Work Place Hazards PPE Respirators asbestos confined spaces

Work Place Hazards PPE, Respirators, asbestos, confined spaces, lock out/tag out

Identification of potential Work Site Safety Hazards ØElectrical ØFire / Explosion ØSlips, Trips and Falls ØHorseplay ØImproper Use of Hand Tools ØLack of Observance of Surroundings ØDrugs and Alcohol Use ØPoor Lighting ØStress, Fitness for Duty ØConfined Spaces ØNoise ØPPE ØOther Medical Emergencies ØHousekeeping

Work Site Safety Hazards Ø Sharp objects Ø Slippery surfaces Ø Falling objects Ø Terrain Ø Unstable surfaces Ø Burns Ø Improper lifting Ergonomic hazards Ø Pinch points Ø Environmental (weather, animals, poisonous plants) Ø Struck-by / Roll Over Ø Public/Other Contractors Ø Dehydration

Work Place Hazards OSHA’s Hierarchy of Controls

Personal Protective Equipment • 29 CFR 1910. 132 • “Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices…shall be provided, used and maintained whenever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment… capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.

Personal Protective Equipment • • Protective Clothing Tyvex versus poly spun Two suit protocol? Hoods and boots Respirator inside of hood Oversize suits for ease of movement Reinforce suits with duct tape Tape wrists to gloves, ankles

Respiratory Protection • Respirators are the last option after: – engineering controls – administrative controls – work practices – alternative materials – other methods

Definition: “A respirator is a personal device designed to protect the wearer from the inhalation of hazardous atmospheres. ” (ANSI Z 88. 2, 1992)

Exposure Assessment • know potential airborne hazards • assume a hazard is present until assessment is complete • testing to be performed by competent person

Employer Responsibilities • employees must have proper protection • employees must be medically fit • employees must be trained • required fit testing • written respiratory protection program

Selection of Respirators • use only approved respirators • what you need to know when selecting respirators • other important factors

Types of Respirators • air-purifying respirators – negative-pressure air purifying respirators – powered air-purifying respirators • supplied-air respirators • self-contained breathing apparatus

Respirator Cartridge Color Codes Atmospheric Contaminants to Be Protected Against Color Assigned 1 Acid Gases Hydrocyanic acid gas White with ½ inch green stripe completely around the canister near the bottom Organic vapors Black Ammonia gas Green Acid gases and ammonia gas Green with ½ inch white stripe around the canister near the bottom Carbon monoxide Blue Acid gases and organic vapors Yellow Hydrocyanic acid gas and chloropicrin vapor Yellow with ½ inch blue stripe completely around the canister near the bottom Acid gases, organic vapors, and ammonia gases Brown Radioactive particles, asbestos, lead mold Purple (Magenta) (High Efficiency Particulate Filter) Particles (dusts, fumes, mist, fogs, or smoke) Canister color for contaminant as designated above, in combination with any of the above gases with ½ inch gray stripe completely around the canister or vapors near the top All of the above atmospheric contaminants Red with ½ inch gray stripe completely around the canister near the top 1 Gray shall not be assigned as the main color for a canister designed to remove acids or vapors. Note: Orange shall be used as a complete body, or stripe color to represent gases not included in this table. The user will need to refer to the canister label to determine the degree of protection the canister will afford. For LEAD particles or fume the cartridge for PARTICLES is needed. It has a high-efficiency HEPA filter which is purple (magenta).

Protection Factors • contaminants inside the respirator • ratio of contaminant inside to outside • who determines protection factor

Protection Factors Type of Respirator APF ½ mask air-purifying (HEPA filter) 10 loose-fitting hood or helmet powered air-purifying (HEPA filter) 25 hood or helmet supplied-air - continuous flow mode 25 tight-fitting powered air-purifying (HEPA) 50 full face piece air-purifying (HEPA) 50 ½ mask or full face piece supplied air - continuous flow mode 50 ½ mask supplied air in pressure-demand mode 1, 000 full face piece supplied air in pressure-demand mode 2, 000 full face piece SCBA in pressure-demand mode >2, 000 *Assigned Protection Factor

Respirator Fit • initial fit test and re-testing requirement • types of fit tests – qualitative • depends upon ability of wearer to detect irritant inside respirator – quantitative • substance measured inside & outside of respirator

Fit Checks • rationale for the fit check • negative pressure check – why - how - when • positive pressure check – why - how - when

Other Important Issues • • Medical fitness to wear a respirator Facial hair & respiratory protection Care & cleaning of respirators Inspection of respirators Cleaning & disinfection Repairs Storage

