Health Hazards in Highway Construction

Health Hazards inHealth Hazards inHighway ConstructionHighway Construction

Kimberley J. Nipko, MPHSafety & Health Compliance Officer

OSHA--Madison, WI608-441-5388 ext.123

[email protected]

TopicsTopicsSilica NoiseLeadAsphaltHeat Stress

HISTORY OF SILICOSISHISTORY OF SILICOSIS

Ancient Greece1870 term first usedHawk’s Nest Dam - 1931

Amorphous– NOT CrystallineCrystalline– Beach SandBeach Sand

Crystalline– Heat and/or pressure converts amorphousHeat and/or pressure converts amorphous– Dangerous to the human bodyDangerous to the human body– Found in construction materials (e.g. brick, Found in construction materials (e.g. brick,

rock, concrete, masonry block, etc.)rock, concrete, masonry block, etc.)

TYPES OF SILICATYPES OF SILICA

CRYSTALLINE SILICACRYSTALLINE SILICA

3 Types

Where is it found?Naturally Occurring Crystalline Mineral in Earth’s Crust

quartz

tridymitecristobalite

SilicosisBronchitisTuberculosisAssociation with Lung Cancer

– IARC Classification April 1997IARC Classification April 1997– Class 1: Carcinogenic to HumansClass 1: Carcinogenic to Humans

HEALTH EFFECTSHEALTH EFFECTS

LUNG DEPOSITIONLUNG DEPOSITION

Naso-Pharyngeal

Tracheo-Bronchial

Alveolar

MucousMucous

CiliaCilia

LUNG DEFENSESLUNG DEFENSESMuco-Ciliary EscalatorMuco-Ciliary Escalator

RESPIRATORY SYSTEMRESPIRATORY SYSTEM

ALVEOLI

RESPIRATORY SYSTEMRESPIRATORY SYSTEM

NODULES

Chronic– 10 or More Years of Exposure10 or More Years of Exposure– Low Exposure ConcentrationsLow Exposure Concentrations

Accelerated– 5 to 10 Years After Exposure5 to 10 Years After Exposure– High Exposure ConcentrationsHigh Exposure Concentrations

Acute– A Few Weeks to 4 or 5 Years After A Few Weeks to 4 or 5 Years After

ExposureExposure– Highest Exposure ConcentrationsHighest Exposure Concentrations

SILICOSISSILICOSIS

SYMPTOMSSYMPTOMSDifficulty in BreathingCoughInfections Causing

– FeverFever– Weight LossWeight Loss– Night SweatsNight Sweats

Particle Size Percentage of Free Silica Length of Exposure Individual Susceptibility Cigarette Smoking Dose-Response Relationship

CONTRIBUTING CONTRIBUTING FACTORSFACTORS

CIGARETTESCIGARETTESSynergistic Effect

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRYCONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Approximately 4.9 million actively working construction workers

700,000 potentially exposed to silicaApproximately 250-300 deaths each year from

silicosisSilicosis is 100 percent preventable

Chipping, Hammering, Drilling of Rock

Crushing, Loading, Hauling, and Dumping of Rock

Abrasive Blasting With Silica SandAbrasive Blasting of Concrete

CONSTRUCTION JOBSCONSTRUCTION JOBSAT RISKAT RISK

Local Silica Inspection SchedulingLocal Silica Inspection SchedulingMostly OSHA “drive-by”observations

A few telephone or written complaints

Jackhammer (Dry) ExampleJackhammer (Dry) Example7.6% silica1 mg/m3 PEL 0.9 mg/M3 (454 mins)0.85 mg/M3 8 hour

TWA 8 hour severity

85% of PELVERY CLOSE TO PEL

Jackhammering on bridge over I-88, DeKalb, IL

Adjacent jackhammer and sweeping may increase exposure

Jackhammer (Wet) ExampleJackhammer (Wet) Example10% silica0.83 mg/m3 PEL 1.8 mg/M3 (370 min)1.4 mg/M3 8 hr TWA 8 hour severity

