Environmental Safety Hazards 241

accumulation

The concentration or build-up of a substance or effect. Accumulation indicates a failure to recover.

acute exposures

Exposure that occurs suddenly or over a short period of time. Acute exposure occurs either once or a few times within a very short period.

aprons

A fluid-resistant or impermeable cover that shields the torso to the mid-calf. Aprons provide protection against exposure of the body to hazardous materials.

benzene

An organic chemical compound that is often used as a solvent. Benzene is hazardous.

biological hazards

Naturally occurring substances that may be harmful to employees. Biological hazards may include mold, human waste, or bloodborne pathogens.

bloodborne pathogens

Hazards carried by the blood. Employees may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens when another employee has an injury that results in bleeding.

cancer

Any type of the various malignant cells that surround and invade nearby tissue. Carcinogens in MWFs have been greatly reduced.

chemical hazards

Substances, mixtures of substances, or synthetic substances that are harmful to employees. Harmful chemicals may occur in the form of liquids, vapors, fibers, or dust.

chronic exposures

Exposure that occurs over a long period of time. Chronic exposure to even small amounts of a hazard can cause injury or illness over time.

coating

A finish used for protective and decorative purposes. Coatings like paint or varnish are applied to products in an industrial manufacturing setting as a component of the part creation process.

condensation

The liquid that has been converted from a vapor or gas. Condensation collects on cold surfaces when the air is humid.

dosage

The amount of exposure to a hazard. Higher levels of exposure usually cause greater harm.

duration

The length of time of exposure to a hazard. Breathing hazardous fumes for a few seconds is harmful, but breathing them for a few minutes may be deadly.

electromagnetic waves

Oscillating waves from magnetic fields. Electromagnetic waves are produced by the motion of electric charges such as electric current.

environment

The surroundings in a given place. The workplace environment consists of various components, including noise and air quality.

environmental components

The factors that make up an environment. In the workplace, these include noise, air quality, machine vibration, workstation height, and any materials contacting the employee.

environmental hazards

Components in the workplace environment that can cause injury, illness, or death. Some hazards cannot be avoided.

Environmental Protection Agency

EPA. The government agency responsible for administrating laws to control and reduce the pollution of air, water, and land systems. The EPA carries on federal research, monitoring, standard-setting, and enforcement activities to ensure environmental protection.

ergonomic hazards

Physical factors within the environment that harm the musculoskeletal system. Ergonomic hazards include uncomfortable workstation height and poor body positioning.

evaporation

The vaporization of liquid into the atmosphere. A carrier typically evaporates from a coating mixture upon application to a surface.

exposure limits

The maximum amount or concentration of a hazard that can be present or that a worker may experience without causing a health hazard. Exposure limits are tested using sophisticated collection and measuring equipment.

extremities

Any limbs of a human body. Extremities are often affected by vibration.

eye contact

Absorption by or direct physical touching of the eyes. Eye contact with liquid and gaseous forms of chemicals can damage a person's vision.

general duty clause

A statement contained within OSHA's standards that requires employers to furnish employment and places of employment which are free from recognized hazards to the health and safety of their employees. The general duty clause covers situations for which there is no specific standard.

gloves

Protective hand covers that reduce the risk of injury and exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Latex gloves protect broken, burned, and abraded skin from bacteria.

hazard communication

The means through which employers inform their employees about hazards in the workplace. Means should include training sessions and the usage of SDS.

hearing protection

A type of personal protective equipment specifically designed to prevent hearing damage. Earplugs are the most common form of hearing protection.

helmet

A protective head covering that shields an employee's head from falling debris and other types of hazards. A helmet may be required in environments where work is being done overhead.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

illness

Sickness or impairment that often affects a whole body or whole system, such as the lungs. Illnesses have many causes, including chemical exposure.

ingestion

To take into the body by means of swallowing or absorption. Chemical and biological hazards can be ingested when they settle on food, drinks, skin surfaces, or clothing.

inhalation

Breathing in an airborne substance. Inhalation is one of the most common forms of exposure.

injury

Localized damage or harm. Injuries can be caused by events, such as accidents or physical trauma from something like repetitive motion.

interact

The process by which two or more substances produce a new substance. When chemicals or medicines interact, they may become hazardous.

interactions

The reaction created when two or more substances are combined. Some interactions can cause substances to become hazardous.

jumpsuit

A protective, full-body covering to shield an employee from hazardous materials. A jumpsuit can be useful when welding in extreme situations.

latency

The time that elapses between the first exposure to the hazard and the moment when the injury or illness appears. Latency indicates hazardous materials after a length of time.

