2. Pressure

Background
Pressure is the effect of a force that is being applied to a unit of surface (p = F / A) and is expressed in Pascal (1 Pa = 1 N / m²). When the ambient air pressure of a place wherepeople work is significantly different from the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level (101325 Pa), we can speak of hypo-(lower pressures) or hyperbaric (higher pressures)workplaces. Hypo effects (hyperventilation, increased erythropoiesis, mountain sickness, altitude pulmonary edema or cerebral edema, ...) may occur upon a stay at high altitude (>2000m) and generally do not occur in Belgium (cabin crew of aircrafts do run a risk upon a pressure loss in the plane). Pathology by increased pressure (hyperbarism) is a risk for workers in caisson-work function (increased air pressure in construction works in a tunnel under riverbed or seabed) and for divers (ports, oil rigs, ...). Both compression anddecompression involve risks: pressure rises can cause trauma to the middle ear, teeth (cysts), lungs, ... while pressure drops can cause decompression complaints of type I (pain,itching, ...), type II (dyspnea, angina, blood clotting disorders, headaches, paralysis, epilepsy, hearing-, vision- and balance-disorders) and type III (osteonecrosis and chronicencephalopathy).

 
Legislation

Standards

Documentation

Tools

Websites

  •