Every day, Clark Seif Clark professionals are deployed across the nation helping both large and small customers resolve health & safety, industrial hygiene, environmental and indoor air quality issues.
At a moment's notice, Clark Seif Clark can send their experts anywhere they are needed. No matter if it's in response to a hurricane, wildfire, flood, tornado or other natural disaster, Clark Seif Clark is ready to help and can respond in no time at all.
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Mitigating Ocular Infection Risks in the Workplace and the Importance of Eye Protection |
Each year, thousands of employees are blinded from work-related eye injuries that could have been prevented with the proper selection and use of eye and face protection according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA standards require employers to ensure the safety of all employees in the work environment and this includes eye and face protection. This must be provided whenever necessary to protect against chemical, environmental, radiological or mechanical irritants and hazards. |
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Clark Seif Clark (CSC)
800.807.1118
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In some industries, a serious potential risk for workers is the possibility of developing an eye infection. There are a number of different types of bacteria and fungi that can cause this. With regards to fungi and yeasts, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists Fusarium, Aspergillus and Candida as three of the more common culprits. Fungal eye infection symptoms are often similar to those of other types of eye infections and can include eye pain, redness and discharge, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and excessive tearing.
“For general eye protection in the workplace there are multiple OSHA standards to consider. For specifically preventing fungal, bacterial or viral infections of the eye, the requirements become murky in a hurry,” said Derrick A. Denis, Vice President of Indoor Environmental Quality for Clark Seif Clark (CSC). “Protecting workers from eye infections begins with the OSH 1970 Act’s General Duty clause, which demands employers furnish employees a place of employment free from recognized hazards that cause serious physical harm. Protecting the eyes requires understanding of the OSHA Eye and Face Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.133), which protects employees from flying particles, chemicals and radiation. One must refer to the OSHA’s General PPE standard (29 CFR 1910.132), which covers personal protective equipment (PPE) for the eyes, face, head, to prevent injurious exposures at the workplace. In addition, one must consider the OSHA Sanitation standard (29 CFR 1910.141). Also, one must reference the OSHA Medical Services and First Aid standard (29 CFR 1910.151(c), which requires eye flushing facilities for immediate emergency use. And, depending on the job and workplace, there are specific standards to consider like OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) that protects employees from reasonably anticipated exposure incidents to blood or other potentially infectious materials to the body including the eyes. Having a reliable expert in your corner can help to clear the muddy regulatory waters, and more importantly, can help to reduce preventable worker eye injuries.”
To help prevent eye injuries, the industrial hygiene and IEQ professionals at Clark Seif Clark offer workplace inspections and testing for microbial and chemical hazards. CSC also provides eye safety and other personal protective equipment training, eyewash station monitoring and many other services to help safeguard employees from exposure risks.
CSC has even sponsored an educational video about fungal eye infections that can be seen below:
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To learn more about this or other industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, infection control, environmental, health and safety services, please:
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Preventing Occupational Exposure Risks to Phosgene and Other Industrial Chemicals
Phosgene (COCl₂) is described by the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR) as a colorless gas that has the odor of freshly cut hay. It is a manufactured chemical and as a gas at room temperature (70º F) is heavier than air. Phosgene is also sometimes stored as a liquid under pressure or refrigeration.
ATSDR reports it is used in the manufacture of other chemicals such as dyestuffs, isocyanates, polycarbonates and acid chlorides. Phosgene is also used in the manufacture of pesticides and pharmaceuticals, and can be used to separate ores. In World War 1 it was used as a chemical weapon with the military designation CG.
For workers in industries that use phosgene, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) states they may be harmed from exposure. It is known to cause irritation of the eyes, dry burning throat, vomiting, cough, foamy sputum, breathing difficulty and chest pain. As a liquid it can cause frostbite. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that exposure to phosgene may also cause delayed effects that may not be apparent for up to 48 hours.
Examples of workers NIOSH proclaims may be at risk of being exposed include:
- Workers in plants where dyes are manufactured
- Manufacturing workers who use it in the production of polymers
- Workers who use it to make pesticides
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing workers in production plants
- Workers who use it to separate ores
- Welders who use it to clean with chlorinated solvents
“Due to occupational exposure risks, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for phosgene and NIOSH has a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL),” said Zahid Iqbal, MPH, CIH and Technical Director at Clark Seif Clark (CSC). “This is why the industrial hygiene and environmental professionals at Clark Seif Clark offer testing, monitoring, consulting and training services to identify and mitigate risks associated with phosgene and many other hazards. These services not only help to safeguard workers, they are also instrumental for keeping companies in regulatory compliance.”
CSC has sponsored an educational video about phosgene exposure risks that can be seen below:
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To learn more about this or other industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.csceng.com, email [email protected] or call (800) 807-1118. |
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About Clark Seif Clark: CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both the public and private sectors address environmental issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering making them the preferred environmental consultants to healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals. |
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21732 Devonshire St., Ste. B,
Chatsworth, CA 91311
800.807.1118
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