Disaster Site Worker Safety
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Transcript of Disaster Site Worker Safety
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Disaster Site Worker Safety
Module 9
Safe Work Practices: Health Hazards
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Objectives
List common airborne health hazards potentially present during disaster site and demolition operations.
Give an example of an appropriate decontamination procedure for exposure to harmful materials or contaminants.
Identify the stages of heat stress. Discuss the significance of ergonomics when working
at a disaster site. List some additional health and safety concerns that
may be encountered. Explain the procedure for correcting health safety
issues that may expose disaster site workers to hazards.
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Airborne Contaminants
Silica
Lead
Asbestos
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Silica Exposure
Silicosis is a disabling, nonreversible, and sometimes fatal lung disease caused by overexposure to respirable crystalline silica
100 percent preventable if employers, workers, and health professionals work together to reduce exposures.
Associated with other diseases, such as bronchitis and tuberculosis
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Lead Exposure
In the construction industry, most over-exposures to lead traditionally have been found in the trades such as plumbing, welding, and painting
Significant lead exposures can also arise from removing paint from surfaces previously coated with lead-based paint, such as in bridge repair, residential renovation, and demolition
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Sources of Lead Exposure
Flame-torch cutting, welding, the use of heat guns, sanding, scraping and grinding
Abrasive blasting of bridges and other structures containing lead-based paints
Use of torches and heat guns, and sanding, scraping, and grinding lead-based paint surfaces
Maintaining process equipment or exhaust duct work
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Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is found in products such as: Sprayed-on fireproofing
Pipe insulation
Floor tiles
Cement pipe and sheet
Roofing felts and shingles
Ceiling tiles
Fire-resistant drywall
Drywall joint compounds
Acoustical products
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Cadmium Exposure
In the construction industry, most over-exposures to Cadmium traditionally have been found in the trades such as plumbing, welding, and painting or hazardous waste sludge's and Ni-Cad Batteries.
Significant lead exposures can also arise from removing paint from surfaces previously coated with Cadmium-based paint, such as in bridge repair, cadmium paints being Oxy-Acety cut, and demolition or waste sludge removal by inhalation or ingestion
OSHA says workers need training certification in Cadmium tasks and there are strict medical requirements
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Decontamination Procedures
Physically remove the harmful materials
Inactivate harmful materials by chemical interaction
Isolate harmful materials by removing protective equipment and packaging it in drums or bags for future decontamination or disposal
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Heat Stress
Heat stress is caused by a number of interacting factors, including: Environmental conditions.
Type of protective clothing worn, the work activity required.
Individual characteristics of the employee.
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Heat Exhaustion
Headaches, dizziness/light headedness, weakness
Mood changes (irritable, or confused/can’t think straight)
Feeling sick to your stomach, vomiting/throwing up
Decreased and dark-colored urine, fainting/passing out, and pale clammy skin
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Humidity and Temperature
70 %
60 %
50 %
40 %
30 %
100°F/ 37.8°C
95°F/ 35°C
90°F/ 32.2°C
85°F/ 29.4°C
80°F/ 26.7°C
Dangerous
Caution
Less Hazardous
70 %
60 %
50 %
40 %
30 %
100°F/ 37.8°C
95°F/ 35°C
90°F/ 32.2°C
85°F/ 29.4°C
80°F/ 26.7°C
70 %
60 %
50 %
40 %
30 %
100°F/ 37.8°C
95°F/ 35°C
90°F/ 32.2°C
85°F/ 29.4°C
80°F/ 26.7°C
100°F/ 37.8°C
95°F/ 35°C
90°F/ 32.2°C
85°F/ 29.4°C
80°F/ 26.7°C
Dangerous
Caution
Less Hazardous
Dangerous
Caution
Less Hazardous
Humidity Temperature
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Heat Stroke: Medical Emergency
Dry pale skin (no sweating)
Hot, red skin (looks like a sunburn)
Mood changes (irritable, confused/not making any sense)
Seizures/fits
Collapse/passed out (will not respond)
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Cold Stress
Cold-related illnesses can slowly overcome a person who has been chilled by low temperatures, brisk winds, or wet clothing.
Hypothermia can occur when land temperatures are above freezing or water temperatures are below 98.6oF/37oC.
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Hypothermia: a Medical Emergency
Normal body temperature (98.6oF/37oC) drops to or below 95oF (35oC); fatigue or drowsiness; uncontrolled shivering; cool, bluish skin
Slurred speech; clumsy movements; irritable, irrational
Confused behavior
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Noise
Any high noise level can damage your hearing permanently
High noise sources include: Machinery
Power Tools
Demolition
Explosives
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Basic Types of Hearing Protection
Ear Plugs – Inserted into the ear cavity to dampen loud noises
Ear Muffs – Cover the entire ear
Hearing protection devices must provide a complete seal to be effective.
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Bloodborne Pathogens
Workplace Transmission Body fluids such as saliva, semen,
vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic fluid, blood, and other body fluids
Body fluids DO NOT include sweat and tears.
Unfixed tissue or organs other than intact skin from living or dead humans
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BBP Safety Rules
Follow universal precautions.
Use the required personal protective equipment.
Wash exposed areas with antibacterial soap.
Treat all human body fluids & items soiled with human body fluids as contaminated.
Report any suspected exposure to your supervisor.
Disinfect all spills of body fluid.
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Ergonomics
Reduce stress and eliminate injuries and disorders associated with the overuse of muscles, bad posture, and repetitive motion.
Some jobs expose workers to excessive vibration and noise, eyestrain, repetitive motion, and heavy lifting.
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Hazard Prevention and Control
Engineering Controls
Work Practice Controls
Training
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Additional Health Safety Concerns
Fatigue, chemicals, alcohol and drug use, vibration, radiation, psychological and physiological stressors are additional health and safety concerns for disaster site workers, especially due to extended work day or work shifts.
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Fatigue
Fatigue is a message to the body to rest Fatigue become distressing and overwhelming Some symptoms:
Weariness Irritability Reduced alertness, concentration, and memory Increased susceptibility to illness Headache Loss of appetite and digestive problems
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Chemical Hazards
Amount of exposure needs to be reevaluated to ensure that acceptable levels are not exceeded.
Any method for determining exposure levels for the extended workday should be used with caution and under supervision.
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Vibration
Vibration-induced white finger (VWF) is the most common condition among the operators of hand-held vibrating tools.
Vibration can cause changes in tendons, muscles, bones and joints, and can affect the nervous system.
Collectively, these effects are known as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
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HAVS Symptoms
Attacks of whitening (blanching) of one or more fingers when exposed to cold
Tingling and loss of sensation in the fingers
Loss of light touch
Pain and cold sensations between periodic white finger attacks
Loss of grip strength
Bone cysts in fingers and wrists
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Stress
Physiological
Psychological
Behavioral
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Making Choices and Decisions
It is the responsibility of each individual to make safe choices and decisions in accordance with established safety work practices and regulations
The decision of a moment to perform an unsafe act may have consequences that last a lifetime
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Reporting Unsafe Conditions
Workers should contact their supervisor or the site safety officer regarding these conditions in order to correct the problem
Workers, if given the authority and have the ability, should correct or minimize the condition when it is discovered. Actions and steps taken must be reported to
the supervisor or site safety officer.