Safety and Health Tip
Heat Illnesses & Medications
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke occur when the body becomes overheated and can't cool itself back down.  Some medications may increase your risk of heat-related illness.
The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this list:
Antihistamines to prevent allergy symptoms.
Some medications to manage cough and cold symptoms.
Some heart and blood pressure medications.
Amphetamine diet pills.
Irritable bowel and irritable bladder medicines.
Laxatives.
Water pills.
Thyroid medications.
Anti-seizure medications.
Some medications used to manage mental health conditions.

NIOSH Publication No. 2008-127: Water Spray Control of Hazardous Dust When Breaking Concrete with a Jackhammer	May 2008

	Summary Construction workers are exposed to hazardous dust when using jackhammers to break concrete pavement. NIOSH found that exposures could be reduced by using a water-spray attachment. Description of Exposure Breathing dust that contains crystalline silica can lead to silicosis, a deadly lung disease. Exposure to crystalline silica has also been linked to lung cancer, kidney disease, reduced lung function, and other disorders [NIOSH 2002]. No effective treatment exists for silicosis, but it can be prevented by controlling worker exposure to dust containing crystalline silica. Workers in the construction industry may breathe dust that contains crystalline silica during many tasks including grinding concrete, cutting brick and block, tuckpointing masonry, or using a jackhammer to break concrete. A study to measure exposures found that jackhammer operators who break concrete were exposed to about 6 times the NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL) [Valiante et al. 2004]. NIOSH evaluated the use of jackhammers for breaking concrete pavement and examined engineering controls to see whether they reduce worker exposures to dust [Echt et al. 2003]. NIOSH Study NIOSH studied a water-spray attachment (Figure 1) to suppress dust created during concrete pavement breaking with jackhammers [Echt et al. 2003]. This low-flow, water-spray control reduced dust exposures by 70%-90%. Figure 1. The water spray attachment, showing the method used to attach the nozzle to the tool. Water-Spray Controls The water-spray attachment was made by a contractor who participated in the NIOSH study (Mt. Hope Rock Products, Inc., Wharton, NJ, a division of Tilcon New York, Inc., West Nyack, NY). There is continuing development of water-spray controls similar to the one used in the NIOSH study. For example, The New Jersey Laborers Health and Safety Fund (NJLHSF) has also developed a simple durable, low-cost water-spray attachment for use on a jackhammer (www.njlaborers.org/index.php3). The NJLHSF version of a water-spray attachment used the control described in this document as a starting point.  A detailed description of the NJLHSF water-spray attachment and estimated cost can be found at their Web site (www.njlaborers.com/health/jackhammer.php3). NIOSH is not aware at this time of off-the-shelf, commercially available retrofit kits or jackhammers that come with built-in water spray units. However, it is relatively simple to build a water spray control for a jackhammer using the diagram in Figure 2 and the parts and instructions below: Water-spray nozzle: Use a solid-cone, furnace-spray water nozzle with an 80-degree spray angle (Type B, 11.00 GPH, 80°, Delavan Inc. Fuel Metering Products, Bamberg, SC http://www.delavaninc.com/). Mount the nozzle in a bracket welded on the end of the jackhammer. The spray angle (the angle included between the sides of the cone formed by the water discharged by the nozzle) and the spray pattern are two critical design parameters required to match the performance of the tested device.  Spray nozzles make several spray patterns such as hollow cone, full cone, and flat spray. This control used a solid cone nozzle. Figure 2. Diagram of water-spray control used in NIOSH study. Water flow rate: The nozzle used in the NIOSH study delivered about 350 milliliters (11.8 ounces) of water per minute. This flow rate is the third critical design parameter for performance of this control. It is effective in reducing dust and it did not add a lot of water to the work surface or significantly wet workers' clothing or shoes. Higher flow rates may not greatly increase dust control, and lower flow rates may reduce performance. Bracket: Use a bracket for mounting the water-spray nozzle on the jackhammer. Mounting the nozzle above the end of the jackhammer will prevent the nozzle from striking the pavement. Water-supply lines: Connect the nozzle by flexible 16 pounds-per-square-inch (psi), 3/8-inch-diameter hydraulic line to a quarter-turn valve mounted near the operator's hand position for turning the water on or off. A 3/8-inch-diameter air hose connects the valve to a 60-gallon water tank (pressurized to 22 psi) mounted on the air-compressor trailer (Figure 3). Control the pressure in the tank with a regulator.  Figure 3. Water tank mounted on compressor trailer. Water source: Use a water tank or a direct connection to a local water supply such as a water main. If a tank is used, water can be supplied to the attachment by pressurizing the tank or pumping water from the tank. If a pressurized tank is used, a compressor is needed to pressurize the tank, a regulator to control the pressure, and a pressure relief valve to guard against the tank bursting. Rust from a steel tank may clog the spray nozzle. However, a plastic water tank can be used with a battery-powered water pump instead of a steel pressurized tank. The larger the tank, the less it will have to be refilled. A 50-gallon tank will easily supply one jackhammer water-spray control used constantly for a full 8-hour shift. A trailer or hand truck may be necessary for moving the tank around the worksite. Controlling Dust Exposures The results of the NIOSH study showed that the control devices may reduce exposure to dust for jackhammer operators and other workers near the work area. Employers and jackhammer operators should take the following steps to reduce worker exposure to hazardous dust: Site Set-Up Develop a site-specific safety and health plan for all job sites where jackhammers are used that considers engineering controls, personal protective equipment, and work practices.  