational , exposure,
vibration)
– Grading of symptoms of vascular and sensory
neural effects
– Objective assessment (eg.: cold provocation
test, grips strength test, vibrotactile threshold test)

36
 Pressure
Specific Characteristics
 Ocean and high places are unsuitable
environments for humans
 Many medical problems are related to diving and
climbing activities, due to pressure
 At high levels, increase in pressure is not in ratio to
height, the higher the level : the lower the
pressure
 Boyle Theory :
– negative ratio of pressure with volume
 Henry Theory:
– total gas dissolved has a positive relation with the gas
partial pressure (in-gassing and out-gassing concept)

37
 Related Legislation
OSHA 1994 (general)
– Objective 1: To ensure the safety, health
and welfare of people at work towards
risks to safety and health resulting from the
activities of people at work

38
 Health Effects
Barotrauma
– destruction of organ tissues that contain
air as a result of pressure changes (eg.:
middle ear, sinus, lungs)
Decompression sickness
– formation of bubble in the blood and
tissues while in a low pressure environment

39
 Control Measures
Training, information and instruction
Standard procedures
Equipment
Health surveillance
– Pre-employment medical surveillance
– Regular medical assessment
– Clinical assessment
• Fitness test
• Audiometric test
• Lung function test
• Neurobehavioral test

40
 Heat Stress
Specific Characteristics
The retention of heat in the body is
greater than the body’s capacity to
release it
Mechanism homeostatic body
temperature
Risk determining factors:
– worker characteristics
– job task
– environment

41
 Risk Factor
Worker Characteristic
– age, gender, obesity, medicine
consumption, existing disease/illness,
food/diet

42
 Related Legislation
OSHA 1994 (general)
– Objective 3: To promote a work
environment that is suitable to the
worker’s physical and psychological
needs

43
 Health Effects
Skin irritation
Muscle cramps
Excessive fatigue
Heat stroke

44
 Control Measures
Safe work practices
– reduce physical activities
– acclimatisation programme
– implement buddy system
– sufficient supply of cold water
Exposure monitoring
Health monitoring
Medical removal

45
CHEMICAL HAZARDS

46
 Objective
State at least 3 specific characteristics of
chemicals (asbestos, mineral dust, lead
and organic solvents)
Explain the routes of exposures
Elaborate the harmful effects of each
chemicals including pesticides
Identify the legislations related to each
chemicals
Explain the control measures
Explain the pesticides classification

47
 Asbestos
Specific Characteristics
Asbestosis a generic name for
magnesium silica that is formulated
through the natural process
 2 groups:
– serpentine (chrysotile)
– amphibole (amosite and crocidolite)
Heat resistant
Has high pressure and flexibility
A good conductor

48
 Route of Exposure
Inhalation

Skin absorption

Ingestion

49
 Related Legislations
Factories and Machinery (Asbestos Process)
Regulations 1986

Occupational Safety and Health (Use and

Standards of Exposure of Chemicals
Hazardous to Health) 2000

50
 Health Effects

51
 Control Measures
 Elimination (prohibition of crociodolite)
Minimise exposure
– work processes and practices
– engineering controls
– personal protective equipment
• Exposure monitoring
 Health surveillance
– clinical examination
– chest x-ray
– lung function test
 Medical removal protection

52
 Mineral Dust

Specific Characteristics
Mineral dust
– silica, kaolin, quartz etc
Silica (silicon dioxide)
– free form: quartz, cristobalite, tridymite
– mixture (silicate): asbestos, kaolin

53
 Route of Exposure
Inhalation
Risk depends on:
– type of mineral dust
– size of mineral dust
– exposure duration
– intensity of mineral dust in the breathing zone

54
 Related Legislations
Factories and Machinery (Mineral Dust)
Regulations 1989
Occupational Safety and Health (Use and
Standards of Exposure of Chemicals
Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000

55
 Health Effects
Pneumoconiosis
Lung cancer
Lung failure
Risk of Whooping Cough

56
 Control Measures
Elimination/substitution
Work procedures
Exposure Monitoring
Health surveillance
– history (medical, occupational, smoking)
– clinical examination
– chest X-ray
– lung function testing
– whooping cough test
Medical Removal Protection
57
 Lead

Specific Characteristics
Non-organic lead
– used as metallic compound, alloy and chemical
mixtures
Organic lead
– used as additives for internal combustion

58
 Route of Exposure
Inhalation
– particle size, particle dose
– duration and frequency of exposure
Ingestion
– lack of personal hygiene and work procedures
– smoking while working

