The Occupational Safety Leadership Podcast

Episode 13 - Chemical Routes of Exposure

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Inhalation: Breathing in vapors, dusts, fumes, or gases is the most common route of chemical exposure. It can quickly affect the lungs and bloodstream.

• Ingestion: Chemicals can enter the body when contaminated hands, food, or drinks are consumed. Poor hygiene practices often increase this risk.

• Injection: Less common but serious, this occurs when chemicals penetrate the skin through punctures, cuts, or high-pressure equipment accidents.

• Absorption: Chemicals can pass directly through the skin, especially if protective barriers are inadequate. Solvents and corrosives are particularly dangerous here.

 

🎙️ Episode Focus

Dr. Ayers highlights that understanding these routes is critical for designing effective safety programs. He stresses:

• The importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) tailored to each exposure route (respirators, gloves, protective clothing).

• The role of training and awareness so workers recognize how everyday tasks might expose them to chemicals.

• The need for engineering controls (ventilation, closed systems) to minimize inhalation and absorption risks.

 

⚠️ Risks and Challenges

• Hidden exposures: Workers may not realize they are inhaling low-level vapors or absorbing chemicals through intact skin.

• Behavioral factors: Eating or drinking in contaminated areas increases ingestion risks.

• Accidental injection: High-pressure systems (like hydraulic lines) can force chemicals under the skin, leading to severe injury.

 

📌 Practical Applications

For safety leaders, the episode reinforces:

• Conducting hazard assessments to identify which routes are most likely in specific jobs.

• Implementing layered defenses—engineering controls, administrative policies, and PPE.

• Encouraging hygiene practices (handwashing, clean break areas) to reduce ingestion risks.

• Training workers to recognize early symptoms of exposure (respiratory irritation, skin changes, gastrointestinal issues).

Episode 12 - Safety Data Sheets - Section 4

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses section 4 Fire-Aid Measures of the standard 16-section Safety Data Sheet (SDS). A few practical examples are given covering common chemicals found in the workplace.

Episode 11 - Chemical Exposure Limits

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses chemical exposure limits. The OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL), NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) and the ACGIH Threshold Limit Values (TLV) are discussed. The differences between the different groups along with the legally enforceable PEL are discussed. Practical examples are given on the differences between the groups. Always strive to use the most conservative chemical exposure limit, it's all about the people.

Episode 10 - Hazardous Chemical Classifications - Pictograms

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers the Hazardous Chemical Classifications found on the standard 16 section Safety Data Sheet (SDS).  These are basically the pictograms to help visually identify a hazardous chemical.

Episode 9 - Safety Data Sheets - Physical and Chemical Properties

In this short episode, section 9 of the standard 16 section Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is covered.   It's very important to teach employees how to read and understand an SDS so they understand how to safely handle chemicals.

Episode 8 - Dr. Drew Hinton - Part 1 (CBT in the workplace)

Today Drew and I discuss CBT and its prevalence in the workplace.  Please catch Drew on LinkedIn for more information or call 1-270-670-4718.

Episode 7 - Tom Cecich - Part 1

Tom is a true titan in the field of safety.  Tom and I discuss how to executives on board with safety. A couple of stories are shared along with some practical examples to help the safety professional.  Please email Tom@tfc-assoc.com or call 919-601-5224. 

Episode 6 - Hierarchy of Hazard Controls

In today's short episode, we discuss the Hierarchy of Hazard Controls and give a couple of practical examples.