Odors
Note if you smell the sweet smell of nitrate or the vinegar smell of acetic acid
when you first enter the room. If so, the materials may be off gassing low-level
products that may concentrate in your work area.
Project log
Record at the end of the work period what materials are currently being handled,
how much time is being devoted, and comments such as how you and your co-workers
"feel." If problems should occur, a written and dated log helps to track
the products, symptoms, and amount of exposure times involved.
Physical Discomfort
Pay attention to dizziness, itching, and skin inflammation. Record how much time
is spent with the materials before the onset of the symptoms, type of materials
at the work station, and ventilation characteristics. Focus on improved storage
and handling of problematic materials.
Investigation
If ill health persists, communicate suspicions of a work related hazard immediately
to your administration. Currently two investigative resources are available consistently
through the United States for work hazard consultation:
Your Insurance Carrier
Contact the Loss Prevention Service of the insurance carrier through which your
institution holds its Workman's Compensation policy. Very possibly this service
will include an industrial hygiene division or will make contact with a consultant
on you r behalf as a part of your insurance package.
Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA agencies vary from region to region, and may be either state or federal
offices. Telephone numbers can be found in the blue pages of your local telephone
directory usually under the Department of Labor heading. Consultation can be obtained
free of charge from the Industrial Hygiene Division of the Consultation Section
in your regional OSHA office.
Written complaints regarding a continued hazard can be filed in anonymity with
the Compliance section of your regional OSHA agency. An employee's right to file
a complaint with OSHA is protected by law. However, it is best to work with management
and to take advantage of free OSHA Consultation services.
Of course, independent consultants in industrials hygiene may be available locally
or through a larger institution in your area , such as a university. Fees for private
consultation will vary. |
