Page 38 - Mechanic Diesel - TT

MECHANIC DIESEL - CITS

a Biological hazard: Biological hazards, also known as biohazards, originate in biological processes of living
organisms, and refer to agents that pose a threat to the health of living organisms, the security of property, or
the health of the environment.
b Chemical hazard: A chemical can be considered a hazard if by virtue of its intrinsic properties it can cause
harm or danger to humans, property, or the environment. Health hazards associated with chemicals are
dependent on the dose or amount of the chemical. Some chemicals have a cumulative biological effect, while
others are metabolically eliminated over time. Other chemical hazards may depend on concentration or total
quantity for their effects.
The potential hazards of these chemicals can be identified by performing a variety of tests prior to the
authorization of usage. The number of tests required and the extent to which the chemicals are tested varies,
depending on the desired usage of the chemical. Chemicals designed as new drugs must undergo more
rigorous tests that those used as pesticides.
Some harmful chemicals occur naturally in certain geological formations, such as radon gas or arsenic. Other
chemicals include products with commercial uses, such as agricultural and industrial chemicals, as well as
products developed for home use. Pesticides, which are normally used to control unwanted insects and plants,
may cause a variety of negative effects on non-target organisms. DDT can build up, or bio accumulate, in
birds, resulting in thinner-than-normal egg shells which can break in the nest.
c Ergonomic Hazard: Ergonomic hazards are physical conditions that may pose risk of injury to the
musculoskeletal system, such as the muscles or ligaments of the lower back, tendons or nerves of the hands/
wrists, or bones surrounding the knees. Ergonomic hazards include things such as awkward or extreme
postures, whole-body or hand/arm vibration, poorly designed tools, equipment, or workstations, repetitive
motion, and poor lighting. Ergonomic hazards occur in both occupational and non-occupational settings such
as in workshops, building sites, offices, home, school, or public spaces and facilities.
d Mechanical Hazard: A mechanical hazard is any hazard involving a machine or industrial process. Motor
vehicles, aircraft, and air bags pose mechanical hazards. Compressed gases or liquids can also be considered
a mechanical hazard. Hazard identification of new machines and/or industrial processes occurs at various
stages in the design of the new machine or process.
e Physical Hazard: A physical hazard is a naturally occurring process that has the potential to create loss or
damage. Physical hazards include earthquakes, floods, fires, and tornadoes. Physical hazards often have both
human and natural elements. Flood problems can be affected by the natural elements of climate fluctuations
and storm frequency, and by land drainage and building in a flood plain, human elements. Another physical
hazard, X-rays, naturally occur from solar radiation, but have also been utilized by humans for medical
purposes; however, overexposure can lead to cancer, skin burns, and tissue damage.
f Psychosocial hazard: Psychological or psychosocial hazards are hazards that affect the psychological well-
being of people, including their ability to participate in a work environment among other people. Psychosocial
hazards are related to the way work is designed, organized and managed, as well as the economic and social
contexts of work and are associated with psychiatric, psychological and/or physical injury or illness. Linked
to psychosocial risks are issues such as occupational stress and workplace violence which are recognized
internationally as major challenges to occupational health and safety.
Bio-medical waste and management
a Introduction to Biomedical-waste: Biomedical waste or hospital waste is any kind of waste containing
infectious (or potentially infectious) materials. It may also include waste associated with the generation of
biomedical waste that visually appears to be of medical or laboratory origin (e.g. packaging, unused bandages,
infusion kits etc.), as well research laboratory waste containing biomolecules or organisms that are mainly
restricted from environmental release. As detailed below, discarded sharps are considered biomedical waste
whether they are contaminated or not, due to the possibility of being contaminated with blood and their
propensity to cause injury when not properly contained and disposed.
b Sources, composition and characteristic of hazardous waste: Biomedical waste may be solid or liquid.
Examples of infectious waste include discarded blood, sharps, unwanted microbiological cultures and stocks,
identifiable body parts (including those as a result of amputation), other human or animal tissue, used
bandages and dressings, discarded gloves, other medical supplies and laboratory waste that exhibits the
characteristics described above. Waste sharps include potentially contaminated used (and unused discarded)
needles, scalpels, lancets and other devices capable of penetrating skin.

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CITS : Automotive - Mechanic Diesel - Lesson 01 - 04