WHAT IS CHEMICAL HAZARDS?
Chemical Hazards refer to the potential harm or adverse effects that can result from exposure to
chemicals in various forms, such as solid, liquid, gas, vapor, or fumes. These hazards can occur in
different setting including work places, homes, and the environment.
TYPES OF CHEMICAL HAZARDS:
1. TOXIC CHEMICALS: Substances that can cause harm or death when ingested, inhaled, or
absorbed through the skin. Examples include pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals.
2. FLAMMABLE CHEMICALS: Substances that can ignite and burn easily, leading to fires and
explosions. Example are Gasoline, Solvents, and certain gases.
3. CARCINOGENIC CHEMICALS: Substances that have the potential to cause cancer in humans
or animals. Examples include Asbestos, Benzene, and certain pesticides.
4. REACTIVE CHEMICALS: Substances that can react violently with other chemicals or
materials leading to explosions, fires, or the release of toxic gases, examples include, oxidizers,
peroxides and unstable compounds.
5. CORROSIVE CHEMICALS: Substances that can cause severe damage to skin, eyes, and
respiratory tract upon contact, examples include strong acids, alkalis and some cleaning agents.
6. MUTAGENIC CHEMICALS: Substances that can cause changes in genetic materials ,
increasing the risk of genetic mutations and inherited disroders. Examples include some industrial
chemicals and radiation.
7. ALLERGENIC CHEMICALS: Substances that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive
individuals, leading to symptoms such as skin rashes, respiratory problems, and anaphylaxis.
Examples include certain metals, she's and fragrances.
HEALTH IMPLICATION OF CHEMICAL HAZARDS
1. ACUTE TOXICITY: Exposure to high levels of toxic chemicals can lead to immediate health
effects such as, nausea, dizziness, respiratory distress and even death in severr cases.
2. CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS: Long term exposure to certain chemicals can result in chronic
health conditions like cancer, organ damage, Reproductive disorder, neurological disorder, and
respiratory illnesses.
3. ALLERGIES AND SENSITIVITIES: Some individuals may develop allergies or sensitivities to
certain chemicals, leading to skin rashes, respiratory problems, and other allergic reactions upon
exposure.
4. ENDOCRINE DISRUPTION: Some chemicals can disrupt the body's Endocrine system,
leading to hormonal imbalance that can result in reproductive disorders, developmental issues, and
metabolic abnormalities.
5. RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS: Exposure to airborne chemical hazards such as volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, and industrial pollutants can lead to respiratory issues
such as Asthma, Bronchitis, and other lung diseases.
6. NEUROLOGICAL EFFECTS: Certain chemicals can affect the central nervous system, leading
to cognitive impairment, behavioral changes, and neurological disorders such as Parkinson's
disease and Alzheimer's disease.
7. DEVELOPMENTAL AND REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS: Exposure to chemical hazards
during pregnancy can result in developmental abnormalities in the Fetus, as well as reproductive
issues such as Infertility, miscarriages and birth defects.
PREVENTION OF CHEMICAL HAZARDS
1. Hazard Identification: conduct thorough assessments to identify potential chemical
hazards in the work place.
2. Saety Data Sheets (SDS): Maintain up to date SCS for all chemicals used in the
workplace, providing information on the properties of the substance, potential health
effects and safe handling procedures.
3. Replace Hazardous chemicals with less toxic alternatives whenever possible to reduce the
sick of exposure.
4. Engineering Controls: implement engineering Controls such as ventilation systems,
containment measures and automated process tk minimize exposure to chemical hazards.
5. Administrative controls: develop and enforce safety protocols, standard operating
procedures, and training programs to ensure proper handling, storage and disposal of
chemicals.
6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide appropriate PPE, such as gloves, googles,
respirators, and protective clothing, to workers who may be exposed to chemical hazards.
7. Emergency Preparedness: establish emergency response plans, procedures and training, to
address chemical hazards, safe handling practices and emergency procedures to all
workers.
8. Regular inspection and maintenance: conduct routine inspections of equipments, storage
areas, and work processes to identify potential hazards and address any issue promptly.
9. Monitoring and Evaluation: monitor workplace air quality, exposure level, and worker's
health to assess the effectiveness of control measures to make necessary adjustments to
prevent chemical hazards.
WHAT IS PHYSICAL HAZARD?
Physical Hazards are workplace agents, factors or circumstances that can cause tissue damage by
transfer of energy from the energy to the person.
TYPES OF PHYSICAL HAZARDS
1. Noise: exposure to high level of noise either in the workplace or from environmental
sources.