Respiratory Program • Minimum Requirements: – written SOP – MSHA/NIOSH certified respirators – appropriate for hazard – training of wearer – individual respirators – – – cleaning & disinfection respirator storage inspection & repair work area monitoring medical review annual evaluation of respiratory program

NIOSH Recommendation: "Respiratory protection may be necessary for certain operations or methods such mold removal and paint removal by chemicals, heat gun, or abrasive techniques, and some set-up, and cleaning operations. However, respirators are the least preferred method of controlling airborne Mold exposure, and they should not be used as the only means of preventing or minimizing exposures. Respiratory protection requirements are not an acceptable substitute for adequate training, supervision, appropriate engineering controls, and environmental or medical monitoring. Initial respiratory protection requirements for abatement work (which may be based on conservative assumptions) should be modified with appropriate job-specific requirements based on air monitoring results. Respirator selection for each job category at every worksite should be determined by an industrial hygienist or other qualified individual, based on maximum airborne exposures measured. "

Respirators • 29 CFR 1910. 134 • In any workplace where respirators are necessary to protect the health of the employee or whenever respirators are required by the employer, the employer shall establish a written respiratory protection program with worksite-specific procedures.

Asbestos What Is It? • Asbestos minerals share some common characteristics ØNaturally occurring from Ores rich in Magnesium, Calcium, Silica, and Iron ØHigh tensile strength along the axis of the fiber ØChemically inert ØNon-combustible

ACM Categories Surfacing Materials Sprayed/trowled-on materials Thermal System Insulations Insulating material used to prevent heat loss/gain Miscellaneous Materials Any ACM that is not considered to be surfacing material or thermal system insulting

Surfacing Material

Ceiling Plaster

Mold on Asbestos Containing Materials ACM- Pipe insulation (T. S. I) ACM- Spackle/Joint compound

Damaged Pipe Insulation

Damaged Boiler Insulation

Fire-Stop Insulation

Duct Insulation

Definition • ACM= Asbestos Containing Materials • This is any material that contains greater than 1% asbestos fibers • PACM=Presumed Asbestos Containing Materials • This is any TSI, Surfacing, or Misc vinyl/asphalt flooring or roofing installed before 1980 It should be noted that New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL), United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) all have specific requirements for the testing, handling and disposal of ACM, also for licensing and training. One should always check with all applicable regulations before disturbing any Known or suspect ACM/PACM present on a mold remediation/Assessment

Lead Based Paint On Mold remediation projects Lead based paint can also be impacted. • It will typically be in the paint on or near the areas with mold growth • Demolition or removal of these painted surfaces can create potentially dangerous exposures to Lead dust and lead contaminated debris

Why are Dust and Debris a Problem? • Remediation activities that disturb lead-containing materials create dust and debris • Lead-contaminated dust is poisonous • Very small amounts of lead-contaminated dust can poison children and adults – Children swallow dust during ordinary play activities. – Adults swallow or breathe dust during work activities. • Workers can bring lead-contaminated dust home and poison their families

Confined Spaces • Definition of a confined space is any space that – A person can enter – Has a limited opening for entry or exit – Is not designed for continuous occupancy • A confined space that has any associated hazard is considered a permit-required confined space • Hazards can include oxygen deficient or enriched atmospheres, toxic or flammable atmospheres, mechanical or electrical hazards, falls, engulfment, etc. www. environmentaleducation. com

Confined Spaces • Do not enter a confined space to attempt to rescue unless you are properly trained and outfitted with the correct protective equipment (including your own safety retrieval harness, with someone tending your line). • Respirators are limited in their ability to protect the wearer from atmospheric hazards. For example, a negative pressure or powered air purifying respirator will not protect you against insufficient oxygen or a host of other contaminants for which the respirator was not designed. Therefore, only selfcontained breathing apparatus can be worn during confined space rescues.

Confined Spaces 60% of confined space deaths are among would-be rescuers. Don’t become a statistic!

Electrical Hazards • Electrocution and electric shocks are among the most common hazards. • Incorrect wiring, improper grounding, and lack of proper insulation result in over 1, 000 people being electrocuted each year

Worker Responsibilities • Being aware of potential hazards • Knowing how hazards should be treated • Knowing what to do to protect themselves from electrical shock while working in a regulated abatement work area.

