Chapter 4: Environmental Hazards

Lead Can you name some materials in a house that might contain lead?

What is Lead? Chemical element Pb: Latin “Plumbum” Plumber, Plumb bob Heavy,soft (malleable) metal

What’s the Matter with Lead? Highly toxic poison Accumulates in body tissues Harms many body systems –blood –nerves, brain –reproductive

How Can I Be Exposed to Lead? Deteriorated lead paint Burning or cutting metals containing or painted with lead –Plumbing lines –Solder joints –Corrosion resistant metal coatings

What Steps Do I Take First? Before you begin work, have a “Competent Person” determine if workers will be potentially exposed to lead If workers are potentially exposed, determine if the concentration of these exposures exceeds OSHA limits If workers conduct “Trigger Tasks”, certain controls are required

TRIGGER TASK 1 (< 10 x the PEL) Manual demolition of structures Hand scraping or sanding Heat guns Using power tools with dust collection systems Spray painting

TRIGGER TASK 2 (10-50 X PEL) Using power tools without dust collection systems attached Movement/removal of enclosures Cleanup where dry expendable abrasives are used Lead containing mortar, rivet busting

TRIGGER TASK 3 (>50 x the PEL) Abrasive blasting Welding or torch cutting metals containing lead or lead based paint

Respiratory Protection (Minimum requirements) Trigger task 1 –½ mask air purifying respirator with high efficiency filters (HEPA) Trigger task 2 –Full face piece respirator with high efficiency filters (HEPA) Trigger task 3 –Supplied air pressure/demand respirator

Other Requirements Personal protective clothing, such as disposable jump suits Change areas for work clothing and shoes Hand washing facilities Biological monitoring (Blood Lead) Training

METHODS OF COMPLIANCE Lead in Construction Exposures > PEL (From Day One) –Engineering Controls –Respiratory protection –Compliance program –Mechanical ventilation –Administrative controls –Good work practices

Silica

What is Silica? Where is it found on construction sites? When does silica become hazardous?

What are the Health Effects of Silica? Silicosis Affects alveolar surface of lungs –Decreases elasticity –Prevents oxygen/CO 2 exchange Lung X-ray is required to diagnose silicosis Silica also contributes to tuberculosis, heart disease, and lung cancer

What Jobs Cause Exposure? Cutting concrete slabs Finishing and grinding on concrete Block and brick cutting Jack hammering on concrete Abrasive blasting

Control Silica Using Wet Methods Water suppression of dust is effective Minimal water use is required Planning for water supply is required

Using Ventilation to Control Dust Use when wet methods are not feasible Collect dust at the source Supplement with respirators Avoid contaminating co-workers

Asbestos

1. Surfacing Material

2. Thermal System Insulation (TSI)

3. Miscellaneous Photo: oldhouseweb.com

Health Effects of Exposure to Asbestos Asbestos exposure can cause: –Asbestosis –Mesothelioma –Lung Cancer –Other Illnesses/Cancers

FEDERAL ASBESTOS REGULATIONS (Occupational Exposures) 1. OSHA Asbestos in Construction Asbestos in General Industry 2. EPA Worker Protection Rule

Major Elements of OSHA’s Asbestos Standard 29 CFR (Construction) –Exposure monitoring Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.1 f/cc, 8 hour TWA Excursion Limit of 1.0 f/cc, 30 minutes –Employee training and education –Regulated areas

Major Elements of OSHA’s Asbestos Standard (cont.) –Defines 4 Classes of work activity Training for each class of work activity –Engineering and work practice controls –Protective equipment –Medical surveillance –Recordkeeping

MOLD

Mold Molds are microscopic organisms found everywhere. Some molds can cause adverse health effects.

How to Recognize Mold Sight—Usually appears as colored woolly mats Smell—Often produces a foul, musty, earthy smell

Hidden Mold in Buildings

How to Protect Yourself Avoid mold spores Use respiratory protection. Protect your skin

How to Protect Yourself (continued) Wear goggles Avoid getting mold or mold spores in your eyes.

Cleanup of Mold Disinfect hard, water resistant, non-porous surfaces Consider discarding water-damaged porous materials. After working with mold- contaminated materials, wash thoroughly, including the hair, scalp, and nails.

Regulation of Mold Cleanup No exposure limits No federal rules State and local rules may apply State/local certification may apply Specific contractual obligations may apply