4: Hygiene Concept, definition and importance of hygiene
in construction industry
Difference between domestic hygiene and industrial hygiene : Domestic hygiene and industrial hygiene refer to practices and measures aimed at maintaining a clean and safe environment, but they are applied in different settings and have distinct focuses. Here are the key differences between domestic hygiene and industrial hygiene: (1) Domestic hygiene : (a) This pertains to hygiene practices in households and residential settings (b) Primarily focuses on personal and household cleanliness, sanitation, and health (c) Deals with common household hazards such as germs, allergens, and domestic accidents (d) Typically guided by personal preferences, cultural norms, and general health guidelines (e) Mainly the responsibility of individuals and families. (2) Industrial hygiene : (a) This is concerned with hygiene practices in workplaces and industrial settings (b) Encompasses a broader range of concerns related to occupational health and safety (c) Addresses workplace-specific hazards like exposure to toxic chemicals, noise, dust, radiation, and other occupational risks (d) Governed by strict regulations and standards set by occupational health and safety authorities (e) The responsibility of both employers and employees.
Different types of physical hazards in construction industry : Physical hazards are
environmental factors in the workplace that can cause harm to workers. These hazards can be categorized into different types, each with its own set of control measures. Here are some of the most common physical hazards are : (1) Heat stress : (a) Description: Workers in construction can be exposed to high temperatures, leading to heat stress, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses. (b) Control measure : Provide regular breaks in shaded areas, ensure proper hydration with water stations, implement a heat acclimatization program, use engineering controls such as fans and proper ventilation etc. (2) ventilation : (a) Description: Inadequate ventilation can result in the accumulation of airborne contaminants, particularly in enclosed spaces. (b) control measure : Ensure proper ventilation systems in enclosed spaces, use local exhaust ventilation for specific processes, provide workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators if necessary. (3) Noise : (a) Description: Construction sites are often noisy environments, and prolonged exposure can lead to hearing loss. (b) control measure : use engineering controls such as noise barriers, provide workers with hearing protection like earmuffs or earplugs, schedule noisy tasks during times when fewer workers are present. (4) Vibration : (a) Description : Vibrations from construction equipment can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. (b) control measure : Choose low-vibration tools and equipment, implement anti-vibration measures such as vibration-damping gloves, rotate workers to minimize prolonged exposure. (5) illumination : (a) Description : Inadequate lighting can lead to accidents and injuries, especially in poorly lit construction areas. (b) control measure : Ensure proper lighting in all work areas, especially during night shifts, use portable lights for specific tasks, regularly inspect and maintain lighting systems. (6) Thermal Radiation : (a) Description : Construction processes involving welding, cutting, or other heat-producing activities can expose workers to thermal radiation. (b) control measure : Use barriers and screens to protect nearby workers, Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) like heat-resistant clothing, Implement engineering controls to minimize heat exposure etc. 2
(7) Radiation (X-rays, UV Radiation, Ionizing, and Non-Ionizing Radiations): (a) description : Some construction activities involve exposure to harmful radiation. (b) control measure : Implement proper shielding for X-ray equipment, provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for UV exposure, monitor and control exposure levels according to regulatory standards.
Sensitization to different air, water and waste water : Sensitization to different air, water, and wastewater contaminants refers to the development of allergic reactions or hypersensitivity in individuals upon exposure to specific substances in the environment. Sensitization can manifest as various health issues, including respiratory problems, skin disorders, or other allergic reactions. Here are some examples of substances to sensitization : (1) Air pollution : (a) Causes : Air pollution encompasses a range of harmful airborne contaminants, including particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur-dioxide. These pollutants can cause respiratory illnesses, heart disease, cancer, and other health problems. (b) sensitization : Provide respiratory protection equipment, implement dust control measures, ensure proper ventilation and air quality monitoring. (2) water & Waste water : (a) causes : Water pollution occurs when harmful substances contaminate water bodies, rendering them unfit for drinking, recreation, and aquatic life. Sources such as industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage contribute to water pollution. Construction activities, especially those involving water and wastewater systems, can expose workers to various chemicals and biological agents that may cause skin sensitization or other health issues. (b) Sensitization : Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and protective clothing, implement engineering controls to minimize exposure, conduct regular training on the safe handling of water and wastewater.
Soil contaminant related to construction industries : Construction activities can introduce
various contaminants into the soil, posing environmental and health risks. The specific contaminants can vary based on the nature of the construction work. Some common soil contaminants related to construction industries include : (a) Heavy metal (b) petroleum product (c) Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (d) various asbestos (e) solvents & chemicals (f) construction debris (g) soil erosion & sedimentation etc.
Permissible exposure limits, effects of exposure : Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) are the legal limits on the amount of a hazardous substance that workers can be exposed to during their working day. These limits are set by government agencies, such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the US, to protect workers from the harmful effects of exposure to hazardous substances. Permissible exposures limits are typically two ways - (a) Time-weighted average (TWA): This is the average concentration of a substance over an 8-hour workday and a 40- hour workweek. (b) Short-term exposure limit (STEL): This is the maximum concentration of a substance that workers can be exposed to for a short period of time (usually 15 minutes). There are also other types of exposure limits, such as ceiling limits and immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) values, which represent even more restrictive levels of exposure that are considered immediately dangerous. Effect of exposure’s : (a) Short-term exposure to certain substances may cause irritation of the eyes, skin, respiratory tract, or other mucous membranes (b) Prolonged exposure to certain carcinogenic substances can increase the risk of developing cancer (c) Chronic exposure to certain chemicals can cause damage to specific organs, such as the liver, kidneys, or nervous system (d) Some chemicals can adversely affect the nervous system (e) Exposure to certain substances during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects or developmental abnormalities in the fetus (f) Some chemicals can affect fertility in both men and women etc. 3
Preventive and control measures of exposure’s : Preventive and control measures for exposure to hazardous substances are essential to ensure the health and safety of workers in various industries. Here are some key preventive and control measures: (1) Engineering control : (a) Implement engineering controls to isolate workers from hazardous substances. Examples include ventilation systems, local exhaust ventilation, and process enclosure etc. (b) Use automated processes or closed systems to minimize direct contact with hazardous materials. (2) Administrative control : (a) Establish and enforce strict work practices, procedures, and policies to minimize exposure.(b) Implement rotation of workers to limit the duration of exposure for individuals.(c)Schedule work tasks to minimize the number of workers exposed simultaneously. (3) Personal protective equipment (PPE) : (a) Provide appropriate PPE, such as gloves, goggles, respirators, and protective clothing. (b) Ensure that workers are trained on the proper use, maintenance, and limitations of PPE etc. (4) Monitoring & surveillance : (a) Regularly monitor workplace air quality to ensure that exposure levels are within permissible limits. (b) Conduct health surveillance to monitor the health of workers who are exposed to hazardous substances etc.
