Lung disease

2 min read

Lung disease is any condition that prevents the lungs from functioning properly. It can happen at the workplace if a worker is exposed to certain biological agents, chemicals, or other substances. Employers must take proper steps to prevent workers from exposure.

[xt_networks title=”Follow Us” force_original_colors=”yes”]

The hazards

Asbestos
Silica
Mould
Chemicals (Hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, ammonia)
Metalworking fluids
Drilling fluids

Some of the common causes of lung disease by industry are:

[xt_news title=”Related News” query_type=”custom” custom_query=”size:3|order_by:date|order:DESC|post_type:post|categories:44″ excerpt_length=”30″]

Hazard	Industry
Ammonia	Agriculture
Asbestos	Construction & demolition Pulp & paper
Chlorine	Pulp & paper Swimming pools Water purification
Drilling fluids	Metalworking Oil & gas
Hydrogen sulfide	Agriculture Construction Oil & gas Pulp & paper
Metalworking fluids	Metalworking
Mould	Agriculture Construction & demolition
Silica	Construction & demolition

How to reduce the risks

If a worker or workers could be exposed to airborne hazards in the workplace, the employer must develop and implement an exposure control plan (ECP). This plan must identify the workers at risk of exposure and the controls that are required to protect those workers. These will be unique to each worksite and work environment. When choosing risk controls, start by asking yourself the questions in the following steps. These steps are listed here in order of effectiveness.

Substitution

Substitution
This involves eliminating the hazard by substituting a safer process or material, where possible. It is the most effective control. Some questions to consider:
- Can a less hazardous material be used?
- Can a different process be used that generates less of the hazardous substance?
Engineering controls
This type of control involves making physical modifications to control the hazard or reduce exposure. Some questions to consider:
- Can local exhaust ventilation be used to reduce worker exposure?
- Can the process be isolated so workers are not exposed to the hazard?
Administrative controls
This type of control involves changing work practices and policies. Awareness tools and training also count as administrative controls. Some questions to consider:
- Have workers been trained on the health effects of exposure to the hazards?
- Are written safe work procedures available?
- Is there an effective personal hygiene program for workers?
Personal protective equipment
This is the least effective type of control. When used, there must always be at least one other control in place as well. Some questions to consider:
- Are workers using respirators as required by the exposure control plan?
- Are workers using protective clothing as required by the exposure control plan?