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ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS AT
WORK
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en.wikipedia.org
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Review of hazards
Hazards may be:
1. Physical
2. Chemical
3. Biological
4. Ergonomic
5. Psychological
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Physical hazards
These may include:
Noise
Vibration
Temperature
Electromagnetic radiation
Pressure
Electricity
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NOISE
Excessive noise and heat are commonly
found in kitchens, laundries, and boiler
rooms
Permanent hearing loss can result from long
term exposure to noise in excess of 80
decibels (a measure of sound intensity).


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www.shropshire.gov.uk
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NOISE (CONT)
At lower levels noise from:
equipment
alarms
conversation
other sources
Can impede communication and interfere
with concentration
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www.syllent.com
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Comprehensive hearing conservation programmes
should reduce noise through:
engineering controls
detect hearing loss early
provide worker education
provide hearing protection devices

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puddlebeach.com.au
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Electrical
Electrical malfunction is the second leading cause of
fires in hospital
(After matches and smoking)
Hospital personnel use a wide variety of electrical
equipment in all areas:
General patient care
Intensive care units
Casualty emergency departments

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www.epelectric.com
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Potential Hazard

Employees may be exposed to
electrical hazards including electric
shock, electrocutions fires, and
explosions. Damaged electrical cords
can lead to possible shocks or
electrocutions.
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A flexible electrical cord may be damaged by
door or window edges, by staples and
fastenings, by equipment rolling over it, or
simply by aging.
u rapidservicellc.blogspot.com
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Chemical hazards
They may be present as:
dusts
vapours
gases
liquids
medications and other substances
used for therapeutic purposes.
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Chemicals can enter the body through
contaminated food or cigarettes, absorption
through the skin, inhalation or by accidental
needle stick.
The major routes of entry are by:
1. inhalation
2. skin absorption.

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Chemical exposure
Staff may be exposed via:
medications
disinfectants
solvents
anti-cancer agents
yourpostalblog.wordpress.com
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Biological hazards
Biological hazards are infectious agents
such as:
bacteria
viruses
fungi
parasites
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robinthomas.biz
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Infection may be transmitted:
via contact with infected patients
contaminated objects
body secretions
tissue
fluids
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Blood-borne Pathogens and Other
Infectious Agents and Diseases
Mode of Transmission Infectious
Agent/Disease
Blood and body
fluids...........
Hepatitis B, Non-A, Non-
B Hepatitis, Hepatitis C,
Acquired
Immunodeficiency
Syndrome (AIDS),
Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Faeces Hepatitis A, Salmonella,
Campylobacter.
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Virus shedding in urine
and stool
Rubella (German
measles)
Respiratory secretions Rubella (German
measles), Rubeola
(measles), Mumps,
influenza,
Contact with infected
skin lesions
Scabies
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Airborne droplet nuclei Pulmonary tuberculosis,
Varicella (chicken pox
only)
Saliva Mumps, Herpes simplex
virus (HSV) Varicella
zoster virus (VZC)
(chicken pox & shingles)
Secretions of lesions Herpes simplex virus
(HSV) Varicella zoster
virus (VZV) (chicken pox
and shingles
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Radiation
Ionizing radiation is used in diagnostic
procedures such as x-ray, fluoroscopy,
and angiography, and in treatments
using radioactive implantations or
injections.
HEALTH AFFECTS INCLUDE:
Genetic damage and adverse
reproductive outcomes.
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Non-ionizing radiation includes:
microwaves
magnetic fields
lasers.
The intensity of the light beam of lasers
poses a risk especially to the eyes and
skin.
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www.juddpro.com
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Safe use of lasers should include:
1. training
2. posting warning signs,
3. appropriate safety eyewear
4. non-reflective tools.


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Ergonomic & safety hazards
Ergonomic and safety hazards cause or
worsen accidents, injuries, strain or
discomfort.
Safety hazards include:
slippery floors
cluttered hallways
blocked exits
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clewett.net.au
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explosive gases
sharp utensils and instruments
materials handling.
One of the most common and most severe hospital
injuries is musculoskeletal injury, particularly of the
lower back
People employed in caring occupations sustained
53% of these injuries
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au.smallbusiness.yahoo.
com
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The most frequent injury was to the back
resulting from overexertion while moving
objects or handling patients.
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www.moiramunro.com
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Injuries also frequently experienced by
health care workers include cuts, bruises
and needle sticks.
Another problem is repetitive strain injuries
(RSIs) of the upper limbs
RSI risk factors include: high rates of manual
repetition, use of excessive manual force,
and awkward postures of the wrists and
shoulders
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Psychological
Work organisation factors which can have an
adverse impact on workers include:
little decision-making latitude
excessive job demands
role ambiguity
poor management ability
inadequate resources
shift work
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Response to stress
The body responds to stress by:
Secretion of adrenalin, cortisone and
thyroxine
Increased muscle tension
Increase blood pressure
Fatigue
Difficulty with concentration
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