Minimize the number of workers in the construction area where jackhammers are used. Post signs to warn workers about the hazard and to inform them of required protective equipment. Workers should also be cautioned about icing, slips, and falls (particularly if they make a mud hole), and about ground faults for any electrical system in use. During jackhammer use, perform air monitoring of respirable crystalline silica exposures to make sure the engineering controls are working and to determine whether workers need respiratory protection. Make medical examinations available to all workers exposed to crystalline silica. Engineering Controls Equip jackhammers with dust-reduction control devices such as the water-spray attachment described in this report. When a water-spray attachment cannot be used (for example, on the upper floor inside an occupied building), use other control measures such as a vacuum or other local exhaust ventilation (LEV) device [Echt et al. 2003]. Spraying the work area with a garden hose is not an appropriate replacement for the water-spray control. Train workers in the proper use and maintenance of the dust-reduction device. Make sure that the control is working properly and test the water flow rate before and after each shift; a watch with a second hand and a kitchen measuring cup could be used for this task. An 8-ounce cup should fill in about 40 seconds. Personal Hygiene and Protective Clothing Wash hands and face before eating, drinking, or smoking. Do not eat, drink, or use tobacco products in the work area. Change into disposable or washable work clothes at the worksite. If possible, shower and change into clean clothes before leaving the worksite. If it is not possible to shower or change into clean clothes, use a vacuum to remove dust from clothes. Park cars where they will not be contaminated with silica dust. Do not remove dust from the work area by blowing with compressed air or dry sweeping. Also, do not blow dust from clothing or skin with compressed air. Protective Equipment Use hearing and eye protection devices. When water-spray attachments are used with jackhammers, waterproof personal protective equipment may be necessary.  Use respiratory protection when needed. The controls cited in this report may greatly reduce worker exposure to dust; however, respirators may still be necessary to reduce exposure to crystalline silica below the NIOSH REL of 50µg/m3. It may be possible to use less restrictive respirators such as a disposable N-95 filtering facepiece since the amount of hazardous dust is decreased by the controls. The respirators are less cumbersome and cost less than the respirators typically required for jackhammer operators. Employers should follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Respiratory Protection Program (29 CFR 1910.134). Acknowledgments The principal contributor to this publication was Alan Echt of the Division of Applied Research and Technology, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. John J. Whalen, under a NIOSH contract, served as lead writer/editor. This research was conducted in cooperation with the New Jersey Silica Partnership. References Echt A, Seiber K, Jones E, Schill D, Lefkowitz, Sugar J, Hoffner K [2003]. Control of respirable dust and crystalline silica from breaking concrete with a jackhammer. Appl Occup Environ Hyg 18:491-495. NIOSH [2002]. NIOSH hazard review: health effects of occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2002-129.   Valiante DJ, Schill DP, Rosenman KD, Socie E [2004]. Highway repair: a new silicosis threat. Am J Public Health 94(5):876-880. For More Information The information in this document is based on NIOSH field studies. More information about silica hazards and controls is available on the NIOSH Web site at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/silica/default.html. To receive copies of the NIOSH field study reports that formed the basis of this document or to obtain information about other occupational safety and health topics, contact NIOSH at Telephone: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) TTY: 1-888-232-6348 E-mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov or visit the NIOSH Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ For a monthly update on news at NIOSH, subscribe to NIOSH eNews by visiting http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/eNews/. Mention of any company or product does not constitute endorsement by NIOSH. In addition, citations to Web sites external to NIOSH do not constitute NIOSH endorsement of the sponsoring organizations or their programs or products. Furthermore, NIOSH is not responsible for the content of these Web sites. This document is in the public domain and may be freely copied or reprinted. NIOSH encourages all readers of the Workplace Solutions to make them available to all interested employers and workers. As part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NIOSH is the Federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for preventing work-related illnesses and injuries. All Workplace Solutions are based on research studies that show how worker exposures to hazardous agents or activities can be significantly reduced. Water Spray Control of Hazardous Dust When Breaking Concrete with a Jackhammer   DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2008-127   May 2008 Safer ? Healthier ? PeopleTM DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 4676 Columbia Parkway Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998				WORKPLACE SOLUTIONS Water Spray Control of Hazardous Dust When Breaking Concrete with a Jackhammer On this Page:    Summary   Description of Exposure   NIOSH Study   Water-Spray Controls   Controlling Dust Exposures   Acknowledgements   References   For More Information   This document is also available in PDF format. 2008-127.pdf 4 pages, 1,105kb Workplace Solutions Home
	NIOSH Home |  NIOSH Search  | Site Index  | Topic List | Contact Us