165% of PELEXCEEDED PEL

Inside Chicago building, employee at left sprayed with hose

2nd sample 110% of PEL

Concrete Cutting (Dry) ExampleConcrete Cutting (Dry) Example

12% silica0.7 mg/M3 PEL16.3 mg/M3 (39 min)0.75 mg/M3 8 hr TWA 8 hour severity


Gas saw dry cuts hole in concrete sewer

2300% of PEL for 39 minute sample time

Concrete Cutting (Wet) ExampleConcrete Cutting (Wet) Example

9.4% silica0.9 mg/M3 PEL 0.4 mg/M3 (340 min)0.3 mg/M3 8 hr TWA 8 hour severity

37% of PELDID NOT EXCEED

PEL

Wet saw2nd sample 45% of PEL

Concrete Cutting SummaryConcrete Cutting SummaryWet CuttingNine air samplesAll were wet sawing

concrete slabs0 - 44% of PEL WET SAMPLES

ALL BELOW PEL USE WET SAW

Dry CuttingEight air samplesFour > PELHighest was 345% of

PELDO NOT DRY CUT

Lateral Drilling ExampleLateral Drilling Example7.5% silica1.1 mg/M3 PEL3.1 mg/M3 (420 min)2.7 mg/M3 8 hr

TWA8 hour severity


Lateral drilling multiple holes in pavement for reinforcing bars

Lateral Drilling SummaryLateral Drilling SummaryNine air samplesFour samples > PEL101%, 104%, 251%, 257% of PELGOOD CHANCE OF EXCEEDING PELHalf mask adequate in these samplesControls: water not used, can it be used?

Vermeer SawVermeer Saw

Used to cut large sections of pavement out of highway

reduces need to jackhammer /clean up debris

Vermeer Saw ExampleVermeer Saw Example5.5% silica1.3 mg/m3 PEL 9.6 mg/M3 (80 min)1.6 mg/M3 8 hr TWA 8 hour severity

120% of PELPEL EXCEEDED Some water is

sprayed from side mount tanks

Shoveling Concrete SummaryShoveling Concrete Summary

Four samplesNo overexposures4%, 8%, 25%, 60%

of PELPEL NOT

EXCEEDED Adjacent operations may increase dust exposure (60% seems high for shoveling)

Heavy Construction SilicaHeavy Construction SilicaDust SummaryDust Summary

Operation # Likely Exp Likely Resp Noise Jackhammer dry 19 > PEL half mask 102-103 Jackhammer wet 5 >PEL half mask Concrete saw dry 8 > PEL half mask Concrete saw wet 9 < PEL -- Lateral drill 9 > PEL half mask 97-104 Vermeer saw 3 ? > PEL ? 96 Bobcat concrete2 < PEL -- Shovel concrete 4 < PEL

# - number of samples takenDeterminations are based on limited numbers of samplesand represent available info as of 3/2000.

Sandblasting ExampleSandblasting Example3.8% silica1.7 mg/M3 PEL 18 mg/M3 (385 min)14 mg/M3 8 hr TWA 8 hour severity

812% of PELGREATLY

EXCEEDED PEL

Sandblasting rebar in highway

Supplied Air Respirator used

Abrasive Blasting ConcreteAbrasive Blasting Concrete4% silica1.7 mg/M3 PEL 2.7 mg/M3 (340

min) 1.9 mg/M3 8 hr

TWA 8 hour severity


Black Beauty used to blast newly cut grooves in roadway

Crossover/Special OperationsCrossover/Special OperationsSilica Dust SummarySilica Dust Summary

Operation # Likely Exp Likely Resp Noise Sandblaster 7 >> PELblast resp 96-104 Sandblast potman 1 > PEL half mask 91 Abrasive blaster 7 > PEL blast resp Abrasive potman 5 < PEL -- Sweep 5 can > PEL half mask Ceiling seam grind 1 > PEL half mask Grind floor w/ vent 1 > PEL half mask Tunnel (no silica) 4 < PEL --

# - number of samples taken Determinations are based on limited numbers of samplesand represent available info as of 3/2000.

Citation SummaryCitation Summary

1.Overexposure/engineering controls

2. Correct respirator/resp. program

3. Silica hazard training4. Hearing conservation

program/protection5. Silica safety program6. Lead exposure

(tuckpointing, blasting)

CURRENT EXPOSURE CURRENT EXPOSURE LIMITSLIMITS

OSHA (PEL) NIOSH (REL) ACGIH (TLV)

250 mppcf%silica + 5

10 mg/m3

% silica + 2

or

0.05 mg/m3 Quartz: 0.05 mg/m3

Cristobalite: 0.05 mg/m3

Tridymite: 0.05 mg/m3

RECOMMENDED EXPOSURE RECOMMENDED EXPOSURE LEVEL (REL)LEVEL (REL)

