Industrial Hygiene some and Safety a few Concerns for U.S. Marines - C. D. Jones. 3

1. Industrial Hygiene (some) and Safety (a few) Concerns for U.S. Marines - C. D. Jones. 3/30/01 Industrial Hygiene (IH) - what is an industrial hygienist, and why should you be interested in knowing what one is? Industrial Hygiene Surveys - we try to determine: what you do what do you use when you do it and how is it done how many folks are doing it how often is it done how long does it take then I do some serious thinking, and then I write some fine literature / an IH survey report

2. An IH survey report - what�s in it (and why should you give a hoot) A thorough evaluation of each work task performed in each shop or workcenter, and our two cents worth as to whether any work task performed in that place is potentially hazardous to the health of the folks that do the work If there are hazards in your workplace, we tell you how to avoid �em You can read the report and get fully informed regarding the hazards, if any, associated with the work that you do

3. What are some of the workplace hazards that Marines may be exposed to while on the job Noise - as a result of lots of things, weapons firing, power tool use, lawn care equipment Lead - as a result of weapons firing Dusts - as a result of self help projects (demolition, renovations) Organic vapors - as a result of painting or cleaning with solvents May be a handful that I omitted �.

4. Noise exposures - here�s the story �. Woodworking equipment (power tools) are noisy; typically generate sound pressure levels (SPL) > 84 dBA, the NAVOSH �noise hazardous� level Lawn care stuff (mowers, leaf blowers) usually > 84 dBA Weapons firing and weapons training may result in personnel being exposed to noise at levels > 84 dBA range instructor - 87 - 90 dBA for an 8 hr day weapons are loud; beretta - around 150 dB; M16 around 125 dB; match house & CQC instruction may be >84 dBA for instructors, but usu. < 84 dBA for trainees; WHY?

5. Marine Corps noise exposure source?

6. Noise exposures (continued) Routine exposure to loud noise over time will affect your ability to hear clearly (particularly consonants) If you are routinely overexposed to noise: you need to be trained regarding the hazards associated with noise exposures and how to keep your exposures reduced we may recommend engineering changes to reduce noise exposures (an electric weedeater; gee, get a quieter gun �.) we may recommend you wear hearing protection we may recommend your inclusion into a hearing conservation program, necessitating annual audiograms

7. Lead Exposures - here�s the straight skinny �. NAVOSH standard = 0.05 mg/m3; a very small amount You can get exposed to lead from chewing on some older �lead pencils� (from the paint, not the �lead�) Making spitballs from the Sunday comics section of some papers Holding solder in your mouth when you work on electronic equipment Biting your line sinkers when you fish You are most likely to encounter lead during weapons firing and weapons training exercises

8. The potential health effects of lead overexposure Enters the body via injection (you were the target) - unlikely; likely means are via inhalation (of a small sized dust) or ingestion (of that small sized dust) Acute exposures - GI (gastrointestinal, not �soldier�) distress, encephalopathy (brain swelling), seizures, death; Chronic exposures - damaged nervous system, kidneys, & blood forming tissues; extensor muscle nerve damage (wrist drop and foot dragging); intellectual deficits in children;

9. What are the sources of lead exposures when firing a weapon? a - the bullet (duh!) - an �acute� exposure problem b - the bullet�s leaded primer - a �chronic� (not the Dr. Dre type) exposure problem; the primer compound, lead styphnate, ignites the gunpowder in the casing that causes the rapid expansion of gases that exceeds the holding capacity of the bullet/shell interface that results in the rapid propulsion of a mass of heavy metal on a trajectory toward what is hopefully an intended target; anyway, it is bad for you in other than small quantities

10. This bullet stuff - the bullet primer may constitute a greater source of lead exposures than the plug on the bullet�s base

11. How can your exposures to lead during weapons firing be controlled? Via engineering, administrative and personal protective equipment (PPE) controls Engineering control - a ventilation system in a range Administrative control - reduce the duration of the exercise PPE - wear safety glasses, body armor and a respirator when you shoot If you cannot keep exposures to lead under the NAVOSH limit you may need medical surveillance

12. Dust exposures You may get exposed to some level of dust during self help projects; demolition and renovation is �dirty� work The level of dust generated is typically nonhazardous, as long as the dust is just that, dust; if the dust is lead or asbestos dust, that is another story Bottom line - have a self help project reviewed by your Safety Office or by an IH before you get started on it Depending on what is being done and how it is being performed, you may need to alter some procedures and wear some PPE

13. Organic vapor (OV) exposures You may use solvents to clean small parts; typically doesn�t result in an airborne exposure to OV > NAVOSH standard, but can cause dermatitis Typical source or organic vapor exposure is painting; Marines may use aerosol cans or brush and rollers; typically not an IH �problem� area

14. Any questions? Thanks! For additional info, call me, Chris Jones, at (757) 444-7612