Consideration of the different variations of PPE and the correct ways to use it are what make the equipment truly safe.
Working in an industrial environment presents a variety of dangers. One of the most common risks for industrial personnel is exposure to hazardous substances. OSHA defines a hazardous substance as “any biological agent and other disease-causing agent which after release into the environment and upon exposure, ingestion, inhalation or assimilation into any person will or may reasonably be anticipated to cause death, disease, behavioral abnormalities, cancer, genetic mutation, physiological malfunctions or physiological deformations in such persons or their offspring.”
Hazardous substances are present in work environments across a variety of industries, including chemical manufacturing, oil and gas, metal production and more. Some of the most commonly encountered hazardous substances are benzene, arsenic, carbon dioxide, chlorine, sulfuric acid and a wide range of hydrocarbons. When workers come into contact with these hazards, whether it’s part of their daily routine or in response to an emergency, understanding the risks, knowing how to respond and being equipped with the correct PPE is imperative for safeguarding their individual wellbeing and maintaining plant operations and productivity.
To protect workers’ health, prevent accidents and minimize downtime, industrial worksites typically institute strict safety protocols and require constant monitoring of hazardous materials. Such measures include leak detection monitoring, careful cleaning procedures, confined space entry protocols and methods for safely handling and disposing of chemicals, toxins and waste bi-products. Despite this, OSHA’s Top 10 Cited Violations in 2019 still included various hazmat-related infractions, including:
*Control of Hazardous Energy – Lockout/Tagout (1910.147) with 2,606 citations
This article originally appeared in the April 1, 2021 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.
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