Short Answer questions Question 1 You will be using the fictional manufacturing facility Acme Automotive Parts (AAP) throughout the course. AAP manufactures several support parts for new automobiles a

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Introduction:

As a medical professor, my responsibilities include creating assignments and conducting lectures for medical college students. Additionally, evaluating student performance and providing feedback through examinations and assignments is also one of my duties. In this context, I will answer the short answer questions provided below.

Question 1:

The anticipated hazard for each of the eight areas of the AAP plant are as follows:

1. Shipping/Receiving: The hazard here could be manual handling, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. It comes under the physical hazard category, and the most important route of exposure could be contact.

2. Hydraulic Presses: The hazard in this area can be noise. It comes under the physical hazard category, and the most important route of exposure could be through inhalation.

3. Metal Working Lines: The hazard here could be exposure to fumes and dust generated during the metalworking process. It comes under the chemical hazard category, and the most important route of exposure could be through inhalation.

4. Robotic Welding Stations: The hazard in this area could be exposure to welding fumes, which can lead to respiratory problems. It comes under the chemical hazard category, and the most important route of exposure could be through inhalation.

5. Hand-Welding Stations in Rework Areas: The hazard here could be ergonomic issues, leading to musculoskeletal disorders. It comes under the physical hazard category, and the most important route of exposure could be contact.

6. Two Small Paint Booths: The hazard in this area could be exposure to paint fumes, which can lead to respiratory and skin problems. It comes under the chemical hazard category, and the most important route of exposure could be through inhalation and contact.

7. Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Laboratory: The hazard here could be exposure to chemicals used in the testing process. It comes under the chemical hazard category, and the most important route of exposure could be through inhalation and contact.

8. Final Inspection Area: The hazard here could be exposure to noise generated by machines. It comes under the physical hazard category, and the most important route of exposure could be through inhalation.

Question 2:

The passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 provided industrial hygienists with the authority to control exposure to health hazards for workers in a plant like AAP. The Act requires employers to provide employees with a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that can cause death or serious physical harm. Additionally, it provides the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) with the necessary authority to set and enforce health and safety standards. The Act requires employers to evaluate their workplaces to identify and control potential hazards.

This has led to the development of many regulations and standards, including the Hazard Communication Standard, Respiratory Protection Standard, and Personal Protective Equipment Standard, which have helped industrial hygienists to control exposures to health hazards for workers in a plant like AAP.

Question 3:

To anticipate the health hazards that might be present in each of the eight areas of the AAP plant, some of the information that can be used includes Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), hazard communication programs, and air monitoring data.

The MSDS provides information on the composition, potential hazards, and recommended protective measures for chemicals used in the plant. The hazard communication program is required by OSHA to ensure that workers understand the potential hazards they may be exposed to in the workplace. Air monitoring data helps identify the concentration of airborne pollutants in the work environment, allowing early identification of potential health hazards. Other information sources include injury and illness records, medical surveillance program results, and incident reports.

Question 4:

Choosing the Robotic Welding Stations area, the steps that can be taken on an initial visit to the plant to complete the recognition of hazard tasks are as follows:

1. Identify the hazards involved in the robotic welding process, including exposure to welding fumes and noise.

2. Observe the workers and review the work activities to evaluate potential ergonomic problems.

3. Check the use of personal protective equipment by the workers.

4. Review the welding procedures and equipment to assess whether they meet safety standards.

5. Conduct air monitoring tests to determine the level of exposure to welding fumes and noise.

6. Evaluate the ventilation system to ensure that it adequately controls the release of welding fumes and noise.

7. Review the accident and incident records for this area to identify any recurring problems.

8. Develop a remediation plan for identified hazards and potential risks.