Assessment hazard

After hazard identification, hazard characterisation is undertaken, and this is normally based on dose-response relationships in the range of toxicological studies summarized in Section 2.5.1. It is assumed that a threshold dose for response can be identified, where the NOEL is the highest dose that causes no (adverse) detectable effect in the most sensitive animal species or strain. Other approaches have been used, however, such as determination of a benchmark 

A final step in hazard characterization leading to setting the ADI is for the regulatory authority to reflect on the significance and applicability of those responses revealed in high-dose-rate toxicology studies to the circumstance of 

TABLE 2.14 FDA Tolerance Levels for Some AMD Residues in Edible Animal Meat Products and EU MRL USA Tolerance 

Compound Animal Species, USA Tolerance, USA (p.g/kg) Ratio EU MRL USA Tolerance 

Sulfonamide group Bovine, porcine, poultry 100 (M, L. K, F) 1 1 aU tissues 

Hazard assessment and seiection of personai protective equipment 

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT A PRACTICAL APPROACH 

Types Toe protection Metatarsal protection Puncture resistant Electrical insulation Other (explain)  

I certify that the above inspection was performed to the best of my knowledge and ability, 

When employees must be present and engineering or administrative controls are not feasible, it will be essential to use PPE as an interim control and not as a final solution. For example, safety glasses may be required in the work area. Too often PPE nsage is considered the last thing to do in the scheme of hazard control. PPE can provide added protection to the employee even when the hazard is being controlled by other means. The drawbacks to the use of PPE are 

In order to identify possible workplace hazards and to take remedial action a 

Systematic identification of working areas and workplaces to be assessed. 

Collection of information about the workplaces, tasks to be performed, work equipment and processes, matoials and chemical substances involved, assigned persoimel. 

Identification of the hazards at the workplaces with regard to the tasks to be performed. 

Assessment of the potential hazards in order to eliminate or mitigate them. 

Indicators of toxicity hazards include LD50, LC50, plus a wide range of in vitro and in vivo techniques for assessment of skin and eye irritation, skin sensitization, mutagenicity, acute and chronic dermal and inhalation toxicity, reproductive toxicology, carcinogenicity etc. 

The LD50 is the statistically derived single dosage of a substance that can he expected to cause death in 50% of the sample population. It is therefore an indicator of acute toxicity, usually determined hy ingestion using rats or mice, although other animals may he used. LD50 is also determined hy other routes, e.g. by skin absorption in rabbits. The values are affected by species, sex, age, etc. 

The LC50 is the lethal concentration of chemical (e.g. in air or water) that will cause the death of 50% of the sample population. This is most appropriate as an indicator of the acute toxicity of chemicals in air breathed (or in water, for aquatic organisms). Table 5.11 illustrates the use of LD50 values to rank the toxicity of substances. 

Toxicity rating Commonly used term LDso Single oral dose for rats (g/kg) 4hr Vapour exposure causing 2 to 4 deaths in 6-rat group (ppm) LDso Skin for rabbits (g/kg) Probable lethal dose for humans 

Hygiene standards are employed as indicators of risk to man from inhalation of toxic or nuisance chemicals at work. 

The first step in determining what type of PPE workers need is to conduct a hazard assessment at the workplace. This is carried out by doing a walk through the work area and observing every operation in terms of the hazards it presents. Where each hazard is identified, some type of control needs to be put in place. Most times, this means PPE is necessary. 

This section is designed to provide gnidance on the use of PPE most commonly used for protection of the head, including eyes, ears, and the torso, arms, hands, and feet. This is intended to be guidance toward developing a policy and procedure for use of PPE. It should be noted that only some information may be applicable to all corporations and this guidance is based on industrial application. 

Personal Protective Equipment Includes devices and clothing designed to be worn or used for the protection or safety of an individual while in potentially hazardous areas or performing potentially hazardous operations. 

Personal protective eqnipment shonld not be used as a substitute for engineering controls or work practices. It shonld be used in conjunction with these controls to provide for employee safety and health in the workplace. The basic element of any management program for PPE should be an in depth evaluation of the equipment needed to protect against the hazards at the work place. Management should use that evaluation to set a standard operating procedure for personnel, then train employees on the protective limitations of personal protective equipment, and its proper nse and maintenance. 

