Environmental Safety Hazards 241

accumulation

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

acute exposures

An 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.

ammonia

A colorless, strong-smelling gas. Ammonia is toxic, corrosive, and flammable.

aprons

A fabric or leather body covering that ties over the neck and behind the back. Aprons protect the front of the body from chest to knee.

biological hazards

A substance that transmits disease through exposure. Biological hazards include mold, human waste, and bloodborne pathogens.

bleach

A chemical used to whiten or sterilize materials. Bleach is a corrosive material that can damage the lungs when inhaled.

bloodborne pathogens

Any microorganism that can cause disease and is present in human blood and other bodily fluids. Bloodborne pathogens are biological hazards and include the hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

chemical hazards

A substance that can cause harm or pose a health risk due to its chemical properties. Chemical hazards may be found in medications, solutions, gases, vapors, aerosols, and particulate matter.

chemical properties

Any trait that becomes observable during or after a chemical reaction. Chemical properties may include flammability, acidity, and toxicity.

chips

A small piece of material that is removed from a workpiece. Chips are formed when a tool cuts or grinds a material.

chloramine gas

A gas formed by mixing certain chemicals, such as bleach and ammonia. Chloramine gas can lead to health hazards, including irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and airway, and may even be fatal.

chronic

Continuing for a long time or regularly recurring. Chronic illnesses can cause ongoing negative health effects for people who have been exposed to hazards.

chronic exposures

An 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

The process of applying a protective or decorative finish to a part surface. Coating processes apply seals, paint, or varnish to products and can pose chemical hazards.

components

A factor that makes up an environment. Components that make up the workplace environment may include noise, air quality, machine vibration, and workstation height.

cutting fluids

A substance used to cool and lubricate a metal cutting process. Cutting fluids are typically oil- or water-based liquids.

decibels

dB. A unit of measurement of the intensity of a sound wave. Decibels measure how loud sounds are.

dosage

The amount of exposure to a hazard. A higher dosage of exposure usually causes greater harm.

duration

The length of time of exposure to a hazard. A short duration of exposure can be extremely dangerous when exposed to a particularly hazardous substance, such as radiation.

dusts

A fine particle of a solid matter. Dusts form when a substance dries and flakes off, as occurs with skin cells or dirt.

electromagnetic waves

An oscillating wave from a magnetic field that is produced by the motion of electric charges, such as electric current. Electromagnetic waves include light, X-rays, and microwaves.

environment

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

Environmental Protection Agency

EPA. The U.S. federal government agency that carries out federal research, monitoring, standard-setting, and enforcement activities to ensure a clean, healthy environment. The Environmental Protection Agency maintains standards for the disposal of hazardous waste.

ergonomic hazards

A physical factor within the environment that may harm the musculoskeletal system. Ergonomic hazards may include uncomfortable workstation height and poor body positioning.

evaporate

The vaporization of a substance into the atmosphere. Evaporation occurs slowly and does not require a substance to reach its boiling point.

exposure

A state of being in contact with a substance. Exposure to certain workplace hazards may result in illness or injury.

exposure limits

The maximum amount or concentration of a hazard that can be present or that an individual may experience without causing health harm. Exposure limits are tested by using specific collection and measuring equipment.

extremities

A limb of the human body, especially the arms, legs, fingers, and toes. Extremities are prone to injury caused by vibration.

eye contact

The condition of reaching or touching the eyes. Eye contact with hazards like cutting fluids or lasers, can lead to burning, pain, or damaged vision.

fibers

A fine thread of material that is thinner than it is wide. Fibers are solid hazards that can stick to skin or the lungs and cannot be removed.

fluids

A state of matter that has the ability to flow. Fluids can be liquids or gases.

fumes

A cloud of particles suspended in a gas. Fumes from hazardous chemicals are potentially fatal and require proper ventilation.

fungi

A plant-like organism that absorbs sustenance from other living or dead organisms. Fungi can occur as a yeast, mold, mildew, or mushroom.

gases

An airlike fluid that expands freely to fill any space available, regardless of its quantity. Gases differ from liquids in that there are no forces keeping gas molecules together.

general duty clause

A statement contained within OSHA’s standards that provides protections to employees, even in situations for which there are no specific standards. The general duty clause requires employers to ensure places of employment are free from recognized health and safety hazards.

gloves

A type of personal protective equipment worn on the hands and/or arms to reduce the risk of injury. Gloves can protect against cuts, burns, contamination, and chemical absorption into the skin.

hardhats

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

hazard communication

A system that includes chemical inventory, Safety Data Sheets, proper chemical labeling, and training to inform employees about hazards in the workplace. Hazard communication aims to protect people from injuries and illnesses associated with using hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

hazards

An element that can cause injury, illness, or death. Hazards are broken down into chemical, biological, physical, and ergonomic categories.

hearing protection

A type of personal protective equipment specifically designed to prevent hearing damage. Hearing protection includes earplugs and earmuffs.

illness

A sickness or impairment that affects the whole body or a system of the body. Illnesses may be caused by various workplace conditions, such as chemical exposure or radiation.

ingestion

The act of taking into the body by swallowing. Ingestion occurs when a hazard settles on food, drinks, skin surfaces, or clothing and contacts the mouth.

inhalation

The act of breathing in an airborne substance. Inhalation of a hazard can lead to lung damage.

