Feb. Safety Talk: Health Hazards
Company workers face many different hazards every day. Including health hazards such as asbestos, lead, silica, and gases, like hydrogen sulfide or carbon monoxide. Recognizing those hazards starts with knowing about them.
In the early 1970s, government agencies like OSHA and the EPA were created to limit exposure to asbestos and other toxic pollutants. The Clean Air Act of 1973 outlawed most spray-applied asbestos products, but they were still being used for many years afterwards. Today, asbestos is most commonly
found in buildings that have not been renovated since 1980. Floor & ceiling tiles, roofing materials, cement piping, insulation (building & pipe) and many other materials manufactured before the early 70’s are likely to contain asbestos.
Lead was used in just about all paint before its hazards were identified and then banned for household use in 1978. Similar to asbestos, houses, buildings & other structures that haven’t been remodeled or updated since 1978 would be the most likely to contain this hazard. Do not disturb (scrape, burn, grind, etc.) old paint until it’s been checked for lead, as it could become an airborne hazard.
Silica is the second most common mineral in the Earth’s crust and because of this, silica dust can be found in a variety of things. The most common occurrence of silica dust is when cutting or mixing concrete. Be especially aware of this hazard when working in an enclosed area. If you’re doing work of any kind that makes dust, contact Safety to discuss silica precautions.
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and Carbon monoxide (CO) are both colorless gasses that can be extremely dangerous. H2S is extremely flammable and has a “rotten-egg” smell. H2S is produced by decomposition (landfills, sewers, etc.) or the production of petroleum-based fuels (gas wells, refineries, etc.). CO is produced by the burning of fuels such as gasoline, diesel, wood, natural gas, etc. Common sources of CO are gas/diesel powered tools and vehicles. Both gases are more hazardous when introduced in an enclosed area without proper ventilation.
All of these hazards have appropriate precautions that can be taken. However, they cannot be mitigated if they aren’t recognized. Knowing their common locations and producers is a way to keep yourself and your coworkers safe.
CLICK HERE to download the optional Safety Talk form for your workplace.
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