59
 Related Legislations

Factories and Machinery (Lead) Regulations

1984
Occupational Safety and Health (Use and
Standards of Exposure of Chemicals
Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000

60
 Control Measures
 Elimination/Substitution
 Engineering Controls
– water spraying: vacuum
 Administrative Controls
– information, instruction and training
– changing room facilities, cleaning/laundry and
personal hygiene
– isolated eating places, drinks and smoking
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
– respirator, clothing
– type, suitability, good maintenance and hygiene

61
 Continue…
Health surveillance
Exposure monitoring
Medical Surveillance (by OHD)
– history (occupational, medical)
– clinical assessment: anemia, hypertension,
nervous system
– hemoglobin, kidney function
– blood lead test
Medical removal

62
 Organic Solvent
Specific Characteristics
Organic solvents are chemicals in liquid form
and is capable of dissolving non-soluble
organic compounds

Organic solvents are fat-soluble, easily

absorbed and may explode at room
temperature.

63
 Route of Exposure

Exposure usually happens through skin

contact and inhalation.
It enters the body via skin absorption and
fume inhalation.

64
 Related Legislations

Occupational Safety and Health (Use and

Standards of Exposure of Chemicals
Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000

65
 Health Effects
Inflammation of eyes, nose, throat and
lungs.
Dermatitis.
Narcosis.
Toxic to bone marrow, liver, kidney and
nervous system.
Benzene can cause blood cancer such as
leukemia.

66
 Control Measures
 Elimination / Substitution
 Engineering Controls
– water spraying: vacuum
 Administrative Controls
– information, instruction and training
– changing room facilities, cleaning/ dobby and
– personal hygiene
– isolated eating places, drinks and smoking
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
– respirator, clothing
– type, suitability, good maintenance and hygiene

67
 Continue…
Health Surveillance
– conducted based on the type of organic
solvent exposure.
– each organic solvent gives different
harmful effects. Details on these effects
may be obtained from the (CSDS).

68
 Pesticides
Pesticides Classification
Classification by usage
– poison for pests
– poison for plants
– poison for rodents
Classification by toxicity
– numbers and letters
– by colour

69
 Classification by toxicity
Numbers and letters:-
Class 1a : very highly toxic and
dangerous
Class 1b : high level of toxicity
Class 2 : medium level of toxicity
Class 3 : low level of toxicity
Class 4 : very low level of toxicity

70
 Classification by toxicity
Colour:-

Class 1a : Black
Class 1b : Red
Class 2 : Yellow
Class 3 : Blue
Class 4 : White

71
 Symptoms of Poisoning

Short term effects

– skin, nails & eyes
– mouth, stomach and colon
– respiratory system & CNS
Long term effects
– allergies to skin and nails
– cancer
– impotency

72
CHEMICAL HEALTH RISK
ASSESSMENT

73
 Objective
State at least 3 purposes of assessment
Explain at least 2 concepts of assessment
Discuss briefly the assessment process

74
 Purposes of Assessment
To enable decisions to be made on:
Suitable control measures;
Worker training needs;
Monitoring; and health surveillance needs;

… that are required to protect the health of

workers who are exposed to chemicals
hazardous to health at the workplace.

75
 Concept of Assessment
Identify chemical hazards
Assess the level of exposure
Assess the adequacy of existing control
measures
Summarise risk significance
Recommend suitable/additional control
measures necessary

76
 Concept of Work Unit

Should fulfil two basic criteria:

Similar work task
– Workers in the unit are doing similar tasks

Same/chemical
– Workers in the unit are exposed to same
chemicals hazardous to health

77
 Assessment Process
1. Identify the assessor
2. Gather information about chemicals, work and
work practices
3. Divide into work units
4. Determine degree of hazards
5. Evaluate exposure
6. Assess adequacy of control measures
7. Conclude the assessment
8. Identify actions to be taken
9. Reporting the assessment
10. Review assessment

78
 Assessment Process

79
 Continue…

80
CLASSIFICATION, LABELLING AND
SAFETY DATA SHEET OF
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS

81
 Objective
State 2 purposes of classification of
chemicals
Elaborate 3 processes of classification of
hazardous chemicals
Explain the responsibility of the supplier in
the packaging and labelling of hazardous
chemicals
 List at least 3 types of information on labels

82
 Purpose of Classification
Regulatory requirements
– Regulation 2 in the Occupational Safety and
Health (Classification, Labelling And Safety Data
Sheet of Hazardous Chemicals) Regulations 2013

