The management of protection against ionising and non-ionising radiations: By D. Hughes. HHSC...
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120 Book Reviews Fibre-glass manufacture is described, but there is no reference to hazards in its application. Burgess concentrates particularly on inhalation hazards, though physical hazards are outlined where significant (for example laser welding, noise levels in stone working). However, it does present detailed information in those industries where specialist services are unlikely to be available, and will be of particular value to the consultant and the inspector. A second question is the applicability of the information to the practice of occupational hygiene outside the United States. For examples of best current practice, Burgess has frequently drawn on international literature and sources. For example, of the 79 references on welding, 16 are from The Annals of Occupational Hygiene, and BOHS is listed among the information sources. Nevertheless, nomenclature, and most of the information sources listed, are American, though the author does acknowledge that best current practice can sometimesbe met outside the United States. For example, he reports that a U.S. study in 1974 showed that 28% of sand blasters died of silicosis at an average age of 45 years (shades of Dr Arnold Knight’s studies of grinding in Sheffield in 1844). The author acknowledges that the U.K. pioneered today’s European ban on the use of silica sand for abrasive blasting, and one illustration certainly shows that American safety practice is not always perfect. From my own experience of teaching with the earlier edition, I strongly recommend this new edition, not only as a guide for studies, but also as a working reference volume. It is a necessary reference for all occupational health and safety professionals who need to evaluate a health hazard in an industry or process with which they are not entirely familiar. R. J. Sherwood Honey Bottom, Dry Sandford, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX13 6BX, U.K. The Management of Protection Against Ionising and Non-ionising Radiations. By D. Hughes. HHSC Handbook No. 18. H and H Scientific Consultants Ltd, Leeds, U.K., 1995. (ISBN 0 948237 27 9.) 74 pp. Price E15.00. This book is aimed to help individuals who suddenly find they are responsible for the management of a programme of protection within their workplace. The author introduces the subject matter gently but assumes such individuals are likely to have a science background. The handbook consists of four chapters entitled “Radiation and its Sources,” “Biological Effects,” “ Recommendations for Protection” and “U.K. legislation.”
Transcript of The management of protection against ionising and non-ionising radiations: By D. Hughes. HHSC...
120 Book Reviews
Fibre-glass manufacture is described, but there is no reference to hazards in its application. Burgess concentrates particularly on inhalation hazards, though physical hazards are outlined where significant (for example laser welding, noise levels in stone working). However, it does present detailed information in those industries where specialist services are unlikely to be available, and will be of particular value to the consultant and the inspector.
A second question is the applicability of the information to the practice of occupational hygiene outside the United States. For examples of best current practice, Burgess has frequently drawn on international literature and sources. For example, of the 79 references on welding, 16 are from The Annals of Occupational Hygiene, and BOHS is listed among the information sources. Nevertheless, nomenclature, and most of the information sources listed, are American, though the author does acknowledge that best current practice can sometimes be met outside the United States. For example, he reports that a U.S. study in 1974 showed that 28% of sand blasters died of silicosis at an average age of 45 years (shades of Dr Arnold Knight’s studies of grinding in Sheffield in 1844). The author acknowledges that the U.K. pioneered today’s European ban on the use of silica sand for abrasive blasting, and one illustration certainly shows that American safety practice is not always perfect.
From my own experience of teaching with the earlier edition, I strongly recommend this new edition, not only as a guide for studies, but also as a working reference volume. It is a necessary reference for all occupational health and safety professionals who need to evaluate a health hazard in an industry or process with which they are not entirely familiar.
R. J. Sherwood Honey Bottom,
Dry Sandford, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX13 6BX, U.K.
The Management of Protection Against Ionising and Non-ionising Radiations. By D. Hughes. HHSC Handbook No. 18. H and H Scientific Consultants Ltd, Leeds, U.K., 1995. (ISBN 0 948237 27 9.) 74 pp. Price E15.00.
This book is aimed to help individuals who suddenly find they are responsible for the management of a programme of protection within their workplace. The author introduces the subject matter gently but assumes such individuals are likely to have a science background.
The handbook consists of four chapters entitled “Radiation and its Sources,” “Biological Effects,” “ Recommendations for Protection” and “U.K. legislation.”
Book Reviews 121
Following a brief resume of the physical properties of electromagnetic radiation the reader is introduced to a catalogue of sources throughout the spectrum. The tables are particularly clear in indicating how the various spectral regions are subdivided.
Chapter 2, “Biological Effects,” is particularly well presented giving a concise and pertinent review of the tissues at risk from exposure to radiation of a particular wavelength. It was pleasing to see the inclusion of recent data relating to visual display units.
The last two sections consider protection. The short third chapter covers the current recommendations published by various learned committees. However the interpretation of this information particular for non-ionizing radiation can be complex and requires greater knowledge than the perceived audience of this book may have, particularly if measurements are required. For an administrator it might have been informative to detail the arrangements for protection set up in major industrial plants and hospitals indicating the various levels of personnel involved, such as Radiation Protection Advisers and Supervisors. The final area covered concerns U.K. legislation which applies predominantly to ionizing radiation. A comprehensive and up-to-date list of references is included.
The information is delivered in a clear, concise manner and overall the text works both as a whole and as a ready-reckoner. However I believe that the title is somewhat ambitious and requires a lot of ground to be covered. To be fair the author expressed reservations about writing this handbook in his preface but to his credit has succeeded in his objective.
Ian Coles Department of Medical Physics,
Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road,
London W6 8RF, U.K.
