Safety, Health, and Environment - Recognizing Biological Hazards

Biological Hazards

Introduction

  • Biological hazards are caused by living organisms or their parts that can trigger an adverse response upon contact with the body.

  • Common biological hazards in process industries:

    • Microorganisms

    • Arthropods

    • Poisonous snakes

    • Plant allergens and toxins

    • Protein allergens

Biological Hazards Overview

  • Process technicians may encounter biological hazards in various scenarios:

    • Spider encounters during equipment inspection.

    • Bites from mosquitos, wasps, or bees when working outdoors.

    • Encountering snakes while servicing equipment in remote plant areas.

    • Exposure to infectious body fluids while assisting injured co-workers.

    • Contact with harmful bacteria in cooling tower water.

    • Contact with mouse or bird droppings during warehouse cleaning.

Microorganism Hazards

  • Microorganisms are very small life forms visible only through a microscope.

  • Typically not a major concern in process industries.

  • Employees should report potential exposure of contractors, visitors, and other workers to supervisors or medical personnel.

Viruses

  • Viruses are the simplest organisms and infectious parasites.

  • They require a host to live and reproduce.

  • They can cross between different species.

  • Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.

  • Government regulations address:

    • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

    • Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

Bacteria

  • Bacteria are single-celled, microscopic organisms without chlorophyll.

  • They are the most diverse group of living organisms.

  • Found worldwide (dirt, water, air) and can live in extreme temperatures.

  • Capable of rapid multiplication.

  • Exposure to harmful bacteria is unlikely if equipment is properly designed, operated, and maintained.

Algae

  • Algae are simple plant-like organisms that grow in water.

  • Characteristics include:

    • Contain chlorophyll.

    • Obtain energy from the sun and carbon from carbon dioxide.

    • Produce oxygen during photosynthesis.

    • Found in fresh and salt water.

    • Can be harmful to people.

  • Process technicians are not likely to encounter harmful algae during their work.

Fungi

  • Fungi are plant-like organisms that absorb nutrients by breaking down decaying matter and do not contain chlorophyll.

  • Similar to algae, they can be helpful or harmful depending on the type.

  • They can cause respiratory and other problems.

  • Process technicians are not likely to encounter harmful fungi during normal operations.

Protozoa

  • Protozoa are one-celled animals, larger and more complex than bacteria.

  • They can:

    • Hunt other microorganisms like bacteria.

    • Produce nitrogen when they eat.

    • Cause ulcers, diarrhea, and more serious symptoms.

  • Process technicians are not likely to encounter harmful protozoa during normal operations.

Arthropods

  • Arthropods are animals with jointed limbs, segmented bodies, and hard exoskeletons.

  • Include crustaceans, arachnids, and insects.

  • Found in warehouses, tanks, and equipment in process facilities.

  • Process technicians may encounter arachnids and insects in process facilities.

Spiders

  • Highly venomous spiders include the black widow and brown recluse.

  • Both have distinctive markings and nest in dark areas.

  • Bites require immediate medical attention.

  • If bitten:

    • Apply ice to slow venom spread.

    • Report to supervisor.

    • Seek medical attention.

Ticks

  • Ticks are relatives of spiders and scorpions.

  • They feed on the blood of animals.

  • They carry diseases transmittable to humans.

  • Found in tall grass, brush, shrubs, and low-hanging trees.

  • If found on the body, have it removed immediately.

Scorpions

  • Scorpions live in desert-like climates in the southwestern United States and can also be found in forests, prairies, grasslands, mountains, or seashores.

  • Mostly active at night.

  • If stung, seek immediate medical attention.

Mosquitos

  • Mosquitos carry many diseases that can be transmitted to humans through bites.

  • More active in the summer and fall, but can be active year-round in the South.

  • If you suspect a mosquito-borne virus, seek medical attention immediately.

Fire Ants

  • Fire ants are extremely aggressive and inflict a painful sting.

  • Medical attention is required for those who are allergic.

Bees, Wasps, and Hornets

  • Bees swarm in spring and fall, building hives in crevices and holes, and will chase for 50 yards or more.

  • Wasps and hornets attack when their hives are disturbed and may become more aggressive at certain times of the year.