Hazard identification
– Necessary to identify the correct safety controls
and measures to be taken in order to protect the
safety and health of the workers who are
exposed

83
 Classification of Hazardous
Chemicals (Physical Hazard)

84
 Classification of Hazardous
Chemicals (Health Hazard)
Health Hazard

1. Acute toxicity (oral)

2. Acute toxicity (dermal)
3. Acute toxicity (inhalation)
4. Skin corrosion/irritation
5. Serious eye damage/eye irritation
6. Respiratory sensitisation
7. Skin sensitisation
8. Germ cell mutagenicity
9. Carcinogenicity
10. Reproductive toxicity
11. Specific target organ toxicity – single
exposure

12. Specific target organ toxicity – repeated

exposure
13. Aspiration hazard
85
 Classification of Hazardous
Chemicals (Environmental Hazard)

86
 Packaging
 Packaging designed and constructed such that
chemical cannot escape
 Packaging and fastening are strong and able
to retain chemical during normal handling
 Packaging materials to withstand adverse
attack by chemicals and not reacting with
chemicals to form harmful or dangerous
compounds
 Replaceable fastening device used to be
designed such that chemical will not escape
when repeatedly fastened

87
 Labelling
The supplier is required to label each
container containing hazardous chemicals
with clear and specific information on its
properties and which may not be erased

88
 Information on Labels
1. Product identifier
2. Supplier identification
3. Signal word
4. Hazard statement
5. Hazard pictogram; and
6. Precautionary statement.

89
 CLASS LABEL WITH 6 ELEMENTS
(6)
Signal word (1)
Resin Solution Chemical identifier
UN 1866
(3) Danger
Hazard
pictogram
(5)
Precautionary statement
Highly flammable vapour & liquid. Causes
damage to liver & kidney through repeated
exposure to the skin.

Keep away from heat & ignition sources. Keep

away from food & drink. Wash hands
(4) thoroughly after use and before eating.

Hazard statement First Aid: Wash affected areas of body

thoroughly with soap & water
(2)
GHS Co., 1 Jalan Kg.Attap, 50123 Kuala
Lumpur. Tel:03-22725936, fax:03-222725999 Supplier
identification

90
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)

91
 Objective
State the definition of SDS
List 4 objectives of SDS
Identify legislative requirements related to
SDS
Explain at least 7 mandatory information in
the SDS

92
 Definition
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is an information
sheet or paper that contains updated
information related to chemicals hazard to
health and its preparations that is essential to
ensure the safe use of the chemical and its
preparation at the workplace

93
 Objectives of SDS
To enable users of hazardous chemicals to:
Understand the safety recommendations
and their rationale
Be aware of the consequences of failure to
comply to the recommendations
Identify the symptoms of over exposure to
hazardous chemicals
Provide input towards the development of
strategies and recommendations for safety
in the use of hazardous chemicals
94
 Legislative Requirements
Regulation 13 of the Occupational Safety
and Health (Classification, Labelling And
Safety Data Sheet of Hazardous Chemicals)
Regulations 2013
Supplier is required to revised the SDS when:-
– new information on the hazardous chemical
– more than 5 years have elapsed since last date of
preparation/revision
– directed by officer
Information on the SDS must be written in
both the National Language (Bahasa
Malaysia) and English
95
 SDS (Regulation 13):
16 Section Format
1. Identification of the 8. Exposure controls and
hazardous chemical and personal protection
supplier 9. Physical and chemical
2. Hazards identification properties
3. Composition and
10.Stability and reactivity
information of ingredients of
11.Toxicological information
hazardous chemical
12.Ecological information
4. First aid measures
5. Fire fighting measures 13.Disposal information
6. Accidental release 14.Transportation information
measures 15. Regulatory information
7. Handling and storage 16. Other information

96
CHEMICAL HAZARD
MANAGEMENT

97
 Objective
Explain the principles of chemical hazard
management
Introduce the “From the Cradle to the
Grave” Concept
Explain at least 3 elements of “From the
Cradle to the Grave” concept

98
 Principles of Chemical Hazard
Management
Employers and employees should have
knowledge on the chemicals used/handled
Minimise risk through avoiding contact or
production at high/dangerous levels
Consistent health surveillance and
environment monitoring
Avoid random disposal

99
 Concept from Cradle to Grave
Based on chemical life cycle
Manufacturing/ production
Transportation
Receiving of chemicals
Storage
Use and Handling
Disposal

