Hydrocarbon contamination is very frequent in all those locations where they are processed, such as refineries, petrochemical and electricity generation plants, as well as industrial environments in general.
Risk factors for workers
The risk factors on hydrocarbon contaminated remediation sites depend on the chemical and toxicological characteristics of the processed product. Hydrocarbons can be a risk to human health through a combination of exposure pathways, such as inhalation, dermal contact and ingestion of the toxic substances. When assessing risks, the concentration of the pollutants on the remediation site is also to be taken into account.
Current legislation specifies that, before starting remediation work, an appropriate risk assessment is to be carried out, thereafter, specific decontamination techniques are to be applied in order to prevent worker health concerns. It is for this reason that it is mandatory for workers to use personal protective equipment for the protection of their respiratory system. The hazard posed by hydrocarbons changes depending on the composition of the substances. Risk may, therefore, be caused by the presence of benzene, benzopyrene, chrysene or anthracene derivatives, which are in fact, carcinogenic and mutagenic, therefore, exposure to these substances, especially at high concentrations can cause serious damage to health. It suffices to say that even cigarette smoke and city smog can lead to cancer to understand how exposure to high concentrations of hazardous substances can be harmful.
There are, moreover, various risks that derive from exposure to gaseous hydrocarbons such as methane and ethane which are both asphyxiant and narcotic and also derivates from petroleum distillates such as petrol, can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs and affect the central nervous system as well. The first symptoms of hydrocarbon poisoning are lung irritation, nausea and vomiting.
How to protect the respiratory system when reclaiming hydrocarbons?
The high risk to health when reclaiming hydrocarbons from contaminated sites requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), as specified by law, and constant equipment monitoring to ensure the PPE remain efficient over time.
Current legislation specifies that workers are to wear appropriate respirators for the protection of the respiratory system when carrying out hydrocarbon reclamation work. The Respiratory Protective Devices (RPD) used should be equipped with exhalation valves to eliminate the exhaled air and any excess air from inside the facepiece, a means to keep the visor demisted and possibly a means to monitor the amount of air supplied. These devices should also be lightweight and fit perfectly to the face in order to ensure maximum comfort for a complete work shift.
Because of the high explosion risk posed by hydrocarbons the materials the respirators are made of need to be of a kind that will resist such events.
Kasco srl, manufactures and supplies powered air purifying and continuous flow supplied air respirators particularly suitable for use when reclaiming hydrocarbon contaminated sites.
Feb 26 2018
Reclaiming hydrocarbon contaminated sites. What are the health risks
Risk factors for workers
The risk factors on hydrocarbon contaminated remediation sites depend on the chemical and toxicological characteristics of the processed product. Hydrocarbons can be a risk to human health through a combination of exposure pathways, such as inhalation, dermal contact and ingestion of the toxic substances. When assessing risks, the concentration of the pollutants on the remediation site is also to be taken into account.
Current legislation specifies that, before starting remediation work, an appropriate risk assessment is to be carried out, thereafter, specific decontamination techniques are to be applied in order to prevent worker health concerns. It is for this reason that it is mandatory for workers to use personal protective equipment for the protection of their respiratory system. The hazard posed by hydrocarbons changes depending on the composition of the substances. Risk may, therefore, be caused by the presence of benzene, benzopyrene, chrysene or anthracene derivatives, which are in fact, carcinogenic and mutagenic, therefore, exposure to these substances, especially at high concentrations can cause serious damage to health. It suffices to say that even cigarette smoke and city smog can lead to cancer to understand how exposure to high concentrations of hazardous substances can be harmful.
There are, moreover, various risks that derive from exposure to gaseous hydrocarbons such as methane and ethane which are both asphyxiant and narcotic and also derivates from petroleum distillates such as petrol, can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs and affect the central nervous system as well. The first symptoms of hydrocarbon poisoning are lung irritation, nausea and vomiting.
How to protect the respiratory system when reclaiming hydrocarbons?
Current legislation specifies that workers are to wear appropriate respirators for the protection of the respiratory system when carrying out hydrocarbon reclamation work. The Respiratory Protective Devices (RPD) used should be equipped with exhalation valves to eliminate the exhaled air and any excess air from inside the facepiece, a means to keep the visor demisted and possibly a means to monitor the amount of air supplied. These devices should also be lightweight and fit perfectly to the face in order to ensure maximum comfort for a complete work shift.
Because of the high explosion risk posed by hydrocarbons the materials the respirators are made of need to be of a kind that will resist such events.
Kasco srl, manufactures and supplies powered air purifying and continuous flow supplied air respirators particularly suitable for use when reclaiming hydrocarbon contaminated sites.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •