CAQ-OccMed flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Hierarchy of Controls

Ranking of hazard controls by effectiveness: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE. PPE is least reliable because it depends on correct fit and consistent use.

TLV-TWA

Threshold limit value time-weighted average: the airborne concentration a worker may be exposed to over a conventional 8-hour workday and 40-hour week without expected adverse health effects.

STEL

Short-term exposure limit: a 15-minute time-weighted average concentration that should not be exceeded at any time during the workday, even if the 8-hour TWA is within limits.

Silicosis

Pneumoconiosis from respirable crystalline silica causing upper-lobe nodular fibrosis and eggshell hilar calcification. It increases risk of tuberculosis and is classified as a human lung carcinogen.

Asbestosis

Diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis from asbestos exposure, typically lower-lobe predominant with latency of 15 to 30 years. It is distinct from asbestos-related pleural plaques and mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma

Malignant tumor of the pleura or peritoneum strongly associated with asbestos exposure, with long latency and poor prognosis. Smoking does not synergistically increase mesothelioma risk, unlike lung cancer.

Occupational Asthma

Work-related variable airflow obstruction caused by workplace exposures. Sensitizer-induced asthma has a latency period; irritant-induced (RADS) follows a single high-level exposure without prior sensitization.

Standard Threshold Shift

OSHA-defined hearing shift averaging 10 dB or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear. It triggers retesting, notification, and review of hearing protection effectiveness.

Noise Notch

Characteristic audiometric dip at 3000 to 4000 Hz seen in noise-induced hearing loss. Loss is sensorineural, bilateral, and symmetric, and does not recover with removal from noise.

WBGT

Wet bulb globe temperature: an index combining dry bulb, natural wet bulb, and globe temperature to estimate heat stress. It guides work-rest schedules and fluid replacement recommendations.

Heat Stroke

Medical emergency with core temperature typically above 40 C and central nervous system dysfunction, often with hot dry skin. Requires immediate cooling and emergency transport; sweating may be absent.

Acclimatization

Physiologic adaptation to heat over 1 to 2 weeks, including earlier sweating, lower salt loss, and lower core temperature at a given workload. It reduces heat illness risk substantially.

Biological Monitoring

Measurement of a substance or its metabolite in biological specimens (blood, urine, exhaled air) to estimate absorbed dose. Interpretation requires knowledge of half-life and exposure timing.

Blood Lead Surveillance

Periodic blood lead measurement for lead-exposed workers. Levels above action thresholds require exposure reduction, medical evaluation, and possible removal from further exposure under applicable standards.

Cholinesterase Monitoring

Biomarker for organophosphate and carbamate exposure. Depression of red cell or plasma cholinesterase indicates absorption; significant depression requires removal from exposure and clinical evaluation.

Sentinel Health Event

A preventable disease or death that signals a breakdown in occupational or public health controls. Examples include a cluster of mesothelioma or silicosis cases in a workforce.

Vinyl Chloride

Industrial monomer associated with hepatic angiosarcoma, a rare liver malignancy, after long-latency high exposure. It also causes acro-osteolysis and Raynaud-like vascular changes.

Benzene

Solvent and fuel component classified as a human carcinogen causing acute myeloid leukemia and aplastic anemia. Exposure monitoring and reduced exposure are required in regulated workplaces.

Aromatic Amines

Class of chemicals, including benzidine and 2-naphthylamine, linked to bladder cancer. Occupational surveillance focuses on exposure control and urine cytology in some settings.

RADS

Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome: asthma-like illness after a single high-level irritant inhalation, with symptoms within 24 hours and persistent bronchial hyperresponsiveness without a sensitization latency period.

Specific Inhalation Challenge

Controlled exposure test in a specialized facility used to confirm occupational asthma when history and serial peak flow are inconclusive. It requires experienced supervision and safety precautions.

Serial Peak Flow

Repeated peak expiratory flow measurements during work and off-work periods used to detect work-related bronchoconstriction. Interpretation requires adequate records and attention to diurnal variation.

Respirator Fit Test

Qualitative or quantitative test verifying that a tight-fitting respirator seals on a worker's face. It must be repeated periodically and after facial changes such as weight change or dental work.

Assigned Protection Factor

Ratio of ambient contaminant concentration to concentration inside the respirator, used to select adequate respiratory protection. It varies by respirator type and fit-testing program.

Local Exhaust Ventilation

Engineering control capturing contaminants at the source before they enter the breathing zone. Effectiveness depends on hood design, capture velocity, duct transport velocity, and regular maintenance.

Fitness for Duty

Assessment of whether a worker can safely perform essential job functions with or without accommodation. It compares functional capacity to job demands and documents any restrictions.

Reasonable Accommodation

Modification of a job, schedule, or workplace enabling a qualified worker with a disability to perform essential functions. It is considered before imposing work restrictions or exclusion.

Latex Allergy

IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to natural rubber latex proteins, causing urticaria, rhinitis, asthma, or anaphylaxis. Prevention emphasizes powder-free, low-protein gloves and latex-free alternatives.

Needlestick Injury

Percutaneous exposure to bloodborne pathogens requiring immediate washing, risk assessment, and post-exposure prophylaxis decisions. HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C transmission risk must be evaluated.

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome

Vibration-induced disorder with finger blanching (vibration white finger), numbness, and reduced dexterity. Prevention relies on tool selection, exposure limits, and warming and smoking cessation.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Median nerve entrapment at the wrist causing nocturnal numbness and thenar weakness. Occupational risk rises with repetitive forceful hand use and vibration; it is a compensable musculoskeletal disorder.

Occupational Contact Dermatitis

Skin inflammation from workplace exposures; irritant type is more common than allergic type. Patch testing helps identify allergic sensitizers, and prevention focuses on gloves and substitution.