Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
to label or post those areas in the plant site where hard hats are required.
When major construction work is in progress on the plant site, hard hats
should always be worn by plant operators who might have to make hourly
rounds in, through, or near these areas. Hard hats should be routinely
inspected and replaced at regular intervals.
arm and hand
on-the-job injuries are frequent in wastewater treat-
ment facilities. The OSHA PPE standard requires employers to provide
hand protection for workers for on-the-job use. The key to ensuring
proper finger, hand, and arm protection is to ensure that workers wear
protection when they are exposed to such hazards as skin absorption of
harmful substances; severe abrasions, cuts, or lacerations; punctures;
chemical burns; thermal burns; vibration; and harmful temperature
extremes.
Gloves are the most common type of hand protection. Depending
on the type of work involved the type of glove will vary. Whatever type
of glove selected, it must it the worker's hand. Other devices can be
used to protect the worker's fingers. Finger cots are designed to protect
individual fingers or fingertips. Thimbles protect the thumb. The palm
of the hand can be protected from cuts, friction, and burns by using
hand pads. Long sleeves and forearm cuffs protect arms and wrists
from heat, splashing liquids, impact, and cuts. When hand lotions and
creams are used for hand and finger protection, they are not to be used
as a substitute for gloves. In the wastewater treatment plant labora-
tory or chemical handling area, special gloves should be used, includ-
ing nitrile or synthetic rubber gloves for handling oils, some solvents,
and grease. Neoprene gloves can be used for handling a broad range of
chemicals, oils, acids, caustics, and solvents. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
gloves can be used when handling acids, caustics, alkalis, bases, and
alcohol.
When working with chemicals, the type of glove chosen should pro-
tect against the toxic properties of the chemical, not only local effects
on the skin but also systemic effects. Generally, gloves that are rated
“chemical resistant” can be used to work with dry powders. An important
factor to remember whenever using gloves to protect against chemicals
is that the gloves selected must be removable without contaminating the
skin. When in doubt about whether or not gloves are required for chemi-
cal handling and what type of glove should be used, consult with the
chemical material safety data sheet (MSDS) or ask the manufacturer.
Finally, it is important to provide workers with gloves that will
protect them against severe temperature extremes and vibration. For
example, when work is to be performed around or on plant incinerators
a special heat-insulating glove should be issued to the worker. In the
winter, workers assigned to an excavation in the field should be issued
gloves that will protect against frostbite. Antivibration and impact gloves
are available for purchase for use by workers who perform jack-hammer-
ing and other high-vibration types of jobs. The purpose of using impact
and antivibration gloves is to dampen the shock before it reaches the
worker's hands.
