Igc 2 Element 8

Front 1

NOISE

Health effects of noise in the workplace
2
Safety effects of noise in the workplace
2

Back 1

Health effects:
1. NIHL (noise induced hearing loss) - Permanent loss of hearing as a result from repeated exposure to high levels of noise.

2. Tinnitus - Persistent ringing in the ears

Safety effects:
Inability to hear (verbal Instructions, alarms, and sirens)
Difficulty concentrating therefore more prone to make errors because of background noise.

Front 2

One off exposures to high levels of noise (4+ hours) can cause? TTS

Repeated exposure results in sensory hairs not regenerating due to irreparable damage called? PTS

Back 2

TTS= Temporary threshold shift
PTS= Permanent threshold shift

Front 3

Noise exposure control
3 types

Back 3

1. Reduce noise at the SOURCE
2. Interrupt the PATHWAY from source to receiver
3. Protect the RECEIVER (Acoustic haven and hearing protection)

Front 4

Lower exposure limit?
Upper exposure limit?

Back 4

L - 80dB (A)
U - 85dB (A)

Front 5

Engineering/Technical noise control specifically (ACRONYM)

Back 5

A.I.I.D.S

Absorption - Using absorbent material to line walls therefore minimising the REFLECTION of sound waves

Insulation (Pathway) - Enclosing the sound source e.g noisy generator in own building (sound proof)

Isolation (Pathway) - Minimising transmission of noise through VIBRATION (rubber mats or springs to interrupt pathway)

Damping (at source) - Noise from RESONANCE of parts therefore tighten parts or add absorbent mats between parts

Silencing (at source) - Suppressing noise from machine (Exhaust systems)

Front 6

2 types of hearing protection
2 advantages for both
2 disadvantages for both

Back 6

Ear defenders
Advantages:
-Easy to supervise and enforce use as visible
-Less chance of ear infections
Disadvantages:
-Uncomfortable if worn for long time
-Efficiency may be reduced by long hair, glasses, earrings

Ear plugs
Advantages:
-Cheap and easy to use
-Disposable
Disadvantages:
-Difficult to supervise/enforce use as they are hard to see
-Risk of infection if dirty/cross contaminated when inserted

Front 7

Noise health surveillance = Audiometry (this allows?)

Back 7

1. Identification of workers with:
-Pre existing hearing damage
-New hearing damage (which may be work related)

2. Removal/exclusion of such workers from high noise areas (protecting them from further hearing loss)

3. Investigation of noise controls to identify and rectify problems (protecting others in the same work area)

(All should be conducted by trained competent persons) Referral to medical practitioner in some cases.

*Health surveillance at the start of employment to establish a baseline and periodically after that fro identification of new damage*

Front 8

VIBRATION

Effects of exposure to vibration
2

Back 8

1. Hand arm vibration syndrome - Symptoms include:
-Vibration white finger
-Nerve damage (increased/decreased perception of heat and pain)
-Muscle weakening (Grip and dexterity reduction)
-Joint damage (Abnormal bone growth at joint)

2. Whole body vibration
-Significant vibration dose to body via buttocks/feet/legs
-Most significant effect = soft tissue damage of spine (intervertebral discs and vertigo)

Front 9

Vibration controls
3 types

Back 9

Reduce vibration at SOURCE
Interrupt PATHWAY from source to receiver
Limit DURATION of exposure of receiver

Eliminate the source - Completely remove vibration source (mechanising the use of tools ie. jack hammer mounted to excavator arm) or changing work methods (clamping rather than welding)

Substitute the source - Use a low vibration magnitude model of jack hammer for example.

Isolation of pathway - Separating vibrating parts from users hands using anti-vibration mounts (e.g mount chain saw chassis to handles absorbing vibrations)

Duration - Direct relationship between vibration dose and duration of exposure - half time = half dose. Therefore limit duration of work or change work schedule via job rotation.

Front 10

5 types of Ionising radiation?

Health effects - 2 acute, 2 chronic?

Controls for ionising radiation - 3 types?

Back 10

1. Alpha particles
2. Beta particles
3. X-rays
4. Gamma rays
5. Neutrons

Health effects:
Acute - Hair loss / radiation sickness - nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
Chronic - Cancer / Genetic mutations

Controls:

Time - Minimise duration of exposure (half time = half dose)

Distance - Alpha/Beta short distance (paper)
X-rays and gamma, double distance = quarter radiation (inverse square law)

Shielding - Relatively thin shields for alpha/beta. Thick (lead) for x-rays and gamma

Front 11

5 types of non-ionising radiation

Health effects 4

Controls 4

Back 11

1. Ultra violet (UV)
2. Visible light
3. Infra-red (IR)
4. Microwaves
5. Radio waves

Health effects from non-ionising radiation:

Sunburn
Increased risk of skin cancer
Permanent eye damage from laser (Very intense visible light)
Internal organ damage from microwaves

Controls:

Cover exposed skin (UV)
Protect eyes (UV)
Maintain safe distance (Micro waves/radio waves)
Isolate (disconnect power) + Interlocking guards

Front 12

STRESS

Causes of stress:

Back 12

1. DEMANDS - Excessive workload, deadlines and working hours/work patterns (e.g changing shift patterns) Also nature of the job - Some jobs inherently difficult e.g air traffic controller

2. SUPPORT - Lack of support in terms of information, instruction and training and having no one to turn to (manager) when pressure increases.

3. RELATIONSHIPS - Poor workplace relationships e.g bullying/harassment (manager, peers, subordinates)

4. CHANGE - Threat change to process (e.g demotion) or change to whole organisation (redundancies) creates huge anxiety and insecurities

5. PERSONAL ISSUES - Non-work related (bereavement, separation, family illness)

Front 13

Effects of stress = 3 types + 1 example

Controls for:
-Demands
-Support
-Relationships
-Change
-Personal issues

Back 13

1. Psychological = Anxiety
2. Physical = Sweating
3. Behavioural = Sleeplessness

Demands:
-No excessive demands
-Reasonable deadlines
-Consult with worker

Support:
-Provide adequate ITIS
-Ensure availability of advice/support (usually management)

Relationships:
-Zero tolerance policy on bullying/harassment
-Strict disciplinary procedures and team building exercise

Change:
-Minimise change if possible
-Manage ‘rate of change’ if needed
-Advance warning/communication of change

Personal issues:
-Counselling (in confidence)
-Special time off considerations for family bereavement