2. Vibration: prolonged exposure to vibration from machinery or tools
3. Thermal Hazards: extreme temperature such as heat stress or cold exposures.
4. Radiation: exposure to ionizing radiation, ultra Violet radiation, or electromagnetic fields.
5. Ergonomic Hazards: poorly designed workspaces, equipment or tasks.
6. Gravity: falls, slips, trips and other accident resulting from gravity- related hazards.
7. Mechanical Hazards: moving machinery equipment malfunction, flying objects and sharp
objects.
8. Electrical Hazards: exposure to electricity.
9. Pressure Hazards: high pressure or vacuum condition.
HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF PHYSICAL HAZARDS
1. Musculoskeletal Disorders: repetive motions, poor ergonomics, and heavy lifting can
contribute to musculoskeletal Disorders such as back pakn, carpal tunnel syndrome and
tendonitis.
2. Injuries: physical Hazards such as slips, trips, falls, machinery accidents, and falling
objects can result in injuries ranging from minor cuts or bruised to severe fractures, bursn
and amputations.
3. Noise induced Hearing Loss: exposure to loud noise in the work place , such from
machinery, tools, or equipments can lead permanent hearing loss over time.
4. Vibration related disroders: prolonged exposure to hand arm or whole body vibration s
from equipment or vehicles can cause disorders like hand arm vibration syndrome and
whole body vibration syndrome.
5. Heat stress: working in hot environment or performing strenuous physical activity in high
temperature can lead to heat related illness such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke or
dehydration.
6. Cold stress: Exposure to cold temperature can cause Hypothermia, frostbite and other
cold related injuries if proper protective measures are not in place.
7. Ergonomic Injuries: poor work station design, repetitive motions and incorrect lifting
techniques can lead to ergonomic Injuries such as tendinitis, bursitis,and carpal tunnel
syndrome.
8. Radiation Exposure: exposure to ionizing radiation or ultraviolet
. radiation, which can increase the risk of developing skin cancer, eye damage or other
radiation related health conditions.
PREVENTION OF PHYSICAL HAZARDS
1. Buy quieter machines and equipment, build enclosures and barriers to stop noise from
reaching people. Wear ear protection and reduce exposure time.
2. Select tools with antivibration Mounting. Cover handles with vibration absorbing
material. Minimize time is, and avoid cold exposure to hands.
3. Dress in light loose clothing to allow sweat evaporation , acclimatize yourself at a slow
pace before starting full work. Drink plenty of water frequently even if you're not thirsty.
Take rest in a cool place or shade.
4. Dress properly in clod weather, seek warm shelter if you start shivering excessively or
feeling confused.
5. Have a proper training and equipment. Do not over exert, stop climbing if breathing
problem continues.
6. Spend least possible time near a radiation source, stay as far away from a radiation source
as possible. Use shielding device such as a lead barrier to stop radiation before it reaches
people. Use gloves, aprons etc. To prevent contamination of hands and the body.
7. Do not work or play under power lines or near power distribution transformers.
8. When working at heights, use power safety equipments, follow safe work practices, keep
floors free from clutter, debris, and sprills, clean up spills immediately.
WHAT IS ALLERGENAn allergen is a type of antigen that produces an abnormally vigorous
immune response in which the immune system fights off a perceived threat thag would otherwise
be harmless to the body.
TYPES OF ALLERGENS
1. Food Allergen: common food Allergen include: peanuts, tree nuts such as (almonds and
walnuts), milk, eggs, fish, soya and wheat.
2. Airborne Allergies: the are commonly found in the air and can trigger allergic reactions
include: pollen from trees, grasses and weeds, dust mites,mold spores, pet dander ( from
cats, dogs etc.) Cockroach particles.
3. Insect Allergies: stings or bites from insects can trigger allergic reactions in some
individuals. Common insects include; bee venom, wasp venom, mosquito saliva,
cockroach droppings.
4. Medication Allergies: certain medications can cause allergic reactions in some
individuals. Common medication include: penicillin and other antibiotics, nonsteroidal
anti inflammatory drugs (NSADs), chemotherapy drugs, sulfa drugs.
5. Latex Allergies: Latex and natural rubber products can trigger allergic reactions. This
allergies can be found in : latex gloves, balloons, condoms, elastic bands, etc.
6. Contact Allergies: some substances can cause allergic skin reaction upon contact. These
contact Allergies include poison Ivy, oak and sumac, fragrances and perfumes, nickel in
jewelries and accessories, certain cosmetics and skill care products.
HEALTH IMPLICATION OF ALLERGIES
1. ALLERGIC REACTIONS: Exposure to allergies can lead to a range of allergice reactions
from mukd symptoms like sneezing, itching and hives t more severe reaction such as
anaphylaxis, a life threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
2. Respiratory Issues: Allergies such as pollen, dust mites, and pets dander can trigger
allergic rhinitis ( hay fever) and Asthma symptoms including coughing, wheezing,chest
tightness, and difficulty in breathing.
3. Skin Irritation:
