Topic 4 :

Chemical hazard &

Biological hazard
Topic Learning outcomes :
1. Describe the definition of chemical and biological hazard.
2. Explains the chemical and biological hazard control and prevent strategies.
3. Explains the Indoor Air quality issue.
 Topic Content :

• 4.1 Chemical hazard definition

• 4.2 Identifying ,assessing and control chemical
hazard in industries
• 4.3 Indoor Air Quality
• 4.4 Biological hazard definition
• 4.5 Biological hazard control and prevention
strategies
 4.1 Chemical hazard Definition
• A chemical hazard is a chemical that because of its
characteristics and effects may cause harm to an individual.
• Level of harm is impacted by ;
 amount of chemical
 time frame the exposure occurs
 how the exposure occur (route of entry)
 characteristic of the individual
• Typical chemical hazard includes mists, vapors, gases, dusts
and fumes.
 4.1 Chemical hazard Definition
• Routes of entry point of toxic chemical;
• Once a chemical reaches the lower levels of the lungs, it
Inhalation can pass into the bloodstream and travel to a target organ
where it will exert its effect

• Chemical can be absorbed directly through the skin

Skin and into the bloodstream
absorption

• Not a major concern in an industrial setting is entry

Ingestion through the mouth, but may occur if house keeping
and personal hygiene practices are not adhered.

• Is a route of entry for some chemicals, particularly

Injection drugs, where the use of needles is common in
product handling, dispensing or delivery.
 4.1 Chemical hazard Definition
• Time frame the exposure occur;

Acute • An exposure to a substance over a brief period of time

(usually 24 hours) that has an immediate or delayed
exposure impact on the exposed person.

• An exposure to a substance that occurs over a long

Chronic period of time, which allow to accumulate and cause
exposure toxic effects in the body.

• Types of hazardous Chemical.pdf

 4.2 Identifying, assessing and control chemical hazard in
industries
• How to identify and assess chemical hazards :
List tasks that the worker performs and environmental factors where the
Step 1 worker is located

Identify and list the chemicals to which the worker may be exposed
Step 2

Identify the potential for exposure to chemical substances through the

Step 3 various routes of entry

Assess the hazard, evaluate potential exposure and determine the risk for
Step 4 exposure

Identify appropriate controls following the hierarchy of controls

Step 5
 4.2 Identifying, assessing and control chemical hazard in
industries
Identify and list the chemicals to which the worker may be exposed
Step 2

Identify the potential for exposure to chemical substances through the

Step 3 various routes of entry

How to implement Step 2 and Step 3:

 Ensure the labels of incoming containers of hazardous chemicals are not
removed or defaced.
 Retain MSDS/CSDS on Incoming hazardous chemical.
 What is MSDS/CSDS?

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)/ Chemical Safety Data Sheet (CSDS)
contains precautions for handling and using harmful substances and
includes information such as health hazards, fire and explosion hazards,
physical characteristics, hazardous ingredients, PPE and spill procedures.
4.2 Identifying, assessing and control chemical hazard in
industries

Example of MSDS
 4.3 Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
 IAQ problem arise in non- industrial buildings (enclosed
work space that is served by a ventilating and air
conditioning system where there are person at work).
 IAQ and mechanical ventilating and air conditioning system
(MVAC) are closely related.
 Often cause of poor IAQ can be slipshod maintenance
such as failure to keep fans, ductwork and filters clean,
particle and gases release by equipment, carpet, paints ,
solvent etc.
 “Sick-building syndrome”- A combination of ailments
(syndrome) associated with an individual’s place of work
(office building).
 Symptom of sick- building syndrome ; building occupants
complain of symptoms such as irritation of the eyes, nose,
throat, skin irritation.
 4.4 Biological Hazard Definition
• Organisms or products of organisms that present a health hazard to humans.
• The most common biological hazards include :
a) Bacteria – microscopic organisms that live in soil, water, organic matter or
the bodies of plants and animals.
b) Viruses – a group of pathogens that consist mostly of nucleic acids and
that lack cellular structure.
c) Fungi – any of a major group of lower plants that lack chlorophyll and live
on dead or other living organisms.
• Examples of different types of biological hazards :
a) Bacteria – Escherichia coli (E.Coli), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB)
b) Viruses – Influenza, SARS, cold
c) Fungi – yeast, athlete's foot
• Other concerns from the environment may include:
a) Insect stings/ bites
b) Allergic reactions e.g. peanuts, bee stings
c) Poisonous plants. Animal.
 4.4 Biological Hazard Definition
How Biological hazard enter the body :

• Unlike chemical inhalation, we don't know that we have

Inhalation inhaled a bacteria, virus. It is only when we get symptoms
of the infection

• A biohazard can enter the bloodstream through broken

Absorption skin, such as chapped skin, hangnail or any other break in
the skin.

