4.5 Environmental Hazards
In addition to chemical and physical hazards, there are environmental (including biological) hazards that may be present. For the purposes of this HASP, the environmental hazards are comprised of extreme ambient temperatures, insects, spiders, rodents, snakes, poisonous plants, and sunburn.
4.5.1 Heat Stress/Heat Strain
Heat strain is of concern for worker safety during the summer months. Heat strain is caused by a number of interacting factors, including environmental conditions, clothing, PPE, workload, and individual characteristics. Heat stress can cause physical discomfort, loss of efficiency, or personal illness/injury.
Individuals vary in their susceptibility to heat strain. Factors that may predispose individuals to heat strain include:
· Lack of physical fitness and/or obesity
· Insufficient acclimation
· Age
· Dehydration
· Alcohol and/or drug use
· Infection
· Sunburn
· Diarrhea
· Chronic disease
· Medical conditions and/or the use of some medications, such as beta blockers for high blood pressure.
Reduced work tolerance and the increased risk of heat strain are directly influenced by the amount and type of PPE worn. PPE adds weight, bulk, reduces the body's capability for thermoregulation (i.e., evaporation, convection, and radiation), and increases energy expenditure.
4.5.1.1 Signs and Symptoms of Heat Strain
If the body's physiological processes fail to maintain a normal body temperature because of excessive heat, a number of physical reactions can occur - ranging from mild to fatal.
These physical reactions to excessive heat include:
· Heat rash is caused by continuous exposure to heat and humidity and aggravated by chafing clothes. Heat rash decreases the body's ability to tolerate heat in addition to being a nuisance.
· Heat cramps are caused by profuse perspiration with inadequate electrolytic fluid replacement. Heat cramps cause painful muscle spasms and pain in the extremities and abdomen.
· Heat exhaustion is caused by increased stress on various organs to meet increased demand to cool the body. Heat exhaustion causes shallow breathing; pale, cool, moist skin; profuse sweating; and dizziness.
· Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat strain. Heat stroke symptoms include hot, dry skin; no perspiration; nausea; dizziness; confusion; strong, rapid pulse; coma; and sometimes death. Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency. The affected person shall be cooled down rapidly and medical attention must be given immediately.
4.5.1.2 Heat Strain Prevention
The following practices will help prevent heat strain:
· Acclimatize workers to hot working conditions.
· Provide plenty of liquids to replace the body fluids lost by perspiration. Fluid intake should be forced because, under conditions of heat stress, the normal thirst mechanism is not adequate to bring about a voluntary replacement of lost fluids.
· Provide personal cooling devices.
· Conduct strenuous field operations in the early morning and provide shade when possible.
· Train personnel to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat strain, it's prevention, and treatment.
· Rotate personnel to various job duties and establish adequate work/rest cycles.
· Provide shade or shelter during rest periods.
4.5.1.3 Acclimatization
Physiologically adjusting or acclimatizing personnel to hot conditions is extremely important. NIOSH recommends a progressive 6-day acclimatization period for unacclimatized workers before allowing them to work at their full capacity. Under this regimen, the first day of work in hot temperatures is completed at only 50 percent of the anticipated workload and exposure time, and 10 percent is added each day through day six. Six days should be considered the average time needed for worker acclimatization due to each individual's physical condition and their ability to adjust to hot and humid environments. It is important to note that employees can lose their acclimatization in a matter of days during time off from work and cooler weather.
4.5.1.4 Physiological Monitoring
Adequate work/rest periods shall be implemented as necessary to prevent heat strain on personnel. At BOMARC employees will be allowed to self-regulate their activities after receiving proper training. If the CHP finds this to be ineffective, the following program will be implemented. The project will utilize physiological monitoring to aid in measuring each individual's response to heat stress when ambient temperatures exceed 78 degrees Fahrenheit ( F) and impermeable garments are worn. The two physiological parameters that each individual will monitor are:
· Heart Rate. Each individual will count their radial (wrist) pulse for 30 seconds as early as possible in the first rest period. If the heart rate of any individual exceeds 100 beats per minute at the beginning of the rest period, then the work cycle shall be decreased by one-third. The rest period will remain the same.
· Ear Temperature. Each individual will measure their ear temperature with a thermometer as early as possible in the first rest period. If the ear temperature exceeds 99.6 F at the beginning of the rest period, then the work cycle shall be decreased by one-third. The rest period will remain the same.
An individual is not permitted to return to work if their ear temperature exceeds 100.6 F. Physiological monitoring data will be recorded on the Employee Record for Heat Stress.
4.5.1.5 Training
Personnel (including subcontractor employees) who may be exposed to hot working environments shall be trained on the following:
· Employees
- Sources of heat stress, influence of protective clothing, and importance of acclimatization
- How the body handles heat
- Heat-related illnesses and their recognition (signs and symptoms)
- Preventive/corrective measures
- Individual factors, such as age, weight, gender, level of acclimatization, etc. that may predispose some workers to heat strain
- Medical conditions and use of prescription drugs, such as beta blockers that may modify a worker's ability to adapt physiologically to heat stress
- Physiological monitoring, record keeping of oral temperature/pulse, and establishment of work-rest regimes
- First-aid procedures.