  • Medical attention is required for those who are allergic.

Poisonous Snakes

  • Four types of poisonous snakes in North America:

    • Rattlesnakes

    • Cottonmouth snakes (water moccasin)

    • Copperhead snakes

    • Coral snakes

  • If bitten:

    • Wash the bite with soap and water.

    • Immobilize the area and keep it lower than the heart.

    • Get immediate medical attention.

Animals

  • Animals can produce painful and dangerous bites and can infect you with rabies if they bite.

  • They can move quickly over a short distance.

  • Maintain distance from all animals, wild or domestic.

Plant Allergens

  • Symptoms occur minutes to an hour after exposure:

    • Itching of eyes, nose, mouth, or skin

    • Coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, or runny nose

    • Watering eyes

    • Headache

    • Impaired sense of smell

Plant Toxins

  • Common symptoms from plants like poison ivy, oak, or sumac:

    • Redness and swelling

    • Rashes, blistering, or itchiness

  • Seek immediate medical attention for:

    • Swollen lips, throat, or tongue

    • Bluish lips or mouth

    • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

    • Weakness or dizziness

Protein Allergens

  • Protein allergens may include:

    • Animal urine, feces, blood, hair, and dander

    • Foods like peanuts, milk, shellfish, and strawberries

    • Latex gloves

    • Certain chemicals, referred to as sensitizers

Bloodborne Pathogens

  • Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms (viruses or bacteria) present in human blood that can cause disease, including hepatitis B (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), malaria, and syphilis.

  • Transmitted through contact with blood and other infected body fluids.

  • The most common way a process technician can be exposed to bloodborne pathogens on the job is through first aid.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

  • Transmitted through blood-to-blood contact and infects the liver.

  • Affects about 300,000 Americans each year.

  • Has no specific treatment or cure.

  • Produces early symptoms similar to a mild flu.

  • Check with a doctor immediately if you think you have been exposed to hepatitis B.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

  • HIV attacks and weakens a person’s immune system.

  • Transmitted through blood, genital fluids, and breast milk.

  • Has no vaccine or cure.

  • It can take several years to develop into acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

  • Check with a doctor immediately if you think you have been exposed to HIV.

Transmission of HIV and HBV

  • Most commonly transmitted in the following six ways:

    • Sexual contact

    • Sharing of hypodermic needles

    • From mothers to babies before or during birth

    • Puncture from a contaminated object

    • Contact between damaged or broken skin and infected bodily fluids and materials

    • Contact between mucous membranes and infected bodily fluids and materials

Universal Precautions

  • Common universal precaution methods include:

    • Using personal protective equipment (PPE)

    • Disinfecting contaminated surfaces

    • Properly disposing of contaminated materials

    • Removing and isolating contaminated clothing

    • Regularly washing hands

    • Not eating or drinking in work areas

    • Following proper decontamination and sterilization procedures

Personal Protective Equipment

  • For personal protective equipment (PPE) to be effective:

    • Inspect PPE for wear and tear before use.

    • Ensure proper wearing of PPE.

    • Remove and replace any PPE that is no longer effective.

    • Remove PPE before leaving the work area.

    • Properly dispose of any contaminated PPE.

Exposure

  • The Exposure Control Plan, required by OSHA for employers whose employees may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, contains:

    • Exposure determination

    • Methods of compliance

    • Hepatitis B vaccination and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up

    • Communication of hazards to employees

    • Record keeping

Decontamination and Housekeeping

  • To ensure proper decontamination and housekeeping:

    • All objects that come into contact with blood or potentially infectious materials must be decontaminated and sterilized.

    • Any PPE that is contaminated must be handled and cleaned or disposed of properly.

  • If performing basic housekeeping tasks, be familiar with the Bloodborne Pathogens standard section on decontamination and housekeeping.

Government Regulations

  • OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) addresses occupational exposure and classifies three categories of work-related tasks:

    • Category I: Job tasks routinely expose the employee to blood and other infectious materials.

    • Category II: Job tasks do not involve routine exposure but may involve performing Category I tasks.

    • Category III: Job tasks do not normally involve exposing the employee to blood or other infectious materials.

  • Many process industry jobs fall under Category III, though some might fall into Category II.