Industrial Hygiene
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration defines industrial hygiene as, "that science and art devoted to the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of those environmental factors or stresses arising in or from the workplace, which may cause sickness, impaired health and well-being, or significant discomfort among workers or among the citizens of the community." Activities in EHS in industrial hygiene are those that measure and monitor hazards as well as those that propose solutions to mitigate those hazards. Industrial hygiene activities, like air sampling, provide the raw data on which so many of the safety decisions made by EHS and the university are based.
Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality (IAQ) covers a broad range of issues. Some of the items that fall into IAQ include temperature extremes, elevated relative humidity, stuffy air and odors. While many unpleasant odors are transient from sources such as vehicle exhaust and construction activities, more persistent odors could result from problems with the air quality. If an odor or other unpleasant conditions persist for more than a few hours, EHS may choose to investigate the problem to determine if further action is necessary.
Investigations include temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, mold and bacteria concentrations, dust particles and organic vapors. EHS will determine the course of action based on the initial observations and ensure that the concerns of those who initiated the complaint are addressed. If you have an indoor air quality complaint, contact EHS by calling 901-678-5700 or emailing EHS@memphis.edu.
Mold
Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture is present. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment; however, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling the moisture levels. It is important to report moisture issues quickly to eliminate the moisture and reduce the risk of mold growth. Report visible mold to EH&S for investigation.
Here are some tips for avoiding mold growth in your building:
- Report stained/bowed ceiling tiles to your supervisor or Physical Plant for an investigation of the water source.
- Report condensation seen forming on windows, walls, or pipes to your supervisor for investigation and action.
- Report water infiltration around windows or exterior walls to your supervisor and Physical Plant for investigation and repairs.
- Do not block or shut vents or building air returns.
- Do not over water plants. (Periodically break up dirt around the plant to avoid mold overgrowth in the dirt.)
- Clean-up water spills immediately.
- Minimize accumulations of paper, cardboard, and other cellulose-based materials.
- Clean your work area routinely.
- Avoid concentrating materials and equipment within offices and other small or poorly ventilated locations.
- If carpet is present in your work area, have it cleaned regularly.
- Avoid portable humidifiers.
Asbestos
While asbestos was used in a lot of building materials peaking between 1950 and 1980, asbestos is still present in some building materials today. Asbestos is not a hazard to people unless it is disturbed and then only if the material becomes friable (crumbly). EHS can sample materials to determine if they contain asbestos and it is important to determine the presence of asbestos prior to any renovation, no matter how small the project. EHS also has records to determine if an area has been tested previously. If you have questions about asbestos, contact EHS.
Lead
Lead is less commonly used today, but does exist in lead-based paint and plumbing pipes. Lead, even when present is not a hazard to people unless it is disturbed. EHS can sample materials to determine if they contain lead and it is important to determine the presence of lead prior to any renovation if there is reason to suspect it may be present. EHS also has records to determine if an area has been tested previously. If you have questions about lead, contact EHS.
Exposure Assessment
Exposure to hazardous materials is controlled by utilizing certain controls. Those controls, in order of descending effectiveness, include:
- Elimination (remove the need for the hazardous material completely)
- Substitution (substitute a non-hazardous material for the hazardous material)
- Engineering controls (isolate people from the hazard with physical barriers or ventilation)
- Administrative controls (limit access to the hazardous materials and limit time users spend in contact with the hazardous material)
- Personal protective equipment (put protective items on the person that may be exposed)
EHS performs assessments to determine to what degree each of these controls can be used based on the hazardous material and the situation in which the material is being used. If you think you may be being exposed to a hazardous material, contact EHS for an assessment.
Ventilation
Control of hazards in the workplace is frequently accomplished by engineering controls with ventilation being the primary engineering control used. EHS helps determine if the ventilation that is intended to protect from airborne hazards is adequate. If you have questions about ventilation in a particular area, contact EHS.