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Industrial Hygiene
QUESTION
A plant has an operation that produces automotive headliners in a press. The process uses a compound that contains methylene bisphenyl isocyanate (MDI). The compound containing MDI must be used in the production process to meet the client's specifications for the headliner. The OSHA PEL for MDI is 0.02 ppm as a ceiling concentration. Personal air samples collected for 15 minutes at the time when the press opens show that short-term exposures range from 0.02 ppm to 0.06 ppm.
Using OSHA's Hierarchy of Controls, write one paragraph for the hazard scenario above that summarizes your approach to reducing the risks associated with the hazard. Indicate which type of hazard control you will use, and describe exactly how it will be used to control the hazard.
| Subject | Environmental Science | Pages | 3 | Style | APA |
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Answer
Industrial Hygiene
The appropriate method of reducing the exposure to Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate (MDI) is substituting it with a less toxic chemical. Nevertheless, for this scenario, it is a challenging method because the MDI needs to be utilized. The next better means of reducing the exposure to MDI would be to involve the use of engineering controls (Roux, 2014). When general ventilation is utilized, it can reduce MDI levels in the air. Another different method is the use of local exhaust ventilation, which can be located at the press opening and can absorb the toxic vapors before the workers are disclosed to them (US Department of Labor, 2010). If establishing a novel ventilation structure is not latent or serviceable, then work pattern restrains can be enforced. Frequent rotation of workers in the press region must be done, and they can also assume longer, more regular breaks, even though this may not be the most realistic control approach. If none of the regulatory methods mentioned earlier can be utilized in this setting, then personalized protective gear must be used. The leader needs to provide gas masks to all workers operating in the press section. The workers need to be trained on the dangers linked with vulnerability to MDI. The employees also need to be taught on appropriate usage of the provided gasmasks and direction should purely implement their usage. Grounded on the data given and information from the sample, the short-range exposure to raised levels happens immediately the press is released, leaving one to look into means of mitigating exposure at a central place (Roux, 2014). One of the options is to enfold the process and utilize local exhaust enclosure, which could efficiently regulate the degrees of exposure. Providing the number of presses, this might be an added financially feasible choice against dilution ventilation. If ventilation is not a choice or up until system installation is comprehensive, enforcement of administrative and PPE regulators will be required as well as constant training, suitable hygiene exercises, and the usage of ventilators by workers disclosed to elevated levels.
References
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Roux. L. (2014). How To Apply OSHA'S Hierarchy of Controls to Mitigate Safety Hazards. Retrieved from https://www.safetyproresources.com/blog/how-to-apply-oshas-hierarchy-of-controls-to-mitigate-safety-hazards US Department of Labor. (2010). Occupational safety and Health Administration. Engineering Controls. Process Controls. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/leadsmelter/engineeringcontrols/processcontrols.html
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