Ill-health effects

Whilst the causative agent(s) have not been established it is thought to be multifunctional and possibilities include physical factors (humidity, temperature, lighting), static electricity, electromagnetic radiation, air ion concentrations, fungi, noise, psychological stress, and chemicals. Chemicals which are not those involved in the normal work processes can become trapped within the building, albeit at concentrations below those known to cause ill-health effects, if ... 

Hydrocarbon based solvents have a valuable role in many industrial processes. However, a well-known hazard of many hydrocarbon solvents is their flammability, but they can also have damaging effects on the environment and harm human health. Emphasis is placed on the latter. Some of the ill health effects are described together with how solvents users can get information on these the UK approach to control, including the role of occupational exposure limits a comparison of UK limits with those in other EU Member States and finally a new approach taken by the UK Health Safety Executive to help companies control health risks. 6 refs. 

TLV Threshold fimit value, estimated exposure value, below which no ill health effects should occur to the individual. 

Using chemicals and other hazardous substances at work can put peoples health at risk. So the law requires employers to control exposure to hazardous substances to prevent ill health. Effects from hazardous substances include ... 

Because of its property to resist corrosion, lead has many uses in industry and domestic life. However, it also has an ill-health effect on individuals so statutory controls on its use at work have been implemented through the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 in which ... 

It is required when there appears to be a reasonable chance that ill-health effects are occurring in a particular workplace as a result of reviewing sickness records or when a substance listed in Schedule 6 under Regulation 11 of the COSHH Regulations is being used. Schedule 6 lists the substances and the processes in which they are used. There are a limited number of such substances. The health surveillance includes medical surveillance by an employment medical adviser or appointed doctor at intervals not exceeding 12 months. Records of the health surveillance must contain approved particulars and be kept for 40 years. The need for health surveillance is not that common and further advice on the necessary procedures is available from the Employment Advisory Medical Advisory Service. 

The common ill-health effects of ergonomic hazards are musculoskeletal disorders (back injuries, covered in Chapter 13, and work-related upper limb disorders including repetitive strain injury being the main disorders) and deteriorating eyesight. 

WBV is caused by vibrations from machinery passing into the body either through the feet of standing workers or the buttocks of sitting workers. The most common ill-health effect is severe back pain which in severe cases may result in permanent injury. Other acute effects include reduced visual and manual control, increased heart rate and blood pressure. Chronic or long-term... 

Preventative and precautionary measures The control strategy outlined in Chapter 6 can certainly be applied to ergonomic risks. The common measures used to control ergonomic ill-health effects are ... 

Prepare notes for a briefing session ( toolbox talk ) on the prevention of ill-health effects form the use of hand-held vibrating equipment. 

The aim of devising effective emergency procedures is to ensure that the occupants of a building are never exposed to fire effluent or heat or that, if they are, any such exposure does not significantly impede or prevent their escape and does not result in people experiencing or developing serious ill-health effects. 

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