· Supervisors
- Physiological monitoring, record keeping of oral temperature/pulse, and establishment of work-rest regimes
- First-aid procedures.
4.5.2 Cold Stress/Cold Strain
The adverse effects of cold weather is of concern at this project. While hypothermia should be recognized as a potential hazard and guarded against, frost-bite is of greater concern. Workplace monitoring (suitable thermometry) shall begin where the environmental temperatures is below 60.8 F. Both the dry bulb temperature and wind speed shall be measured every four hours when the air temperature falls below 30.2 F. Workplace monitoring is performed so that the ACGIH Cold Stress Standard (TLV) can be applied.
4.5.2.1 Signs and Symptoms
Control measures to prevent adverse physiological affects from cold weather should be implemented prior to the exhibition of any signs or symptoms.
Frostbite occurs when the extremities do not get sufficient heat from the central body stores. The fluids around the cells of the body tissues can freeze from exposure to low temperatures. This freezing can result in damage and loss of tissue. The most vulnerable areas for frostbite are the nose, cheeks, ears, fingers, and toes.
Skin and tissue damage from frostbite can result in scarring, tissue death, permanent loss of movement, or amputation.
There are three degrees of frostbite:
· First Degree - Freezing without blistering or peeling
· Second Degree - Freezing with blistering or peeling
· Third Degree - Freezing with skin tissue death and possible deeper tissue damage.
Symptoms of frostbite include:
· Skin color changes to white or grayish-yellow, to reddish-violet, and finally black as the tissue dies
· Coldness or numbness of the affected part
· Pain may be felt at first, but subsides.
Hypothermia, or a drop in body core temperature, is the another dangerous condition resulting from cold stress. Employees should be protected from exposure to cold so that their deep-core body temperature does not fall below 97.6 F. A lower body temperature can result in reduced mental alertness, reduction in rational decision-making, or loss of consciousness with the threat of fatal consequences. The symptoms of hypothermia are:
· First, uncontrollable shivering and the sensation of cold
· Heartbeat slows and may become irregular
· Pulse weakens and the blood pressure changes
· As the body's core temperature drops, other signs may include cool skin, slow irregular breathing, slurred speech, loss of coordination, and apparent exhaustion
· The victim may become listless, confused, exhibit severe shivering, or develop severe pain in the extremities
· The advanced/final signs of hypothermia are a significant drop in blood pressure, fatigue, shallow respiration, coma, and death.
4.5.2.2 Control Measures
When the ambient air temperature falls below 36°F, the following requirements shall apply:
· Effective wind chill temperatures shall be estimated by the CHP.
· If wind chill is a factor, the cooling effect of the wind shall be reduced by shielding the work area or providing employees an outer wind breaking layer of clothing.
· Extremities (i.e., fingers, ears, toes, and nose) shall be protected from extreme cold by protective clothing.
· Employees performing light work and whose clothing may become wet shall wear an outer layer of clothing that is impermeable to water.
· Employees performing moderate to heavy work and whose clothing may become wet shall wear an outer layer of clothing that is water repellent.
· Outer garments shall provide for ventilation to prevent wetting of inner clothing by sweat.
· If clothing is wet, the employee shall change into dry clothes before entering a cold environment.
· Workers shall change socks and removable felt insoles at regular daily intervals or use vapor barrier boots.
· Workers who become immersed in water or whose clothing becomes wet shall immediately be provided a change of clothing and be treated for hypothermia if necessary. If the clothing becomes wet from sweating, the employee may finish the task that caused the sweating before changing into dry clothes.
· Metal handles of tools and control bars may be covered by thermal insulating materials when temperatures fall below 30°F.
4.5.2.3 Cold Strain Treatment
Individuals or coworkers expressing the symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite shall notify the CHP or Construction Manager immediately. At the onset of cold related illness, activities must be halted and treatment initiated. Early detection and treatment of hypothermia or frostbite will prevent further serious illness or injury.
Frostbite can be alleviated by having the affected body parts gently warmed with room temperature water. Never rub frostbitten skin. Seek medical attention for all but the mildest cases of frostbite. In a hypothermic situation, the body must be warmed immediately to prevent severe injury or death - medical attention must be immediately obtained. To warm up the affected person's body:
· Bring affected person to a warm room
· Remove impermeable PPE and wet clothing
· Wrap person in warm coats
· Have them drink warm liquids, if conscious.
4.5.3 Ticks
Working in tall grass, especially in or at the edge of wooded areas, increases the potential for ticks to affect workers. Ticks are vectors of many different diseases including; rocky mountain spotted fever, Q fever, tularemia, Colorado tick fever, and lyme disease.
