Assignment:
For this module week, you will review toxic/hazardous waste operations and the proper response to such incidents. Choose from one of the following chemical health hazards that are known to be associated with construction activities. Research and discuss the specifics of the chemical hazard that you chose in relation to work in the construction industry.
• Lead
• Silica
• Asbestos
• Chromium (VI)
• Mercury
• Welding Fumes
• Diesel Exhaust
• Benzene
• Cadmium
• Coal Tar Pitch Volatiles
• Formaldehyde
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Your essay must include the following:
• Summarize basic chemical information for the hazard you chose, how construction workers might be exposed to the hazard (either through tasks performed or commercial products used in construction activities).
• Describe what OSHA construction regulations exist for the hazard and any OSHA exposure limits (PELs) for the hazard. If OSHA does not have a PEL for the hazard, are there any other agencies (i.e., NIOSH or ACGIH) that have published exposure limits or guidelines?
• Are there any OSHA specific requirements for worker education/training, medical monitoring, exposure monitoring (real-time, on-site), etc.?
• Discuss the health effects of exposure to the hazard (acute, chronic, systemic, local, etc.).
• Identify specific protective measures that can/should be taken to prevent overexposure to this hazard. Be specific.
Include a discussion of a hierarchy of controls in relation to the protective measures that can/should be taken and methods to monitor exposure to this hazard.
• What hazard communication information should be provided to workers, and in what format should the information be conveyed? Is a specific program required under the OSHA construction standard for the hazard - if so, list and explain the basic components of the required program?
Essay Guidelines
• Your paper must be a minimum of four pages long, including the title and reference page. Remember, the main body of your paper must be no less than two and no more than three pages.
• You must use at least four (4) sources to support your work. At least two of your sources used must be from scholarly sources that are not from the OSHA website (i.e., the Hunt Library, other scholarly web resources, or reference books). You may use more than four reference sources if you feel that it is necessary to provide a complete discussion of the chosen hazard.
• Be sure to apply current APA guidelines. If you require assistance, review the Academic Resources page.