Sealant, Waterproofing, and Restoration Industry - Hazards and Solutions

Sealant, Waterproofing, and Restoration Industry - Hazards and Solutions

Hazards and Solutions

The hazards experienced in the sealant, waterproofing, and restoration industry are common to the construction industry in general. These include health hazards; such as asphalt fumes, lead, silica, and solvents; as well as safety hazards, such as falls from elevation, awkward and heavy lifting, flammables, and power tools. An important step in addressing these hazards is to conduct task-specific hazard analyses to identify what hazards to expect and to then plan for their control.

Smallpox - Smallpox Disease

Smallpox - Smallpox Disease

Background - Smallpox Disease

Smallpox was a serious infectious disease caused by a virus known as the variola virus. The name "smallpox" comes from the Latin word for "spotted", which refers to the raised bumps that appear on the face and body of an infected person. The symptoms of smallpox begin with high fever, chills, head and body aches, and sometimes vomiting. A rash then emerges on the tongue and mouth and spreads to the skin, forming on the arms and legs and then to the hands and feet.

Smallpox - Control

Smallpox - Control

Control

There are vaccines to protect people from smallpox, however, smallpox vaccines are not recommended for the general public since the last natural case of smallpox occurred in Somalia in 1977 and the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared smallpox eradicated in 1980.

Smallpox - Smallpox as a Bioweapon

Smallpox - Smallpox as a Bioweapon

Smallpox as a Bioweapon

Although naturally occurring smallpox has been eradicated, there is still heightened concern that the variola virus might be used as an agent of bioterrorism. The concept of using variola virus in warfare is an old one.  If a strain of the variola virus could be obtained from the existing stockpile, it could be weaponized easily and disseminated widely in an aerosol release. An intentional or accidental release of smallpox could escalate to a catastrophic global epidemic unless effective control measures could be implemented quickly.

Smallpox - Overview

Smallpox - Overview

Overview

Smallpox was a serious infectious disease caused by the variola virus, a poxvirus related to mpox. Smallpox outbreaks have occurred for thousands of years, but in 1980 the disease was declared eradicated following worldwide vaccination programs. Although smallpox is no longer causing global illness, high-security laboratories maintain stockpiles of variola viruses, which if lost or stolen and released as a bioweapon, could lead to a public health catastrophe.

Spray Operations - Controlling Hazards

Spray Operations - Controlling Hazards

Controlling Hazards

Painting and paint removal present hazards requiring effective controls. Hazards include exposure to toxic materials and flammable or explosive mists, particulates, and vapors. Potential physical and health hazards may be effectively controlled by appropriate work procedures, controls, facility design, protective clothing, and equipment.