Physical Hazards to Health:
Various forms of energy can be hazardous in engineering. These include
microwaves through to light and other non-ionising or higher energy ionising
electromagnetic radiation.
Other harmful energies include noise which can cause noise
induced hearing loss (industrial deafness), and vibration which can
cause hand arm vibration syndrome.
Musculoskeletal problems can also arise when
inadequate efforts have been made to address ergonomic
issues.
Chemical Hazards to Health:
The image alongside illustrates the basic tools and materials for soldering
- a suitable source of heat, and the solder. The health hazards associated
with this process need to be considered. An important one relates to a
component not immediately evident in the image - namely the flux (in this
case colophony) which is present as core within the solder. Exposure to
colophony fume can pose a significant risk of occupational
asthma.
Work with various metals can also present hazards to health e.g:
Major engineering works which involve demolition could result in exposure
to asbestos.
Biological hazards to health:
Biological hazards to health are not common in engineering, but cam occur.
They could range from Legionnaire's disease from the contamination of cooling
towers with Legionella pneumophila, toLeptospirosis (infection with Leptospira
sp.) from contamination of water.
Useful links:
-
Health and safety Executive: Information About Different Workplaces -
Engineering
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