Glove Box and Decondamination for Industrial workers-Health maintanance

Glove box

This is an enclosure with its own air supply, exhaust system, and lighting which allows some industrial operations on radioactive materials to be carried on directly, instead of with remote-control devices. Bioassay: This is an analysis of breath and urine which determines the amount of radioactivity absorbed by the body. Two or three assays a year are recommended. Instrumentation: Human senses cannot detect radioactivity but special instruments are available which can detect, measure, and record different types of radiation.

Decontamination

 If an accident occurs-if radioactive substances are spilled or if an exhaust system breaks down-properly trained safety personnel can deal with the situation quickly. Their job includes getting rid of the contaminant at once; getting affected workers, their clothing and equipment clean; and testing workers for physical reactions. In addition to causing cancer or leukemia (malignancy of the bone marrow), radiation can do other damage? It can have harmful effects on the skin, including "burns," loss of hair and fingernails, darkening of the' skin. It can affect organs producing blood, thus leading to anemia and insufficient white cells to combat infection. It can lead to hemorrhages-bleeding from gums, in stools, and under the skin-by affecting certain substances that play a role in normal blood clotting.

It can produce sterility in both sexes. Such effects do not usually become manifest until sometime after exposure. In some cases-development of cancer, for example-they may not appear for years. Therefore, very great precautions must be taken, since there is no warning of danger by immediate symptoms such as pain. 

How to handle Poisiouness materials and Industrial Hazards?

In some industries, poisonous materials have long been used and recognized to be potential hazards. But hazards today are in- creasing as the result of technical advances and introduction of many new chemicals and synthetic materials. We can consider here the more common industrial toxic materials, but there are far too many to be dealt with in a book of this nature. Workers, however, can, and should, familiarize themselves with materials they are using and find out whether they contain poisonous ingredients. There are certain general precautions of value in many situations involving the handling of toxic materials. Masks, gloves, and respiratory devices should, of course, be used whenever necessary and feasible.

Against carbon monoxide and other poisonous gases, good ventilation is the best protection. If the work is such that fumes are produced, an air- line respirator and safety line should be worn. It's important to be on the alert for such symptoms as headache, vomiting, dizziness, and flushing of the face, which may warn of the beginning of a toxic condition. Do not eat in rooms where poisonous substances are handled. Cleanliness is vital: use plenty of soap and water, especially prior to eating and before going home. Be sure to have regular medical checks, preferably on the job by a plant physician. These are the more common industrial poisons and some of the jobs in which they may be involved: Lead poisoning can menace color and dye makers, electroplaters, painters and paint makers, petroleum refiners, automobile workers, storage- battery workers, varnish makers, sheet-metal workers, lithographers, insecticide makers, explosives workers, rubber workers, and zinc miners. Most dangerous are soluble forms of lead which may form deposits in drinking cups. 

Slow lead poisoning can result from small daily inhalation of lead dust over a period of time. The poison affects stomach, brain, and nervous system. It may produce paralysis of frequently used muscles, much as those of a painter's right hand, proper clothing, good ventilation, regular medical checks-are of critical importance. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a hazard for blast furnace workers, firemen, airplane pilots, cooks, petroleum refinery workers, plumbers, welders, miners, compressed-air workers, and others. Early symptoms include abdominal pains, headaches, nausea, and dizziness. In severe cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal. Efficient ventilation is essential for preventing accumulation of carbon monoxide fumes. The gas affects the hemoglobin of the blood, usurping the place of vital oxygen and depriving tissues of adequate oxygen supply. For first aid, fresh air and, if necessary, an oxygen tank and artificial respiration can be effective.

 Benzol and carbon tetracholoride are used in such industries as lacquer making, leather processing, dry cleaning, soap making, electroplating, dye making, and the manufacture of paint and paint removers. Benzol (or benzene) is a colorless liquid with penetrating odor. It evaporates quickly but gives off a poisonous vapor. It is possible to develop benzol poisoning by breathing concentrated fumes for only a few minutes although gradual poisoning is more common. For protection, the worker should wear an air-line respirator and safety belt. All machinery containing benzol should be shut down regularly and checked for leaks. Adequate ventilation is essential and regular medical checkups are needed.

Any unusual bleeding, especially a sudden nosebleed, calls for immediate medical attention. People who have heart disease, anemia, tuberculosis, or a tendency to bleed easily should not work in plants where benzol is used. In addition to causing such symptoms as nausea, headaches, and nose and throat irritation, carbon tetrachloride is a serious threat because of the injury it can inflict on liver and kidneys. If you work with carbon tetrachloride, be sure to take all the precautions described above for benzol. 

BASIC GUIDELINES to avoid work related stress-fatigue

STAYING WELL ON THE JOB 

Many companies today have highly organized safety programs and preventive industrial health programs. They employ both physicians and safety experts to direct these programs. Many also employ industrial hygienists to study the hazards of all jobs and develop criteria for safe operation. Safety equipment is specified for new machines and often added to existing ones. 

Workers are provided with safety goggles, safety shoes, and other protective devices. Still, even in these industries as well as in others which have not yet fully caught up with new trends in improvement of conditions of employment, preventable accidents and illnesses occur.

Different jobs, of course, have their individual health problems, and we will take these up after a look at some important basic rules that apply to virtually all work.

BASIC GUIDELINES

Come to work rested.

Fatigue has been shown repeatedly to be a major factor in accidents on the job. Plan your late-hour entertainment- dances, card parties, etc.-as much as possible for the nights before your days off from work. It's a good idea to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages after dinner any night, and especially on nights before work days. It doesn't take an outright hangover, just a feeling of moderate or slight upset and sluggishness, to invite trouble on the job. 

If you have a drinking problem, Beyond reasonable hours, regular periods of rest and relaxation are important. A day or two off each week, with a change of pace, is essential for avoiding mental and emotional as well as physical rundown. So is an annual vacation. Coming to the job fresh and invigorated-mentally, emotionally and physically-helps not only to greatly reduce the likelihood of accident and illness but also makes it possible for you to do a better job and create a better impression. It's important to note here that you should not ruin your days off by doing things to overtire yourself or otherwise affect your health.

Don't have any fears about being considered "prissy" if you make a point, as you certainly should, of finding out and following all safety rules that apply to your particular job. If you start on a new job, don't hesitate to do the obviously sensible thing: discuss precautions with your employer, foreman or other supervisor, and older workers. 

Ask questions, especially about any particular hazards. If a fellow worker is a danger to you or to others, take up the problem with those in authority. There is no room in any job, and especially a job involving any risks, for the practical joker. Every year, people are rushed to hospitals, dying or seriously injured, because "jokers" play- fully but cripplingly pushed a compressed air jet against them, worked a "hot foot" gag, or carried out some other "innocent" practical joke. 

Workers who insist on practical jokes or who don't know how to handle dangerous equipment properly are frequent causes of industrial accidents and deaths. Find out the location of the first-aid station or other nursing or medical facility. Many big plants now have full-time nursing and even medical staffs.