ligaments

The connective tissues between bones, cartilage, or joints. Ligaments can be damaged by a person who does not practice proper body alignment.

light waves

The pulsation in space that transmits light energy. Light waves are a type of radiation.

metalworking fluids

Fluids used to decrease friction and reduce the temperature of the metalworking process. Metalworking fluids are abbreviated as MWFs.

microwaves

A type of electromagnetic wave with a shorter than standard wavelength. A microwave can cause systemic illness.

mold

Any type of the various fungi that cause the disintegration of organic matter. Molds can threaten the health of a person.

molecules

The smallest unit into which a material can be divided without changing its properties. A molecule consists of a group of atoms held together by strong primary bonds.

musculoskeletal system

Muscles, joints, bones, and related structures of the body. The musculoskeletal system may be damaged by physical and ergonomic hazards.

natural elements

Pure substances, such as gold, oxygen, or mercury, that cannot be further broken down. The use, handling, and removal of toxic natural elements is regulated by OSHA.

nausea

A feeling of sickness related to the stomach or the urge to vomit. Nausea may result from breathing hazardous fumes.

NIOSH

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. A federal research agency tasked with researching and developing workplace health and safety recommendations. NIOSH has researched workplace hazards to determine exposure limits.

noise

Any unwanted sound. Noise at high decibels is a hearing hazard.

OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A government agency that enforces workplace health and safety regulations. OSHA sets the rules and requirements for hazard communication in the workplace.

particles

An extremely small piece or part. Particles are smaller than whiskers or fibers.

personal protective equipment

PPE. Safety devices that an employees wears or uses to prevent injury. PPE includes many different types of devices.

physical hazards

Conditions or factors within the environment that may harm the body. Vibration and noise are examples of potentially harmful physical hazards.

poor positioning

Awkward location of the body or body parts that leads to injury. Poor positioning may damage the musculoskeletal system.

pores

Small openings on the surface of a human's skin. Pores allow the skin to absorb nutrients as well as harmful substances.

positioning

The act of placing a machine tool or a workpiece in a certain location. Poor positioning may create ergonomic hazards.

radiation

Energy emitted in the form of particles or waves. Sources of radiation include sound, light, and electromagnetic waves.

rate of exposure

The amount and length of time of exposure to a hazardous condition or substance. The rate of exposure is the combination of dosage and duration.

reaction

The result of two or more substances coming together. Reactions might include a gas created by mixing two liquid chemicals or a breathing problem caused by inhaled fibers that become trapped in the lungs.

repetitive motion

Persistent and continual movement that can cause localized musculoskeletal injury or illness. Assembly line workers often perform tasks that require repetitive motion.

repetitive motion

Persistent and continual movement that can cause localized musculoskeletal injury. Assembly line workers often perform tasks that require repetitive motion.

respirator

A breathing device worn to prevent inhalation of hazardous substances. Respirators may purify air from the environment or supply air to the wearer.

respiratory disease

Any of various diseases that affect the human respiratory system including chronic bronchitis and lung cancer. Long-term inhalation of MWFs has shown to cause respiratory disease.

safety data sheet

SDS. Mandatory information that must accompany hazardous workplace chemicals. A safety data sheet includes details such as risks, precautions, and first aid procedures associated with the chemical.

safety glasses

Protective eyewear that shields the eyes from debris. Safety glasses are usually made of thick plastic.

sensitivity

More susceptible to a hazard due to an underlying condition. Sensitivity increases the harmfulness of a hazard.

skin contact

Touching a substance without barrier protection. Chemicals that contact the skin can be absorbed through the pores.

sound waves

The disturbance of matter by the movement of energy. Sound waves can damage hearing.

spraying

A coating application method that involves separating a liquid into fine particles to form a mist that is directed at the surface. Spraying is usually done using a spray gun.

sulfur dioxide

A poisonous gas or liquid that is colorless but has a strong odor. Sulfur dioxide is used in many industrial processes.

systemic

Affecting a specific area or set of organs within the body. Though systemic illnesses harm only one part of the body, such as the skin or blood vessels, they can affect the entire body.

toxic

Poisonous or harmful. Many substances are harmful when exposure occurs and then toxic when exposure is prolonged.

vibration

Rapid and repetitive back and forth movement. Vibration can be a physical hazard.

vibration

The fast, back-and-forth movement of an object. Vibration is a physical hazard.

waves

Undulations or vibrations of a form of energy. Waves include microwaves and radio waves.

X-rays

An electromagnetic wave used in radiographic testing of composites. X-rays are used to view the insides of solid objects.