Employers are reqnired to assess the workplace to determine whether hazards that reqnire the use of PPE are present or are likely to be present. If hazards or the likelihood of hazards are fonnd, the employer should select PPE suitable for protection from existing hazards. 

Recent regulatory requirements make hazard analysis part of the PPE selection process. Hazard analysis procedures should be used to assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which may necessitate the use of PPE. As part of this assessment, the employees work environment is to be examined for potential hazards whieh are likely to present a danger to any part of their bodies. If it is not possible to eliminate workers exposure or potential exposure to the hazard through the efforts of engineering controls, work practices, and administrative controls then the proper personal protective equipment will need 

The data required for the risk assessment in relation to human health can be categorized as data on the identity of the substance, its physico-chemical and toxicological properties, and on exposure. The minimum data set required for a risk assessment depends on the chemical use category (industrial chemical, pesticide, biocide, food additive, food contact material, etc.), the regulation involved, and the goal of the risk assessment. This chapter will focus on the data used in the hazard assessment. 

According to the OECD/IPCS definitions listed in Annex 1 (OECD 2003) 

Hazard is The inherent property of an agent or situation having the potential to cause adverse effects when an organism, system or (sub) population is exposed to that agent.  

This chapter will describe the various types of data used in the hazard assessment process, including human data, data from laboratory animal studies, data from in vitro studies, and nontesting data that can be deducted from the physico-chemical structure of the substance. 

The toxicity of chemicals to humans is frequently determined by extrapolation of data derived from toxicity studies on animals. The term toxicity is a general one with many endpoints. For example, a chemical is considered acutely toxic if short exposure to the chemical causes immediate adverse effects, whereas chronic toxicity results from prolonged exposure (perhaps even decades) to typically low levels of the chemical. A chemical may be toxic by one route of 

Separate from the acute toxicity endpoints described above, one must be concerned about the long-term effects of exposure to chemicals. Chronic toxicity is particularly insidious because effects may not be felt by the individual(s) for years (or even decades) before serious effects such as cancer become apparent, which may by then be too late to treat. Cancer can result from many sources, cigarette smoking and genetic disorders being notable examples, but the public is also very concerned about cancer and other serious health effects which may result from exposure to synthetic chemicals. Repeated or continuous exposure to low levels of chemicals over an extended period ( chronic exposure ) is of primary concern and therefore a focus of the EPA under the TSCA. 

All of these tests suffer from deficiencies because they reflect toxic properties to animals, not humans, and this extrapolation will not always be accurate. For example, a toxic dose in an animal may not cause harm in humans, or a safe dose in animals may cause extensive harm in humans. In addition to these deficiencies, this approach involves harming and even destroying animals, which is becoming increasingly objectionable in the US and Europe. Replacement of animal testing by structure-activity relationships (SAR) or read-across methods (a term used in the European Union (EU)) or by computer modeling, often offers a reliable substitute for testing. 

Read-across (or SAR) can be readily understood by visualising a grid with chemical substances along one axis and toxic endpoints the other. If the chemicals are structurally related by virtue of all having acrylate groups—methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, isopropyl acrylate, and n-butyl acrylate—the second axis would include acute oral and dermal toxicity, reproductive toxicity, genotoxicity, and aquatic toxicity. If two or three of the structurally related chemicals have the same toxicity profile, then one could extrapolate these results 

Computer modeling is widely used in EPA s TSCA Sustainable Futures Program. EPA scientists have developed several computer programs to evaluate potential risks associated with new chemicals under TSCA Section 5 PMN review for which adequate data are not provided in the submission. These programs can estimate hazard and exposure 

Drill rigs—complex equipment that must work properly. 120 

Original content is the copyrighted property of J. J. Keller Associates, Inc. 

Fall protection (harness, lanyards, retractable lifelines). 45 

Authorization letter for the release of employee medical record information. 9 

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On the basis of these differences in species response it was concluded that phthalates do not pose a significant health hazard to humans. This view is home out by the EU Commission decision of July 25, 1990 which states that DEHP shall not be classified or labeled as a carcinogenic or an irritant substance (42). This has been reaffirmed in a comprehensive review (43) which concludes that "peroxisome proliferators constitute a discrete class of nongenotoxic rodent hepatocarcinogens and that the relevance of thek hepatocarcinogenic effects for human hazard assessment is considered to be negligible."... 

