Occupational Health & Industrial Hygiene Programs

Industrial Hygiene Program Introduction Industrial hygiene is defined as “a science and art devoted to anticipation, recognition, evaluation & control of those environmental factors or stresses arising in or from the workplace, which may cause sickness, impaired health and well-being, or significant discomfort among workers or among the citizens of the community.

Types of Environmental Factors (1) Stressor hazards - can cause sickness, impaired health, or significant discomfort. Comes from excessive airborne concentrations of mists, vapors, gases or solids that are in the form of dust or fumes. (2) Physical hazards - excessive levels of electromagnetic and ionizing radiation, noise, vibration, and extremes of temperatures and pressure. (3) Ergonomic hazards - improperly designed tools or work areas, improper lifting or reaching, poor visual conditions or repeated motions in an awkward position. (4) Biological hazards - includes insects, molds, fungi and bacterial contamination

Workplace Assessment The IH shall conduct a baseline survey. The baseline will include, as a minimum, the following information: (1) Description of operations within work area (e.g., welding, spray painting). Must carefully describe time course of events occurring within the workplace. (2) List of hazardous materials used, handled, stored or produced in the workplace in terms of quantity per unit time, including a brief description of how the materials are used. (3) List of potential harmful physical hazards (e.g., noise radiation) including a brief description of their sources.

Workplace Assessment (cont’d) (4) Brief description of existing controls (e.g., ventilation, personal protective equipment), and an evaluation of their use and effectiveness. (5) Number of personnel assigned to the operation or workplace and specific location.

Exposure Assessment Follows the workplace assessment Used to assess whether or not there is a potential for employee exposure to toxic chemicals or harmful physical agents IH Department shall make assessment Written record shall be maintained for each workplace where toxic chemicals or physical agents may be found (Provide information in IH survey)

Workplace Monitoring Plan Shall be prepared and implemented if the exposure assessment indicates workers are exposed to toxic chemicals and/or harmful physical agents. The plan must be developed jointly by the industrial hygienist, cognizant MTF and installation of unit safety manager.

Workplace Monitoring Plan (cont’d) Each workplace must be evaluated to identify potential hazards from toxic substances or harmful physical agents. Workplace monitoring shall be provided by the IH Department in accordance with OPNAVINST 5100.23E, MCO 5100.8F and NEHC -TM 6290.91-2 Rev. B. Permanent changes to workplace procedures or work location will require a new baseline survey including workplace monitoring of the operations completed by the IH Department.

Periodic Evaluation Workplaces with recognized potential health hazards shall be evaluated in accordance with OPNAVINST 5100.23 Section 0802 (g) “Reevaluation”, Appendix 8-B. Baseline surveys may indicate that the periodic evaluation may need to be performed more frequently Supervisors shall notify IH of any changes to procedures, location and/or materials/equipment that cause adverse effects to human health

Industrial Hygienist Responsibilities Provide comprehensive baseline and periodic workplace evaluations Provide technical direction of workplace monitoring programs Provide training and certification of workplace monitors Provide special assistance as requested by the activity commander (i.e., selection of PPE, review of engineering designs, member of process hazard analysis team) Industrial Hygiene Officers assigned to Marine Corps activities shall establish programs specific to their command and ensure that monitoring and exposure data is provided to the medical department, for entry into personnel records

Occupational Health Program Shall be based upon Industrial Hygiene recommendations. The installation or unit safety office shall ensure that effected Marines are entered in the appropriate Medical Surveillance Program