All jobs contain some professional risks, but certain professions expose workers to biological damage more than others. Among the jobs that fall into this category are those carried out by refuse collectors who deal with the collection, treatment and disposal of solid urban waste or special waste.
The occupational risks of workers who collect and recycle refuse
Recent data collected by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health show how workers dealing with the collection and disposal of solid urban waste are exposed to numerous risks, to the point that quite a large number of injuries are registered every year. Occupational risks may be related to machine malfunctioning, improper driving manoeuvres, and due to the exposure to biohazardous pathogens. Refuse is a waste product which can cause harm to the health of workers either by contact, e.g. body fluids, blood, exposed wounds etc. or by inhalation. In fact, different kinds of biohazardous waste dumped together, particularly during the hot season, can cause chemical reactions which could then lead to the generation of toxic exhalations. Greater risks are present where waste recycling is not carried out correctly. In this case, refuse collectors could inhale pathogens originating from drugs or from batteries which have not been recycled correctly. Another risk is related to exhalations caused by bacteria and fungi whose formation is favoured by high summer temperatures. Lastly, there are risks related to dust formation and illegally disposed of asbestos, a practise which is still common in many countries and exposes workers to the risk of contracting serious illnesses that may develop even after many years from exposure. The risk of having disorders such as asthma, allergies and others, is therefore high.
The importance of protecting the respiratory system
Legislation specifies that workers, whatever the sector, and therefore refuse collectors as well, are to be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment for protection against physical and biological hazards. In addition to safety shoes and protective suits with reflectors, workers are also to be provided with Respiratory Protective Devices (RPD), such as face masks to protect their respiratory system from the accidental inhalation of harmful substances. Given the uniqueness of this type of work the RPD supplied should not only comply with current standards but also be compact and lightweight so that they can be worn for long work shifts comfortably.
Furthermore, the devices should be solvent and scratch proof and those worn by refuse collectors in particular, should also filter fine dust and offer protection from water jets launched at high pressure.
Kasco srl supplies face masks suitable for use in recycling facilities. The masks have a silicone body for optimal face fit and an internal half mask which can be easily removed for cleaning.
Feb 19 2018
Biohazardous Waste – how to protect the respiratory system effectively
The occupational risks of workers who collect and recycle refuse
Recent data collected by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health show how workers dealing with the collection and disposal of solid urban waste are exposed to numerous risks, to the point that quite a large number of injuries are registered every year. Occupational risks may be related to machine malfunctioning, improper driving manoeuvres, and due to the exposure to biohazardous pathogens. Refuse is a waste product which can cause harm to the health of workers either by contact, e.g. body fluids, blood, exposed wounds etc. or by inhalation. In fact, different kinds of biohazardous waste dumped together, particularly during the hot season, can cause chemical reactions which could then lead to the generation of toxic exhalations. Greater risks are present where waste recycling is not carried out correctly. In this case, refuse collectors could inhale pathogens originating from drugs or from batteries which have not been recycled correctly. Another risk is related to exhalations caused by bacteria and fungi whose formation is favoured by high summer temperatures. Lastly, there are risks related to dust formation and illegally disposed of asbestos, a practise which is still common in many countries and exposes workers to the risk of contracting serious illnesses that may develop even after many years from exposure. The risk of having disorders such as asthma, allergies and others, is therefore high.
The importance of protecting the respiratory system
Legislation specifies that workers, whatever the sector, and therefore refuse collectors as well, are to be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment for protection against physical and biological hazards. In addition to safety shoes and protective suits with reflectors, workers are also to be provided with Respiratory Protective Devices (RPD), such as face masks to protect their respiratory system from the accidental inhalation of harmful substances. Given the uniqueness of this type of work the RPD supplied should not only comply with current standards but also be compact and lightweight so that they can be worn for long work shifts comfortably.
Furthermore, the devices should be solvent and scratch proof and those worn by refuse collectors in particular, should also filter fine dust and offer protection from water jets launched at high pressure.
Kasco srl supplies face masks suitable for use in recycling facilities. The masks have a silicone body for optimal face fit and an internal half mask which can be easily removed for cleaning.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •