The most important area that we need to protect especially when we are dealing with hazardous waste materials is our skin. Our skin acts as a barrier from harmful elements like heat, radiation, dirt and bacteria. But, when it is exposed to extreme hazards, our skin becomes vulnerable to a number of disorders.
According to some studies, one of the most common job related diseases is dermatitis, skin irritation caused by chemicals. The cost of occupational skin disease has reached as high as 1 billion per year. The highest skin disease rates happen in the agriculture, manufacturing and health care occupations.
The primary irritation usually occurs when we come in contact with strong substances like acids, solvents and caustics in a significant quantity, time and concentration. It can be a minor effect or a major effect, but it should be treated immediately to avoid any serious problems in future.
Hydrochloric, nitric acids and sulfuric are some of the strong acid solutions which can cause severe burns even after a brief contact. So does strong caustics like potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide.
The solvents will have a different effect on the skin. They are used for removing oil and grease in the industrial processes and it also removes fats and oils from our skin. The skin becomes dry and cracked. Prolonged use can result in losing hair follicles and sweat ducts which can cause acne and inflammation.
Though skin exposure hazards do not result in OSHA citations and violations, but it can come under the hazard communication standard if employers fail to inform employees about the hazards of the substances they work with.
OSHA has also included in the Table Z-1 of the standard on air contaminants (29 CFR 1910.1000) a ‘skin designation’ column indicating the chemicals that might pose hazards to worker’s skin. To minimize or prevent the skin exposure, employees must be given appropriate protective measures.
It is also mandatory for the employees to go on the HAZWOPER training courses to make sure they fully understood the risks and the preventive measures against such hazards.
The training should include new orientation that provides information about occupational skin hazards and training of PPE as required.
The HAZWOPER training can be acquired online these days. There are numerous providers of HAZWOPER safety training courses online. You can visit their sites and get the training done anytime.
Visit us at: www.hazwoper40hourtraining.com
According to some studies, one of the most common job related diseases is dermatitis, skin irritation caused by chemicals. The cost of occupational skin disease has reached as high as 1 billion per year. The highest skin disease rates happen in the agriculture, manufacturing and health care occupations.
The primary irritation usually occurs when we come in contact with strong substances like acids, solvents and caustics in a significant quantity, time and concentration. It can be a minor effect or a major effect, but it should be treated immediately to avoid any serious problems in future.
Hydrochloric, nitric acids and sulfuric are some of the strong acid solutions which can cause severe burns even after a brief contact. So does strong caustics like potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide.
The solvents will have a different effect on the skin. They are used for removing oil and grease in the industrial processes and it also removes fats and oils from our skin. The skin becomes dry and cracked. Prolonged use can result in losing hair follicles and sweat ducts which can cause acne and inflammation.
Though skin exposure hazards do not result in OSHA citations and violations, but it can come under the hazard communication standard if employers fail to inform employees about the hazards of the substances they work with.
OSHA has also included in the Table Z-1 of the standard on air contaminants (29 CFR 1910.1000) a ‘skin designation’ column indicating the chemicals that might pose hazards to worker’s skin. To minimize or prevent the skin exposure, employees must be given appropriate protective measures.
It is also mandatory for the employees to go on the HAZWOPER training courses to make sure they fully understood the risks and the preventive measures against such hazards.
The training should include new orientation that provides information about occupational skin hazards and training of PPE as required.
The HAZWOPER training can be acquired online these days. There are numerous providers of HAZWOPER safety training courses online. You can visit their sites and get the training done anytime.
Visit us at: www.hazwoper40hourtraining.com
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