100
 Cradle to Grave
Manufacturing/ production
– Chemical mixtures
Transportation
– UN classifications (eg.: Group I, II & III)
Packing group
Receiving of chemicals
– Item verification, labelling of receiving of
chemicals, package information &
integrity of package

101
 Cradle to Grave
Storage
– Storage area & storage operations
Use and handling
– Control measures, understanding risk, safe
operating procedures, eliminate or substitute
& minimise risk
Disposal
– Labelling of waste, temporary waste storage
area, handling of waste & safe disposal

102
CHEMICAL MONITORING

103
 OBJECTIVE
State the principles of sampling and
monitoring
State the equipment's that are used to
conduct sampling and monitoring activities
Explain 2 types of monitoring
State 3 methods of chemical analysis

104
 Principles of Sampling and
Monitoring
Monitoring is conducted to monitor the
pollution levels in the work environment
through measurement and sampling
Sampling is to collect air samples to identify
the levels of airborne pollution or that may
be inhaled by workers
Measurement is to measure the energy
levels existent in the environment such as
noise levels etc.

105
 Sampling and Monitoring
Equipment's

Direct reading equipment

– eg.: draeger tube, Miran, Chassell
respirable dust monitor
 Integrated air sampling equipment
– eg.: pump+silicon tube+cassette,
pump+silicon tube+coal tube,
pump+silicon tube+impinger container

106
 Types of Monitoring
Area monitoring
– Monitor hazard levels in a specific work area
– Monitoring equipment placed in locations
around the workplace, whether near or a
distance away from the source of hazard

Personal monitoring
– Monitor the exposure level of a worker to a
specific hazard
– Equipment is placed on the worker where the
sensor of sample collector is positioned close
to the route of entry of the hazard.

107
 Methods of Chemical Analysis
Gravimetric
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
(AAS)
Gas Chromatography (GC)
Infra-red Spectrophotometry
Asbestos count using the Phase Contrast
microscope

108
VENTILATION

109
 Objective
State the purpose of a ventilation system
List the legislative requirements related to
ventilation systems
State the methods of ventilation systems
Explain two types of ventilation systems
Explain the asessment of ventilation systems

110
 Purpose of a Ventilation System
Supply of clean air
– oxygen is necessary for human life
Contaminant dilution
To create air flow
To control air pollution

111
 Legislative Requirements
F.M (Safety, Health and Welfare) Regulations
1970
F.M (Lead) Regulations 1984
F.M (Asbestos Process) Regulations 1986
F.M (Mineral Dust) Regulations 1989
Occupational Safety and Health (Use and
Standards of Exposure of Chemicals
Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000

112
 Methods of Ventilation Systems
Natural
– effects of wind/breeze
– differences in internal and external air
levels air volume
Mechanical
– positive air flow is created with the use of
electric fans

113
 Types of Ventilation Systems
General ventilation
 Air ventilation by means of supplying and
exhausting a large volume of air of the area
through natural or mechanical method
 It is also known as dilution ventilation
 It allows chemicals release to mix with the air
in a room which is then diluted to an
acceptable level of exposure
 Allows the release of chemicals to mix with
the air in the work area then dissolves it to an
acceptable level of exposure

114
 Types of Ventilation Systems
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV)
Control of airborne contaminants through
– Movement of contaminants by collecting
them at or near the location of generation or
release
– Prevent dispersion to the whole building
Level of contaminants in the worker
breathing zone has to be below the
permissible level
Dependency on mechanical methods

115
 Assessment of Ventilation Systems
 General ventilation
– Measures the volume of air coming in and out of
the system
– Assess the air flow in the workplace and detects
areas with no ventilation
– Inspect the level of contaminant Inspect the air
suction area that is close to the contaminant
source

 Local exhaust ventilation

– Controlled speed, suction or static pressure in
the duct, filter performance & fan speed

116
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
(IAQ)

117
 Objective
List at least 4 signs of poor IAQ
State 2 ways to overcome IAQ problems
Explain at least 3 IAQ tests
State the differences between air
conditioner and ventilation
Elaborate two factors of comfortability

118
 Signs of Poor IAQ
Extremely cold/hot temperature
Low/high humidity
Lack of ventilation
Uncomfortable odours
Existence of dirt and organisms
Existence of toxic chemicals
Existence of spores, pollen etc.