Copyright ©1997-2008 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety

Home  Research & Reports  Fact sheets  Carbon monoxide Carbon monoxide     Inside the home Install CO alarms (listed by an independent testing laboratory) inside your home to provide early warning of accumulating CO.CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each separate sleeping area. If bedrooms are spaced apart, each area will need a CO alarm. Call your local fire department's non-emergency number to find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds. Post that number by your telephone(s). Make sure everyone in the household knows the difference between the fire emergency and CO emergency numbers (if there is a difference). Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace CO alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions. CO alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and CO alarms. Have fuel-burning heating equipment (fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, wood and coal stoves, space or portable heaters) and chimneys inspected by a professional every year before cold weather sets in. When purchasing new heating and cooking equipment, select products tested and labeled by an independent testing laboratory. When using a fireplace, open the flue for adequate ventilation. Never use your oven to heat your home. When buying an existing home, have a qualified technician evaluate the integrity of the heating and cooking systems, as well as the sealed spaces between the garage and house. Outside the home If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle, generator, or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow. During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up. Only use barbecue grills - which can produce CO - outside. Never use them in the home, garage or near building openings. When camping, remember to use battery-powered lights in tents trailers, and motor homes. If your CO alarm sounds Immediately move to a fresh air location and call for help. Remain at the fresh air location until emergency personnel say it is ok. If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries or other trouble indicators.         Although the popularity of carbon monoxide (CO) alarms has been growing in recent years, it cannot be assumed that everyone is familiar with the hazards of carbon monoxide poisoning in the home. Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicles or generators running in an attached garage can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Facts & figures According to the National Safety Council, 200-300 unintentional-injury deaths a year are due to carbon monoxide poisioning. The dangers of CO exposure depend on a number of variables, including the victim's health and activity level. Infants, pregnant women, and people with physical conditions that limit their body's ability to use oxygen (i.e. emphysema, asthma, heart disease) can be more severely affected by lower concentrations of CO than healthy adults would be. A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a longer period of time or by a large amount of CO over a shorter amount of time. Symptoms of CO poisoning CO enters the body through breathing. CO poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning and other illnesses. Some symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, light headedness or headaches. High levels of CO can be fatal, causing death within minutes. The concentration of CO, measured in parts per million (ppm) is a determining factor in the symptoms for an average, healthy adult. 50 ppm: No adverse effects with 8 hours of exposure. 200 ppm: Mild headache after 2-3 hours of exposure. 400 ppm: Headache and nausea after 1-2 hours of exposure. 800 ppm: Headache, nausea, and dizziness after 45 minutes; collapse and unconsciousness after 1 hour of exposure. 1,000 ppm: Loss of consciousness after 1 hour of exposure. 1,600 ppm: Headache, nausea, and dizziness after 20 minutes of exposure. 