They attach to their host's skin and intravenously feed on its blood creating an opportunity for disease transmission. Covering exposed areas of the body and the use of commercially prepared tick repellent, such as N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET), help prevent tick bites. Please note that there are some concerns with the use of DEET on skin and associated potential adverse health affects. Periodically during the workday, employees working in tall grass will inspect themselves for the presence of ticks. If a tick is discovered, the following procedure should be used to remove it:
· Do not try to detach a tick with your bare fingers; bacteria from a crushed tick may be able to penetrate even unbroken skin. Fine-tipped tweezers should be used.
· Grip the tick as close to your skin as possible and gently pull it straight away from you until it releases its hold.
· Do not twist the tick as you pull and do not squeeze its bloated body. That may actually inject bacteria into your skin.
· Thoroughly wash your hands and the bite area with soap and water. Then apply an antiseptic to the bite area.
· Save the tick in a small container with the date, the body location of the bite, and where you think the tick came from.
· Notify the CHP of any tick bites as soon as possible.
Recently, Lyme disease has been the most prevalent type of disease transmitted by ticks in the United States.
4.5.4 Chiggers
Chiggers may be a problem when working in grassy areas at project locations. The application of DEET can help prevent bites from these insects. Please note that there are some concerns with the use of DEET on skin and associated potential adverse health affects. If a chigger bite is experienced, the bite should be washed with soap and water and then a commercial preparation of medication for chigger bites be applied. The clothes that were worn when the bite(s) occurred should be placed in a plastic bag for temporary storage until they can be laundered.
4.5.5 Rodents (Hanta Virus)
Potential exposure also exists for exposure to microbiological hazards such as viruses, bacteria, and molds. Personnel shall avoid disturbing small rodent nesting areas and shall keep eating and work areas free of food supplies that would attract mice. The Hanta virus can be carried by the liquid and solid excrement of field mice. Exposure occurs through inhalation of dusts associated with mice droppings. Personnel who enter buildings that show evidence of rodent droppings shall not stir up the dust without the use of Level C PPE. Buildings that show evidence of rodent droppings shall be disinfected with a 10 percent bleach solution (1 and 1/2 cups of household bleach per gallon of water) prior to performing work in them. To deactivate the virus, all potentially contaminated areas shall be thoroughly wetted with the disinfectant solution.
4.5.6 Poisonous Plants
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are identified by three or five leaves radiating from a stem. Poison ivy is in the form of a vine while oak and sumac are bush-like. All of these plants can produce a delayed allergic reaction. The plant tissues have an oleoresin, which is active in live, dead, and dried parts. The oleoresin may be carried through smoke, dust, contaminated articles, and the hair of animals. Symptoms usually occur 24 to 48 hours after exposure resulting in rashes that itch and blister. Should exposure to any of these plants occur, wash the affected area with a mild soap and water within one-half hour, but do not scrub the area. The best preventative measure for poisonous plants is recognition and avoidance.
4.5.7 Snakes
Venomous snakes are extremely rare in New Jersey. This section is provided as informational. The degree of toxicity resulting from snake bites depends on the potency of the venom, the amount of venom injected, and the size of the person bitten. Poisoning may occur from injection or absorption of venom through cuts or scratches.
The most effective way to prevent snakebites is to avoid snakes in the first place. Personnel should avoid walking at night or in high grass and underbrush. Visual inspection of work areas should be performed prior to activities taking place. The use of leather boots and long pants will be required, since more than half of all bites are on the lower part of the leg. No attempts at killing snakes should be made; many people are bitten in such an attempt. Personnel shall not put their hands in areas where they cannot be seen.
If someone is bitten by a potentially poisonous snake, the following treatment should be initiated:
· Keep patient calm.
· Notify emergency medical services.
· Wash the wound and keep the affected body part still.
· Apply direct pressure to site of bite if bleeding is extreme.
· Keep the affected area lower than the heart.
· Carry a victim who must be transported, or have him/her walk slowly.
· Transport to closest medical facility.
4.5.8 Flying Insects
Flying insects such as mosquitoes, wasps, hornets, and bees may be encountered while project activities occur. Personnel who are allergic to bee stings shall notify their supervisor and the CHP. Mosquito bites can be effectively prevented by the use of insect repellants containing DEET. Please note that there are some concerns with the use of DEET on skin and associated potential adverse health affects. Treatment for insect bites and bee stings can be effected by the use of commercially prepared ointments. Personnel who are allergic to bee stings shall notify the CHP prior to working on the project.
4.5.9 Spiders
Personnel shall be alert to the potential for spider bites. Spiders sometimes establish residence in stored clothing and PPE. It is advisable for personnel to inspect clothing and PPE for spiders prior to donning. Immediate reporting and medical evaluation is necessary if personnel suspect being bitten by the Brown Recluse spider. If a spider bite is sustained, personnel shall report it to the CHP.
4.5.10 Sunburn
Personnel working in direct sunlight are encouraged to apply sunscreen to all unprotected skin surfaces. The benefits of preventing sunburn and skin cancer are self evident.
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