119
 Overcoming IAQ Problems
Air conditioning system is designed
according to indoor air quality standards
(ASHRAE 62-1989 & ASHRAE 55-1992)
Testing of air cleaning equipment's (ASHRAE
52-1992)
Regular testing and maintenance of the
system
Monitoring of indoor air quality indicators

120
 IAQ Tests
Thermometer
Anemometer
Gas detector
Psychrometer
Smoke tube
Multi-function indoor air quality equipment

121
 Differences between Air Conditioner
and Ventilation
Air conditioning is a facility, and process of
air treatment for the purpose of:
– Cleaning
– Controlling temperature and humidity
– Maintaining a sufficient supply of external air for
ventilation purposes

Ventilation
– Is a facility to supply sufficient external air into a room
or space, though natural or mechanical methods, to
ensure sufficiency of air quantity for usage of it
occupants or process

122
 Comfortability Factors
 Oxygen supply
– 20-21%
 Temperature
– air temperature (60-68 F), radian temperature (62-68 F)
 Relative humidity (30% - 70%)
 Air flow
– 150 mm/s or 30 feet/min
 Amount of clothing
 Physical activities
 Others:
– smell , airborne contaminants, micro-organisms, vibration ,
noise, lighting etc.

123
HEALTH SURVEILLANCE AND
BIOLOGICAL MONITORING

124
 Objective
State the definition of health surveillance
and biological monitoring
List down five types of health surveillance
Explain at least three scopes of health
surveillance
State four importance of biological
monitoring

125
 Definition
Health Surveillance
– Surveillance of an individual is to identify the
changes in his/her health conditions as a
result of exposure to hazardous materials
(may include biological monitoring).

Biological Monitoring
– An assessment of hazardous elements or its
by-products in bodily tissues or fluids or
exhaled breath.

126
 Types of Health Surveillance
Biological monitoring
Health tests
Medical assessment
Review of work record and history
Review of exposure records and history

127
 Scopes of Health Surveillance
 Natural properties of the element, its levels and
duration of exposure
 Changes as a result of exposure
 Frequency of these changes
 Evaluation of available epidemiological
information and toxicological data
 Sensitivity, detailed and accuracy of the
identification and measurement
 Control measures to avoid future occurrences
 Sources and methods used as well as
competency levels of those conducting the
surveillance

128
 Importance of Biological Monitoring

Comparison with available standards

Allows individual risk assessment for
workers
Acts as an additional control measure
Enables detection of unexpected
exposure

129
BIOLOGICAL HAZARD

130
 Objective
State the definition of biological agents
Explain the interaction between agents,
host and environment
State six elements of the infection chain
Elaborate briefly the concept of biological
safety cabinet classification
Elaborate briefly safety aspects of working
with biological agents

131
 Definition of Biological Agents
Biological agent
– Comprises living organisms such as virus,
bacteria capable of releasing toxic
materials that can result in disease

Etiological agent
– Agent that causes the actual disease

132
 Interaction between Agents, Host
and Environment

133
 Infection Chain Elements

134
 Biological Safety Cabinet
Classification
Bio-Hazard Agent Example Control
Potential Description

Level I Not known to Bacillus subtilis Normal

cause microbiological
disease practice
Level II Able to cause Salmonella Biohazard label
disease in Hepatitis Autoclave
humans
Level III Indigenous HIV Specific design
agent TB Specific LEV
Level IV Dangerous Ebola Specific design
agent

135
 Safety Aspects Working with
Biological Agents

Management of Bio-Safety Programme

Administrative controls
Physical isolation
Disinfection and sterilisation
Accident and emergency planning
Transportation of biological agents
Biological communication risk

136
ERGONOMICS

137
 Objective
State the definition of ergonomics
State the legislations related to ergonomics
in OSHA 1994
State 2 objectives of ergonomics
List 5 factors in the Balance Theory
State 4 branches of ergonomics
State the definition of Muscularskeletal
Disorder (MSD)

138
 Definition & Related Legislation
A field of science that tries to harmonise the
system of work with human capacities

Third objective of OSHA 1994 : “To promote

an occupational environment for persons at
work which is adapted to their physiological
and psychological needs”

139
 Objectives of Ergonomics
To increase levels of work efficiency and
effectiveness or any related activity
undertaken such as through reduction of
mistakes, increase of productivity and
simplification of tasks.

To increase positive human values such as

increased safety, reduced fatigue and
stress, increased work comfortability and
increased quality of work and life in general.

