Industrial hygiene
Introduction
Industrial hygiene, also known as occupational hygiene, is the science of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace conditions that may cause workers' injury or illness. It uses environmental monitoring and analytical methods to detect the extent of worker exposure and employs engineering, work practice controls, and other methods to control potential health hazards.
History
The discipline of industrial hygiene traces its roots to the 4th Century B.C., when Hippocrates of Cos noted lead toxicity in the mining industry. In the Middle Ages, Ulrich Ellenbog, a German physician, wrote about occupational hazards and diseases. In the 18th century, Bernardino Ramazzini, often called the "father of industrial medicine," published in 1700 De Morbis Artificum Diatriba (Diseases of Workers), outlining the health hazards of chemicals, dust, metals, repetitive or violent motions, odd postures, and other disease causative agents encountered by workers in 52 occupations.
Principles of Industrial Hygiene
Industrial hygiene is governed by several key principles:
- Anticipation involves predicting the possible health hazards before they become a risk. This can be achieved by conducting a thorough job safety analysis.
- Recognition involves identifying the existing health hazards in the workplace. This includes chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic hazards.
- Evaluation involves measuring the extent of exposure to the recognized hazards. This is typically done using environmental monitoring or biological monitoring.
- Control involves implementing measures to eliminate or reduce the identified hazards. This can be achieved through engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.
Industrial Hygienist
An industrial hygienist is a professional dedicated to the well-being of workers. They are skilled in the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of environmental factors or stresses arising in or from the workplace, which may cause sickness, impaired health and well-being, or significant discomfort among workers.
Health Hazards
Industrial hygiene focuses on the identification and control of environmental factors in the workplace that can cause illness. These are often referred to as "health hazards." Health hazards include chemical hazards, physical hazards, biological hazards, and ergonomic hazards.
Chemical Hazards
Chemical hazards are substances that can cause harm or discomfort to the body. They can be in the form of solids, liquids, gases, mists, fumes, vapors, and dusts. Examples of chemical hazards include lead, asbestos, benzene, and silica.
Physical Hazards
Physical hazards are environmental factors that can harm the body without necessarily touching it. They include noise, vibration, radiation, heat, and cold.
Biological Hazards
Biological hazards are living organisms or substances produced by living organisms that can cause harm to human health. These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms.
Ergonomic Hazards
Ergonomic hazards are physical conditions that can cause harm to the musculoskeletal system. These include repetitive motion, manual handling, workplace design, poor body positioning, and vibration.
Control Measures
Control measures are actions designed to eliminate or minimize exposure to hazards. They are typically categorized into three types: engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.
Engineering Controls
Engineering controls are methods built into the design of buildings, equipment, or processes to minimize hazard exposure. Examples include ventilation systems, sound walls or mounds, and radiation shielding.
Administrative Controls
Administrative controls are changes in work procedures such as written safety policies, rules, supervision, schedules, and training aimed at reducing the duration, frequency, and severity of exposure to hazards.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is clothing or equipment worn by workers to protect against hazards. Examples include respirators, gloves, aprons, fall protection, and full body suits.
Importance of Industrial Hygiene
Industrial hygiene is crucial in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. It helps to prevent occupational diseases and injuries, improves productivity, and promotes a positive work culture. It also helps organizations comply with occupational health and safety regulations, thus avoiding penalties and potential legal issues.