Hazard – Damaged Cords • Cords can be damaged by: – – Aging Door or window edges Staples or fastenings Abrasion from adjacent materials – Activity in the area – Improper use can cause shocks, burns or fire

Lockout and Tagging of Circuits • • “Authorized “ person will de-energize all sources Locking device will be applied at energy source Lock must be unique in appearance and used for no other purpose Tag deactivated controls Tag de-energized equipment and circuits at all points where they can be energized Tags must identify equipment or circuits being worked on A separate tag and lockout is provided for each crewmember requiring de-energizing of same line or equipment

Lockout and Tagging of Circuits • When to Lock Out/Tag Out? • Any time injury could result from unexpected start-up of machinery • Any time injury could result from release of energy – – – Electrical energy Chemical energy Hydraulic pressure Air pressure Steam pressure www. environmentaleducation. com

Steps for Reducing Electrical Hazards • Inspect for wiring faults • Remove all electrically powered equipment • Protect cables lines and outlets

Temporary Lights • Protect from contact and damage, and don’t allow to lay on the ground www. environmentaleducation. com

Hazard – Defective Cords & Wires • Plastic or rubber covering is missing • Damaged extension cords & tools

Hazard - Improper Grounding • Tools plugged into improperly grounded circuits may become energized • Broken wire or plug on extension cord • Some of the most frequently violated OSHA standards

Hazard - Overloaded Circuits Hazards may result from: • Too many devices plugged into a circuit, causing heated wires and possibly a fire • Damaged tools overheating • Lack of overcurrent protection • Wire insulation melting, which may cause arcing and a fire in the area where the overload exists, even inside a wall

Clues that Electrical Hazards Exist • Tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses • Warm tools, wires, cords, connections, or junction boxes • GFCI that shuts off a circuit • Worn or frayed insulation around wire or connection

Scaffolds Specific OSHA standards apply to the specific use of scaffolding, which must be reviewed prior to construction or use

Scaffold Height The height of the scaffold should not be more than four times its minimum base dimension unless guys, ties, or braces are used www. environmentaleducation. com

Mobile Scaffolds Ø Ø Employees can’t be on a moving scaffold unless: § Surface is level § Height to base ratio is 2 to 1 § Outriggers are installed on both sides of scaffolds Employees can’t be on scaffold while it is being moved www. environmentaleducation. com

Slips, Trips and Falls • Mold remediation sites present some significant risks for slips, trips and falls. • Non-slip rubber boots or shoes with non skid soles can greatly reduce slips and falls when working on wet polyethylene • No running, jumping, or “horseplay” should be allowed in the work area

Scaffolds • If you can fall more than 6 feet, you must be protected • Use fall protection on: – walkways & ramps, open sides & edges, holes, excavations, roofs, wall openings • Protective measures include guardrails, covers, safety nets, and Personal Fall Arrest Systems www. environmentaleducation. com

Fire Emergency Procedures • OSHA requires a written emergency action fire prevention plan Ø The manner in which emergencies are communicated Ø Emergency escape procedures and emergency escape routes Ø Procedures for any employee who must stay back to deal with critical plant operations which may take time to safely shut down Ø Procedures to account for all employees after evacuation Ø Rescue and medical duties

Problems With Heat • The body naturally tries to cool itself by sweating • If you are wearing an impermeable suit, your body heat cannot escape • Your lungs are already in overdrive due to the added stress of the respirator • The Air Conditioning has been shut off for the summer, and the air in the work area is much warmer than the air outside • Perfect conditions for the onset of HEAT STRESS or HEAT STROKE

Preventing Heat. Related Illnesses • Take frequent breaks, reduce body temperature • Drink small amounts of cool liquids as often as possible • Monitor heart rate after breaks – should return to within 10% of normal • Body core temp should remain below 102 degrees

Noise • Noise from power equipment • OSHA requirements – Action Level – Permissible Exposure Level • Types of protective equipment

Hazard Communication Right to Know • If chemical hazards are introduced to the workplace, the employer must have a written hazard communication program to inform employees of these hazards. • Hazardous materials may be present on mold remediation sites for a number of reasons. • Examples of potentially hazardous materials include spray adhesives, surfactants, fungicides/biocides-, disinfectants, paints and coatings, mastic removers, solvents and cleaning agents.

Hazard Communication Plan Elements Comprehensive written program • Labeling of hazardous materials in the workplace • Availability of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) • Employee training

Hazard Communication Plan Elements A written Hazard Communication Program which must include: • Plans to meet the criteria of the standard relating to the labeling, safety data sheets, and employee training. • A list of hazardous chemicals/materials.

Hazard Communication Plan Elements Labels • All containers in the work place must be labeled, marked, or tagged with the identity of the hazardous material contained and the appropriate hazard warnings, and the name and address of a responsible party. • An exception from labeling is given for containers used by a single individual which hold only sufficient product for use during one shift.

Heavy Equipment • Roll-over protective structures • Reverse alarms • Operator will look out for workers but workers must be aware of “blind spots” • Always make eye contact before approaching operator • Beware of “swing range” and areas near stabilizer pads