3,200 ppm: Headache, nausea, and dizziness after 5-10 minutes; collapse and unconsciousness after 30 minutes of exposure. 6,400 ppm: Headache and dizziness after 1-2 minutes; unconsciousness and danger of death after 10-15 minutes of exposure. 12,800 ppm: Immediate physiological effects, unconsciousness and danger of death after 1-3 minutes of exposure. Source: NFPA's Fire Protection Handbook, 19th Edition. More information on this topic NFPA's "Non-Fire Carbon Monoxide Incidents Reported in 2005" report, by Jennifer D. Flynn, June 2007. LA ELECTRICIDAD MATA ? ¡NUNCA LO OLVIDE!       Es casi imposible pensar que existen trabajos que no requieren electricidad. No importa sí se trabaja en el taller u oficina, adentro o al aire libre probablemente se utiliza electricidad.         Casi cada trabajo requiere algún tipo particular de equipo eléctrico y por esto tiene peligros eléctricos particulares. Pueden variar desde instalaciones industriales de alto voltaje hasta herramientas eléctricas pequeñas.         Existen diferentes peligros asociados con electricidad. El peligro más conocido, es un choque eléctrico. Pero la electricidad puede causar caídas cuando la persona es sorprendida por un choque eléctrico, quemadas, incendios, explosiones y peligros mecánicos ocurren cuando equipo eléctrico se enciende inesperadamente.         Este articulo únicamente tratara sobre choque eléctrico y como evitarlo.         Choque eléctrico ocurre cuando la electricidad entra en el cuerpo humano. Puede afectar la respiración, el cerebro, el sistema nervioso, el corazón, otras partes del cuerpo y puede ser mortal.   DIFERENTES CONSEJOS PARA EVITAR UN CHOQUE ELÉCTRICO:         El equipo que se utiliza debe estar en buenas condiciones. No trate de hacer reparaciones a menos que usted este capacitado y autorizado para hacerlo. Revise los cables pare cerciorarse que no estén rotos o dañados.         Utilice equipo con tierra adecuada. Las conexiones a tierra deben estar firmemente conectadas.         No utilice cables que no tienen la tercera conexión o han sido alterados para utilizarse en un enchufe de dos conexiones. Tenga cuidado con cables de extensión para que no se doblen o corten.         Mantenga cables fuera de áreas de tráfico y nunca utilice extensiones como cableadas permanentes.         Para desconectar la conexión utilice el enchufe en lugar de jalar el cable.         La electricidad y la humedad es una combinación peligrosa. No utilice equipo eléctrico que este mojado o húmedo, y por supuesto no maneje equipo eléctrico con las manos mojadas.         No utilice escaleras de aluminio o con refuerzos metálicos para realizar trabajos eléctricos, inclusive para cambiar un foco.         Utilice el EPP (Equipo de Protección Personal) que se recomienda para el trabajo.         Esto incluye calzado con suelas de hule, guantes de hule y cascos aislantes.         Nunca utilice agua en incendios eléctricos. En lugar se deben utilizar extintores con químicos secos diseñados para incendios eléctricos.         Observe cuidadosamente todas las recomendaciones sobre electricidad.         Este al tanto de cableados, para evitar tocarlos con escaleras, tuberías o equipo.         Cuanto utilice equipo eléctrico a la intemperie o en áreas húmedas, utilice calzado aislante y debe cerciorarse que esta protegido con interruptores que tienen la tierra adecuada.         Otras opciones incluyen uso de equipo con baterías o corriente alterna. Casi cualquier actividad hoy en día ? desde operadores de computadoras hasta ayudantes ? requiere el trabajo alrededor de la electricidad. Aprender sobre los peligros eléctricos en su área de trabajo es primordial para evitar estos peligros.       Finalmente, no olvide la seguridad eléctrica fuera del trabajo.

• Food and Drugs Administration - FDA Announces Revisions to Labels for Cialis, Levitra and Viagra
  
• Food and Drug Administration Press Releases - Approximately $71,000 of Dietary Supplements Seized at FDA Request
  
• Roles in the Event of a Nuclear or Radiological Terrorist Attack - Emergency Preparedness & Response