G. Cla57ton and F. Cla57ton, eds., Patty s Industrial Hygiene andToxicology, 3rd ed., Vol. 2A, John Wdey Sons, Inc., New York, 1981, pp. 2089—2091. "Aryl Sulfonic Acids and Salts," Information Profiles on Potential Occupational Hayards, Vol. II, Chemical Classes, Center for Chemical Hazard Assessment, Syracuse Research Corp., U.S. Dept, of Commerce, Washington, D.C., 1979. 

Structure— Function Relationships. Since PCBs and related HAHs are found in the environment as complex mixtures of isomers and congeners, any meaninghil risk and hazard assessment of these mixtures must consider the quaUtative and quantitative stmcture—function relationships. Several studies have investigated the stmcture—activity relationships for PCBs that exhibit 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin [1746-01-6] (1)... 

Industrial hygiene potential hazards identified, baseline monitoring needs fulfilled, any special equipment obtained, PPE hazards assessments in progress... 

Are there procedures for performing PPE hazard assessments, specifying PPE and training employees on required PPE ... 

Manual of Industrial Hazard Assessment Techniques, The World Bank, October 1985. 

Richardson, M.L. (ed). (1986) Toxic Hazard Assessment of Chemicals, The Royal Society of Chemistry, London. 

A pesticide manufacturing plant should prepare a hazard assessment and operability study and also prepare and implement an emergency preparedness and response plan that takes into account neighboring land use and the potential consequences of an emergency. Measures to avoid the release of harmful substances should be incorporated in the design, operation, maintenance, and management of the plant. Implementation of cleaner production processes and pollution prevention measures can yield both economic and environmental benefits. 

MESOCHEM Chemical Atmospheric and Hazard Assessment System Impell Corporation Becky Cropper 300 Tristate Internat l Suite 400 Lincolnshire, IL 60069 (312) 940-2090 Software for atmospheric dispersion and chemical exposure assessment. A plume dispersion model. 

Risk analysis A methodical examination of a process plant and procedure that identifies hazards, assesses risks, and proposes measures that will reduce risks to an acceptable level. 

A number of vendors offer software based hazard assessment tools that help determine the magnitude of the hazards involved. With this software, calculations can be made to reflect the hazard for various failures. Some risk ranking software combines hazard assessment with probabilities of occurrence so that the relative risk levels can be assessed. 

The what if/checklist is a broadly based hazard assessment technique that combines the creative thinking of a selected team of specialists with the methodical focus of a prepared checklist. The result is a comprehensive hazard analysis that is useful in training operating personnel on the hazards of the particular operation. 

From these answers, a listing of reeommendations is developed speeify-ing the need for additional aetion or study. The reeommendations, along with the list of questions and answers, beeome the key elements of the hazard assessment report. 

Keep in mind that you should be familiar with the type of work that you will be doing before you do it. However, try as you might, the unexpeeted ean and often does oeeur. Therefore, as soon as the unex-peeted oeeurs, you must reaet. The reaetion should inelude a hazard assessment of the unexpeeted work aetivity. One effeetive way to do this is through a job hazard analysis. Note JHAs were diseussed in detail in Chapter 4. 

Before work aetivity begins, all employees required to partieipate in a medieal surveillanee program for hazardous waste aetivities should undergo a baseline medieal examination (a physieal exam). This exam should be based on speeifie hazards identified during the preliminary hazard assessment. Periodie follow-up exams are required at the disere-tion of the attending physieian. Typieally, these follow-ups are eompleted annually, however, they ean be adjusted to more often or less often dependent on the exposure [1]. 

The use of proper PPE is an integral part of many jobs when dealing with hazardous waste. OSHA standard 1910.132 of 1998 requires an assessment be eondueted to determine the appropriate PPE for eyes, faee, head, and extremities whenever hazards eneountered are eapable of eausing injury or impairment in the funetion of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation, or physieal eontaet. Aeeording to the PPE standard, it is the employer s responsibility to determine if hazards are present (or likely to be present). If the employer determines that hazards are present, the employer should ehoose the types of PPE that will proteet affeeted employees from the hazards identified in the hazard assessment [1]. 