Ingestion • Poor hand washing is one of the most common ways that
biological hazards can be transmitted.

• When something sharp punctures the skin, a biohazard

Injection can enter the body
 4.4 Biological Hazard Definition
Examples of occupations which is exposed to Biological hazard :
4.5 Biological hazard control and prevention strategies
Three approaches to control biological hazard :
Where reasonably practicable,
employer must be use engineering
controls
Employer must use administrative
controls that control exposure to the
hazard to a level as low as reasonably
achievable
Employer must ensure that appropriate
personal protective equipment is used
Employer may use a combination of
above mentioned approaches.
•Ventilation systems and seals to
create negative pressure room.
•Bio-safety hoods
•Disposal containers
•Worker training,
•Policies (regular hand washing)
•Specific work schedule to limited
the times of exposures
•Most common PPE are; latex
gloves, proper mask and eye
protection.
 Chemical safety and handling procedure:
1. LABELS: Ensure the bottle has the correct product in it and correctly
labeled. Do not use un labelled chemicals. Replace any labels, which are
damaged or illegible.
2. CORRECT USE OF CHEMICALS: Always use chemicals as per the
instructions on the label, product information sheets, Wall charts and on the
Material Safety Data Sheet.
3. READ THE MSDS BEFORE YOU USE ANY CHEMICALS: Not all the
information you need is on the label. It is your responsibility to always know
where the chemical register is kept.
4. CHEMICALS – SAFE HANDLING: Do not mix chemicals, (It’s hazardous and
can be counter productive). Do not “Top Up”, (It’s hazardous and can lead to
cross contamination). Always use a clean empty container. Do not overdose.
5. RETURN CHEMICALS AFTER USE: When finished with chemicals, wipe
down the bottle and store away safely in chemical cupboard.
6. ALWAYS WEAR APPROPRIATE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: i.e. Aprons,
Gloves, Goggles or Glasses, Safety Footwear, Masks, etc (As per the MSDS).
 Chemical safety and handling procedure:
7. REPORT ALL SPILLS, ACCIDENTS & ILL EFFECTS: Ensure Spill Kits are
available and easily accessible. Remove spills as per MSDS directions. If
unable to contain spills safely activate code YELLOW.
8. FIRST AID KIT: First Aid Kits should be easily accessible
9. NEVER STACK CHEMICALS MORE THAN 2 DRUMS HIGH: Stacking
Chemical drums and boxes more than 2 high is unsafe and may fall causing
damage. It is advisable to store powders above liquids.
10. IF IN DOUBT THROW IT OUT: If you are not sure of a product, label, etc.
Do not use it, notify your supervisor so it can be disposed of properly.
11. OBSERVE SAFE OPERATION OF DISPENSING EQUIPMENT: Ensure all
staff knows how to operate chemical-dispensing systems safely.
12. USE OF CONTAINERS: Seal containers when not in use. Do not open
damaged containers, return them or seek advice from your supplier.
13. HYGIENE: Always wash your hands after using chemicals, (even if gloves
were worn).
14. VENTILATION: Ensure there is adequate ventilation in the storeroom and
when using the chemicals.
 Chemical safety and handling procedure:
15. SAFETY: If in doubt as to the correct use of the chemical, DO NOT USE
16. SMOKING: Do not smoke anywhere near the chemicals or whilst you are
using the chemicals.
17. FOOD SAFETY: Do not use any chemicals near food.
18. CORRECT CHEMICAL, CORRECT JOB: Always use the right chemicals for
the right job
19. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Always use and clean safety
equipment after use.
20. MOST IMPORTANTLY USE COMMONSENSE: We must all take every
precaution when using chemicals to ensure that individual safety and
responsibility is optimised.