methods of control

The job of the industrial hygiene engineer involves four major functions.These functions are:A. Anticipation of potential hazards, so these problem hazards can be avoided in the planning stage, i f possible.

B. Recognition of potential hazards in the work environment.C. Measurement of the work environment to determine the extent of thehazard present and the subsequent evaluation of the measurementsobtained to determine i f a hazard exists.D. Identification and recommendation of controls that can be implemented

a l l hazards can be controlledin some manner and to some degree.

thereare usually many alternate methods of control

some methods of control are better than others

some situations will require morethan one control method to obtain optimum results

-SubstitutionThe first general method of control available to the industrial hygieneengineer is substitution. Substitution can take three forms:A. Substitution of materials8. Substitution of processC. Substitution of equipment

"Is there a less toxic or flammable material that cando the job?

Common examples of material substitution include the use oftrichloroethylene for carbon tetrachloride and aliphatic chlorinatedhydrocarbons for benzene.

"Can the process be changed thus removing the hazard exposure?"

"Is there a better way to do the job?"

For example, when spray-painting a part, consider the possibility of changing to an alternative process such as dipping the part in a paint bath

automated material handling devices for manual or mechanicalmethods.

use of wet methods to reduce dust generation in mining andquarrying operations

Is there a better type of equipment to do the job?

substitution of automated equipment

Isolation of Source

removal of the worker to acontrol room that i s separate from the processing area.

Heat barriers and soundproof enclosures

-Administrative

worker trainingmonitoring the work area or theworker, scheduling workers into the area, good housekeeping, and preventivemaintenance scheduling to assure proper functioning of the existing controls

. Continuous monitoring

biological monitoring of workers

rotation of worker schedules

Good housekeeping

preventive ‘maintenance schedules

Personal Protective EquipmentPersonal protective equipment can be categorized as follows:. Eye protection--including safety glasses, goggles, face shields, . Respiratory protection--including air-purifying respirators,Skin protection--including gloves, suits, and aprons.hoods.Ear protection--including plugs and ear muffs.air-supplied respirators, and self-contained breathing units.Other protection--including safety shoes, diving suits, andenvironmental control suits.

be sure that the hazard has been identifiedcorrectly.

identify alternate methods for controlling the hazard

determine which alternative(s1 provide the best solution to the problem.

The best alternative should be selected

implement the control(s)

periodic follow-up