REL = O.O5 mg/m3

3/4 TEASPOON OF SILICA IN THE VOLUME OF A FOOTBALL FIELD (64,000 yds3)

is 0.057 mg/m3

AIR SAMPLING EQUIPMENTAIR SAMPLING EQUIPMENT

Personal Air Pump with Cyclone

PERSONAL SAMPLINGPERSONAL SAMPLING

PREVENTION PREVENTION METHODSMETHODS

Engineering Controls Work Practice Controls Personal Protective Equipment

ENGINEERING CONTROLSENGINEERING CONTROLS

SUBSTITUTION VENTILATIONW

ET WORK

HOUSEKEEPI

NG ISOLATION

DUSTCONTROL

WORK PRACTICE WORK PRACTICE CONTROLSCONTROLS

Restricted Work Areas

Worker PlacementMedical SurveillanceHygiene PracticesTraining

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCEMEDICAL SURVEILLANCE

PhysicalSpirometry

(PFT)Chest X-Rays

– ““B” ReaderB” Reader– FrequencyFrequency

HYGIENE HYGIENE PRACTICESPRACTICES

TRAININGTRAINING

RESPIRATORY RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAMPROTECTION PROGRAM

Medical EvaluationFit Test ProceduresTrainingStorage and CleaningHazard AssessmentWritten Program


Employer Responsibility

Determination of Wearer’s Exposure to Hazards

Fit Testing Before Use

Random InspectionTrainingMedical Surveillance


Employee Responsibility Fit check the respirator

Proper use of respirator Guard against respirator damage Report respirator malfunctions

TYPES OF RESPIRATORSTYPES OF RESPIRATORS

Half Mask Air Purifying RespiratorAPF=10

TYPES OF RESPIRATORSTYPES OF RESPIRATORSFull Face Air Purifying Respirator

APF= 50

TYPES OF RESPIRATORSTYPES OF RESPIRATORSFull Face Powered Air Purifying Respirator

APF=50

TYPES OF RESPIRATORSTYPES OF RESPIRATORS

Abrasive Blasting

Type CE Positive Pressure Blast HoodAPF= 25 - 2,000

Memorandum to Regional Offices May 2, 1996

Currently being enforced across the United States

OSHA’S SPECIALOSHA’S SPECIALEMPHASIS PROGRAM EMPHASIS PROGRAM

(SEP)(SEP)

OSHA’S SPECIALOSHA’S SPECIALEMPHASIS PROGRAM EMPHASIS PROGRAM

(SEP)(SEP)There is No Silica StandardIf Contractor is Making Effort, No

InspectionIf Not, Inspection and Can Fine for

PEL Violation or Respiratory Protection

Elements of an Effective, On-Elements of an Effective, On-going Control Program for going Control Program for

Crystalline SilicaCrystalline SilicaPersonal air monitoringMedical surveillanceTrainingAvailability of

monitoring/surveillance data to workers

Respiratory protection programHygiene facilities/clothing

change areas

Elements of a Control Elements of a Control ProgramProgram(cont’d)(cont’d)

RecordkeepingExposures below PEL or

abatement program with interim protection

HousekeepingIn construction: a Safety &

Health programRegulated areas

ConclusionsConclusions

Dry operations: High likelihood of silica dust overexposure

Wet operations: Low potential for silica dust overexposure

Exposures may be multiplied by factors such as interior workplace and corner location.

Lead Exposure in Roadway Lead Exposure in Roadway ConstructionConstruction

Torch cutting on bridge structures that are finished with lead containing paint

Scraping or abrasive blasting to remove lead paint on bridges

Chronic Health HazardsChronic Health HazardsAnemia 50 - 80ug/dlNeurological 40 - 60ug/dlSlowed nerve 30 - 40ug/dl conduction in

peripheral nervesBlood pressure increases

Kidney damage 100ug/dlColic60ug/dl

Acute Health HazardsAcute Health Hazards

Reproductive HazardsReproductive Hazards

Acute and chronic– Depressed sperm count in males and spontaneous Depressed sperm count in males and spontaneous

abortion in womenabortion in women 40 - 50ug/dl40 - 50ug/dl

– Effects on a fetusEffects on a fetus 10 - 15ug/dl (Maternal)10 - 15ug/dl (Maternal)• Low birth weightLow birth weight• Premature birthPremature birth• Impaired mental developmentImpaired mental development

Compliance ProgramCompliance ProgramPrior to the start of each jobCompliance plan shall include:

– Description of each activity• Equipment used, material involved, controls in place, crew size,

employee job– Specific means to achieve compliance

• Engineering controls– Technology considered in meeting the PEL– Air monitoring which documents the source of lead

emissions– Schedule for implementation

• Copies of purchase orders for equipment, construction contracts– Work practice program

