The air we breathe is really important to our survival. If we don’t breathe clean air, then we can get sick. Air quality is something that is just recently getting more media time. Making certain the air quality is clean and healthy to breathe is getting put in the spotlight! This can have both positive and negative effects on the general population. It can cause people to become more aware of their working conditions and it can cause a hyper vigilance toward clean air quality.
The air we breathe is really important to our survival. If we don’t breathe clean air, then we can get sick. Air quality is something that is just recently getting more media time. Making certain the air quality is clean and healthy to breathe is getting put in the spotlight! This can have both positive and negative effects on the general population. It can cause people to become more aware of their working conditions and it can cause a hyper vigilance toward clean air quality.
Indoor air quality is an important component to keep employees healthy and productive. People know how to be aware of that infamous “musty smell.” That musty smell is unmistakable and when left unchecked it can grow some really unhealthy mold. But what about when there isn’t a smell? What about people that work in a manufacturing plant? Should they have their air quality tested?
Every building should have their air quality tested periodically. It is different for a large commercial building than say a manufacturing plant. At a plant typically the main concern is the air quality associated with jobs that require some form of personal protection. One example would be a paint booth or spray booth. With these jobs the employee is often doing a job that could have potential long term effects on the health of their lungs.
In a typical office environment when there is a need or it is time to monitor the air quality then an Industrial Hygienist will come out and place some air monitors around the office and they will sample the air. Typically they will sample per air handling unit to be determine if the issue is contained to an air handling unit or if it is with the office itself. When an Industrial Hygienist is monitoring employees because of their job then he will attach an air monitor to the employee’s shirt. This monitor will keep track of the air that they are breathing all day.
This will not only calculate the air they breathe while they are working in a paint or spray booth but it will also catch the air everywhere they go. This is helpful in determining if the employee needs to wear a respirator while doing his job.
If you feel like you should have the air quality checking in your working environment then click here to find an Industrial Hygienist to do so air monitoring for you.
Occupational Health Overcomes Everyday Hazards
Many workers face different types of hazards on a daily basis. Each company has a responsibility to proactively protect their employees from hazards encountered in the workplace. Accidents or injuries can bring production to a halt, reduce the workforce while the employee is recovering and lead to costly worker compensation claims. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can help your company improve the Occupational Health present at your facility.
The Risk from Asbestos
Asbestos poses a major health risk in many office buildings and homes due to the wide adoption and usage of asbestos as an insulator in the construction process. Asbestos can be found in the glue beneath vinyl flooring or in material applied to concrete to regulate the temperature between floors in an office building. These buildings and homes are being remodeled and modernized as an update to the space, but the demolition process can be hazardous if asbestos is present. Test for asbestos prior to starting your next remodeling project to ensure workers are safe.
Communicating the Dangers with HazCom
Hazard Communication focuses on explaining the dangers present at the workplace. The employees have a right to understand the hazards present and how to remain safe on the jobsite. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can work with your company to fulfill the HazCom requirement set forth by OSHA.