injury

A physical condition causing localized damage or harm. Injuries are caused by specific workplace events, such as accidents or repetitive motion.

interact

The process by which two or more substances produce a new substance. Interactions between chemicals may lead to hazardous conditions.

ionizing radiation

The excess energy emitted during radioactive decay. Ionizing radiation is extremely dangerous to human health.

jumpsuits

A protective, full-body covering to shield an employee from hazardous materials. A jumpsuit can protect the body from flying sparks or chemical splashes.

latency

The time that elapses between the first exposure to a hazard and the moment when an injury or illness appears. Latency can make it difficult to trace the point of origin of an injury or illness.

light waves

A pulsation in space that transmits light energy. Light waves are divided into the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.

liquids

A state of matter that is cohesive and can flow. Liquids are the room temperature forms of some substances, such as water, or the melted form of others, such as metals.

localized

An injury that only affects one body part or organ. Localized injuries include scrapes, burns, cuts, and fractures.

mists

A suspension of liquid droplets in the air. Mist forms when warm vapors are suddenly cooled in the air.

mold

Any type of the various fungi that cause the disintegration of organic matter. Mold exposure is a biological hazard and can lead to illness.

molecules

A group of atoms bonded together. Molecules represent the smallest physical unit of a substance.

mucus membranes

A lining that coats internal organs and body parts exposed to the outside world. Mucous membranes are often irritated by hazardous fumes.

musculoskeletal system

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

NIOSH

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

noise

A sound that is capable of harming hearing. Noise must usually be sustained for long periods of time at 85 decibels or louder to be considered hazardous, but some high-pitched noises can harm the ears in shorter time frames and without being heard.

nuclear radiation

The energy produced when the nucleus of an atom changes in some way. Nuclear radiation is extremely dangerous to human health.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA. A government agency under the U.S. Department of Labor that sets the standards for safe working conditions in the United States. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration ensures that employees work in safe and healthy environments.

onset

The moment an injury or illness appears. The onset of an injury or illness can occur immediately, or it may take a long period of time to surface.

OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A government agency under the U.S. Department of Labor that sets the standards for safe working conditions in the United States. OSHA ensures that employees work in safe and healthy environments.

particles

An extremely small portion of a material. Particles include everything from dust to metal powder.

personal protective equipment

PPE. An article of clothing or a safeguarding device that employees use to prevent injury or to limit exposure to hazards in the workplace. Personal protective equipment includes safety glasses, gloves, face masks, and earplugs.

physical hazards

A condition or factor within the environment that may harm the body. Physical hazards may include vibration, noise, and radiation.

pores

A small opening on the surface of the skin. Pores allow the skin to absorb nutrients as well as hazards.

positioning

The arrangement of a work area in relation to how an operator must move to complete a task. Positioning should allow employees to stand or sit with correct posture and comfortably hold tools.

PPE

Personal protective equipment. An article of clothing or a safeguarding device that employees use to prevent injury or to limit exposure to hazards in the workplace. PPE includes safety glasses, gloves, face masks, and earplugs.

radiation

A type of energy emitted as particles or waves. Radiation exposure over a prolonged period of time can lead to serious health issues.

rate of exposure

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

repetitive motion

A workplace condition or task requiring persistent and continual movement that can cause localized musculoskeletal injury or illness. Repetitive motion most often injures joints in the arms.

respirators

A breathing device worn to prevent inhalation of hazardous substances. A respirator may be required when working with debris or chemicals that produce hazardous fumes.

respiratory disease

Any of the various diseases that affect the human respiratory system, including chronic bronchitis and lung cancer. Respiratory disease can occur as a result of long-term inhalation of environmental hazards.

Safety Data Sheet

SDS. The mandatory information that must accompany almost every chemical in the workplace. A Safety Data Sheet includes details like the risks, precautions, and first aid procedures associated with the chemical.

safety glasses

A type of eye protection that shields the eyes. Safety glasses offer protection from impact, dust, chips, splashes, and sometimes ultraviolet light.

sensitivity

The state of being more susceptible to a hazard due to an underlying condition. Sensitivity increases the harmfulness of a hazard.

skin contact

The act of touching a substance without barrier protection. Skin contact with a hazard may allow the hazard to be absorbed or enter the body through cuts or pores.

solids

A basic, non-flowing form of a substance. Solids are the room temperature forms of some substances, such as aluminum, or the frozen forms of others, such as water.

sound waves

A vibration or disturbance of matter that is caused by the movement of energy. Sound waves are sometimes beyond the range of normal human hearing and can cause hearing damage.

spores

An individual fungus cell. Spores are resistant to harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme heat and radiation.

states

A distinct form in which matter exists. States of matter include solid, liquid, gas, and plasma.

systemic

An illness that affects an entire group of organs. Systemic illnesses include cancer, HIV/AIDS, arthritis, and respiratory disease.

tissues

A group of cells that work together to perform a specific job in the body. Tissues make up different systems of the body, such as organs, bone, or muscle.

vapors

The gaseous form of a substance that is a liquid or solid at room temperature. Vapors can be formed through evaporation.

vibration

A rapid, continuous, repetitive motion in a machine or other structure. Vibration can negatively affect mechanical operations and pose a physical hazard to the body.

wave

An undulation or vibration of a form of energy. Waves include sound and radio waves.