• PPE, hygiene facilities, housekeeping– Administrative control schedule

• Job Rotation– Multi-contractor sites

Compliance ProgramCompliance Program

Frequent and regular inspection of the job site, materials, and equipment by a competent person

Shall be revised and updated every 6 months to reflect the current status of the program

TrainingTrainingAnnual training for each employee

subject to lead exposure at or above the AL on any day

Training content– Content of the standardContent of the standard– Nature of operationsNature of operations– RespiratorsRespirators– Medical surveillance programMedical surveillance program– Engineering controlsEngineering controls– Compliance planCompliance plan– Chelating agentsChelating agents– Access to recordsAccess to records

Noise/ HearingNoise/ HearingConservation Program (HCP)Conservation Program (HCP)

Effective HCP under 1926.52– Monitoring of employee noise exposures. Monitoring of employee noise exposures. – The institution of engineering, work practice, The institution of engineering, work practice,

and administrative controls for excessive noise.and administrative controls for excessive noise.– The provision of each overexposed employee The provision of each overexposed employee

with an individually fitted hearing protector with an individually fitted hearing protector with an adequate noise reduction rating. with an adequate noise reduction rating.

– Employee training and education regarding Employee training and education regarding noise hazards and protection measures. noise hazards and protection measures.

Issuing Noise CitationsIssuing Noise Citations

Issuing citations– 1926.52(a) - Overexposure1926.52(a) - Overexposure– 1926.52(b) - Feasible administrative and 1926.52(b) - Feasible administrative and

engineering controlsengineering controls– 1926.101(a) - PPE (ear protective devices)1926.101(a) - PPE (ear protective devices)– 1926.52(d)(1) - Hearing conservation program1926.52(d)(1) - Hearing conservation program

Occupational ExposureOccupational Exposureto Asphaltto Asphalt

Paving asphalts, roofing asphalts, asphalt-based paints– Performance specifications-not chemical Performance specifications-not chemical

composition-direct the type of asphalt produced.composition-direct the type of asphalt produced.Acute toxic effects of asphalt fume

exposures include eye, nose and throat irritation


Insufficient evidence for an association between lung cancer & exposure to asphalt fumes during paving.– Low concentrations of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic Low concentrations of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic

hydrocarbons) at low temperatures.hydrocarbons) at low temperatures.• Temperature of hot-mix asphalt (asphalt cement + mineral Temperature of hot-mix asphalt (asphalt cement + mineral

aggregate) as applied to the roadway is generally between aggregate) as applied to the roadway is generally between 235 and 325 235 and 325 F.F.

– Confounding variablesConfounding variables• Smoking, silica, diesel exhaustSmoking, silica, diesel exhaust


Recommended guidelines to reduce exposure:– Prevent dermal exposurePrevent dermal exposure– Keep application temperature of heated asphalt as Keep application temperature of heated asphalt as

low as possible.low as possible.– Use engineering and work practice controls and Use engineering and work practice controls and

personal protective equipment at all work sites.personal protective equipment at all work sites. CDC-NIOSH December 2000 Hazard Review (1-

800-35-NIOSH) to receive a copy.

Heat StressHeat Stress Too much heat can make you tired, hurt your job

performance, and increase your chance of injury. You can get skin rash. You can also get: – Dehydration- When your body loses water, you can't cool off fast

enough. You feel thirsty and weak. – Cramps- You can get muscle cramps from the heat even after you

leave work. – Heat exhaustion- You feel tired, nauseous, headachy, and giddy

(dizzy and silly). Your skin is damp and looks muddy or flushed. You may faint.

– Heat stroke- You may have hot dry skin and a high temperature, or you may feel confused. You may have convulsions or become unconscious. Heat stroke can kill you unless you get emergency medical help.

Heat StressHeat Stress Drink a lot of cool water all day— before you feel thirsty.

Every 15 minutes, you may need a cup of water (5 to 7 ounces).

Keep taking rest breaks. Rest in a cool, shady spot. Use fans.

Wear light-colored clothing, made of cotton. Do the heaviest work in the coolest time of the day. Work in the shade. For heavy work in hot areas, take turns with other workers,

so some can rest.

Heat StressHeat Stress If you travel to a warm area for a new job, you need time

for your body to get used to the heat. Be extra careful the first 2 weeks on the job.

If you work in protective clothing, you need more rest breaks. You may also need to check your temperature and heart rate.

If you think someone has heat stroke, CALL emergency services (or 911). And move your co-worker to the shade, wipe his/her skin with cool water, and loosen his/her clothes. Use a piece of cardboard or other material to fan your co-worker.

QUESTIONSQUESTIONS

Health Hazards in Highway Construction

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