The new standard amended 29 Code of Eederal Regulations (CER) to include general requirements (29 CER 1910.132), eye and face protection (29 CER 1910.133), head protection (29 CER 1910.135), and foot protection (29 CER 1910.136). A new regulation (29 CER 1910.138) applied to hand protection. These changes are significant because they mandated employers to conduct a hazard assessment of the workplace to decide if hazards in the operation required the use of PPE. 

Employers should provide a written verification that a hazard assessment has been completed. According to the preamble, benefits will be gained through selecting more appropriate PPE, increased awareness of hazards and improved consistency in use. ... 

A hazard assessment should be conducted to identify hazards present that would require the use of PPE. 

Appendix B of the standard outlines a nonmandatory compliance section regarding hazard assessment and PPE selection. This Appendix outlines general guidelines for identifying, organizing, and analyzing sources of hazards and selection criteria for the appropriate PPE. 

Appendix B further describes suggested steps that employers can take when conducting a hazard assessment. According to the Appendix, a survey should include observations of employees and their relation to injury or illness that can occur from work areas where eye, face, head, foot, or hand protection may be necessary to prevent injury from any of the following hazard sources ... 

After the hazard assessment has been conducted and the data has been collected, it should be organized in a logical outline that will estimate the potential for employee injury The organized data will help to decide the type of hazard(s) involved, the level of risk, and the seriousness of potential injury The appropriate levels of PPE are then selected based on the hazard determination and the availability of PPE. The user should be properly fitted for the specified PPE, and the employer should make sure that it is comfortable to wear. Hazard reassessments should be conducted as necessary based on the introduction of new or revised processes, equipment, and accident experience, to ensure the continued suitability of selection of the proper PPE. 

OSHA does not specify how the survey data is to be organized or analyzed. Employers should be able to verify that they have conducted an appropriate hazard assessment to identify the level of PPE required to protect the employee from any recognized hazards. The key here is recognized hazards. 

A certification document should be developed outlining that the workplace has been evaluated for hazards. It should specify the workplace or areas surveyed and should include the name of the person certifying the evaluation. The contents of a hazard assessment cannot be verified without documentation. Without documentation, the certification could be worthless. So to play it safe, some form of a written certification of the hazard assessment should be retained. 

There is no mention that a prior hazard assessment will be acceptable. It is only common sense that OSHA would not expect employers with a previously documented hazard assessment program that meets the new requirements to perform another assessment. Yet there is no way of knowing if this will be acceptable. Employers should use good judgment on what is an effective hazard assessment. Bear in mind, hazard assessment should incorporate any applicable American National Standards... 

One major ehange in the standard is the requirement of a hazard-assessment proeedure as outlined in 29 CER 1910.132 (d). This requirement is meant to ensure that employers make themselves aware of hazards in their work environment. After analyzing hazards and deeid-ing that engineering eontrols and management praetiees are not feasible to proteet employees, the employer should seleet and ensure that eaeh aflfeeted employee uses the proper types of PPE appropriate for the identified hazard. 

Amendments to the Clean Air Act require employer-employees consultation to develop and implement PSM program elements and hazard assessments. Section 304 requires employee training and education on the findings of PSM incident investigations. 

A checklist analysis (CCPS, 1992) verifies the status of a system. It is versatile, easy and applicable at any life-cycle stage of a process. It is primarily used to show compliance with standards and practices by cost-effectively identifying hazards, chlorine Tar> <- liccklists provide commonality for management K.-, icw of hazard assessments. It may be used for controlling a proces.s from development to decommissioning. Approvals by appropriate authorities Cl i( V each stage of a project. 

This directory contains the USEPA Pesticide and Industrial Chemical Risk Analysis and Hazard Assessment system. Documentation for PIRANHA is contained in a MANUALS subdirectory enter PIRANHA C where C is a hard disk to receive the output files to run the sy stem. For efficient operation of PIRANHA, transfer the files from the CD-ROM to your hard disk, (it requires 28 MB). Data files are accessed from the CD-ROM when running PIRANHA. 

Confidence limits for the conclusions cannot be expressed simply because of the complexity of hazard assessments. The estimation of uncertainties is itself a process subject to professional judgment. However, the team s estimates of probability are believed to be realistic, but may be pessimistic by a factor of perhaps two or three, but less than a factor of ten. Uncertainties also exist... 

A. C. Barrel , Hazard Assessment Workshop, Atomic Energy Authority, Harwell, UK, 1984. 

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