140
 Balance Theory

141
 Branches of Ergonomics

142
 Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)

A situation arising by excessive use resulting

in wear and tear to muscles, tendons, joints
and surrounding tissues
In the long term, may result in incapability to
use the related body part

143
ERGONOMIC RISK FACTORS

144
 Objective

State three ERF

Explain at least 3 MSDs and the affected
body parts
Elaborate at least 2 system approaches to
manage MSDs
List at lease 3 early detection methods and
symptoms

145
 Ergonomics Risk factors
Doing repetitive work
Use of excessive force
Improper or static body posture
Long work duration
Vibration due to hand tools
Contact stress on the blood veins, muscles
and tendons due to contact stress due to
use of hand tools

146
 MSDs and the Affected Body Parts
Affected body Symptom Types of Employees at Source of
part disease risk disease

Thumb Pain at the end Twisting and Animal De- Quervain’s

of the thumb clenching slaughterers, disease
housemaids,
packagers
Fingers Difficulty to Repetition Meat Trigger finger
move using packagers,
fingers, little finger poultry farm
interrupted workers,
hand electronics
movements operators

147
 MSDs and the Affected Body Parts
Affected body Symptom Types of Employees at Source of
part disease risk disease

Shoulder Pain, aches Working with Welders, Rotator cuff

hands above painters, tendonitis
shoulder level assembly
workers,
operators of
automatic and
powered
equipment’s
Hand, wrist Pain, swelling, Repetitive Poultry farm Tenocynovitis
aches hand workers, meat
and wrist packagers
movement and
excessive use
of force
148
 Systems Approach to Manage MSDs
 First Phase – Before Onset
– Conduct comprehensive review of existing and
new job tasks
– Giving priority to the critical ergonomic risk
factors and taking necessary action

 Second Phase - Current

– Identify problems that may arise before serious
implications through the development and
Systems approach to manage MSDs
– Implementation of an early detection system,
medical surveillance, and specific treatments

149
 Systems Approach to Manage MSDs

Third Phase - After

– Review of the work system through
interaction with workers such as interviews
with affected workers
– Requires cooperation from various parties;
the respective worker, supervisors,
engineers, medical practitioners in order
to develop a strategy for the prevention
and reduction of ERF at work

150
OCCUPATIONAL STRESS

151
 Objective
State definition of occupational stress
Discuss the sources of stress at the
workplace
List at least 5 effects of occupational stress
Discuss practical methods of reducing stress
at the workplace

152
 Definition of Occupational Stress

Stress is pressure that is felt by an individual

and his/her reaction as a result of it
Increase in stress for an individual may be
too much for him to bear

153
 Sources of Stress
S - Support
T - Task
R - Role
E - Environment
S - Shift work
S - Security and change
O - Organisation
R - Rules and regulations

154
 Effects of Stress Towards
the Organisation

Non-harmonious working relationship

Low morale
Reduced quality
Reduced productivity
Increased absenteeism, late to work

155
 Methods of Reducing Stress
Organisational approach
Individual approach
– Monitoring of stress symptoms (stress
journal)
– Increase defense and analysing source of
stress
– Accepting stress and changing reactions
– Lowering level of sensitivity to stress
AAAbc’s Stress Management
156
SHIFT WORK

157
 Objective
State the definition of shift work
Explain at least 2 effects of stress from shift
work
Elaborate at least 2 strategies to reduce
stresses from shift work
List at least 3 guidelines for working night shift

158
 Definition

Whatever type of work undertaken outside

of normal daily working hours

159
 Effects of Shift Work

Effects circadian rhythm

Effects from sleeping problems
Effects from social and domestic activities

160
 Strategies to Reduce Stresses
from Shift Work

Sleeping times (routine) that

accommodates the shift requirements
Use of time indicators or zeitgebers
Control of noise levels
Provision of meals for all workers on shift

161
 Guidelines for Working Night Shift
Age (25 - 50 years old)
Workers health
Workers who live alone, far from the
workplace
shift times rotation
Shorter work durations are better than
longer ones
Night shift work at random of at rotation

162
 Guidelines for Working Night Shift
Suitable rest day and holiday
Hot and fresh food availability

163
MENTAL WORKLOAD

164
 Objective
State the definition of mental workload
State 4 situations that place mental
workload on workers
Explain 1 strategy to reduce mental
workload

165
 Definition
Differences between the capability of the
individual to process information obtained
with requirements of the job

166
 Mental Workload Situation
Responsibility to maintain a high level of
awareness for long durations
Bigger responsibility (decision making)
Concentration due to monotonous work
Workers interaction (isolated work area)

167
 Strategies to Reduce Mental
Workload

Conceptual suitability
Space suitability
Movement suitability
Physical layout
Functional principle
Network principle

168
 THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION

169