You would need to find out exactly what the hydrocarbon is and refer to the
material data sheets regarding their physiological effects. Medical rather
than health surveillance may be required dependant on the substance (qv).
The term hydrocarbon simply means a substance which contains a chain of
hydrogen and carbon atoms of varying lengths sometimes with additional atoms
added to the string.
Some examples of hydrocarbons include acetylene (C2H2) methane (CH4) benzene
(C6H6) and phenol (C6H6OH); the physiological effects of these substances
differ. Methane is a greenhouse gas and an organic compound which contains
carbon and hydrogen molecules. It is produced in the guts of cows and
released as their flatus, it is also a product of decay in landfill sites
and is a constituent of gas and other fuels. It was a cause of many
explosions in coal mines when we had a mining industry. By contrast,
contrast phenol (C6H60H) is toxic (affecting the liver and kidneys),
corrosive and carcinogenic; benzene (C6H6) is also carcinogenic and affects
the haemopoetic system leading to aneamia. Schedule 6 of the COSHH Regs
requires medical surveillance, undertaken by an appointed doctor, for people
working with benzene.
The HSE website and the Prof of Raymond Agius:
(http://www.agius.com/raymond/ ) may be helpful
Anne
Anne Harriss
Professor Occupational Health
London South Bank University
On 21/06/2017 20:58, "Donna Dixon" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Hi Folks
> Does anyone have any experience of surveillance in relation to hydrocarbon
> exposure?
> I have had an enquiry asking for 'medical's' for staff at the start, during,
> and end of a project where the workplace previously had high levels of
> hydrocarbons.
> I have had a look at the health effects of hydrocarbons and there appear to be
> many, so not sure what the client is thinking of/expecting when they mention
> 'medical'.
> Any advice from you good folk?
> thanks
> Donna
>
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