Asthma Attacks, Issue 12, Volume 7

17th CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION ON
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
Issue 12, Volume 7, 2014
COSH2014 THEME : INNOVATIVE TRANSFORMATION FOR OSH SUSTAINABILITY
Date
Venue
Time
: 25th – 27th August 2014
: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC)
: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
ABOUT COSH
The biggest Conference and Exhibition in Malaysia on
Occupational, Safety and Health (COSH) is an annual event
organised by NIOSH in its aim to discuss current issues and
challenges in occupational safety and health. We organise this
professional and high quality conference across many disciplines
with the participation of prominent quest speakers and
delegates from throughout the region as well as Europe, U.S.A
and Japan.
Since its inception in 1998, the conference had served as the
premiere platform for OSH professionals in Malaysia to share and
update their OSH knowledge and skills to meet the dynamic
changes in the Malaysian working environment. COSH brings
together enforcers, practitioners, expert, researchers and
suppliers towards a common aspiration which is to achieve a
safer and healthier workplace for all.
COSH2014 THEME :
INNOVATIVE TRANSFORMATION FOR OSH SUSTAINABILITY
Innovation plays a crucial role in improving and shaping
Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems (OSHMS).
Indeed, the manufacturing and oil and gas industries have a proud
history of innovation. Every day, dedicated professionals work
tirelessly to develop better safety and health policies, better safety
and health committees and to achieve zero accident at the
workplace. Innovation commonly stems from hard graft and
gradual evolution rather than "quantum leaps" in progress. This
implies that policy makers must ensure structural support for
research and innovation. We need to keep this firmly in mind – in
particular given the current economic climate. If we want better
outcomes of our OSH Management Systems, and if we want to
ensure their sustainability, we need to encourage innovation of not
just the products, services and processes but also the OSH
Management Systems. It is both heartening and inspiring to see how
partners – from the public and private sectors – are forming
collaborations and putting together investments and networks,
working towards the common goal of sustainable and integrated
safety and health for the workforce. The quest for sustainability is
already starting to transform the competitive landscape, which will
force companies to change the way they think about safety and
health at the workplace. The key to progress, particularly in times of
economic crisis, is therefore by innovative initiatives particularly in
the field of safety and health at the workplace.
2
Issue 12, Volume 7, 2014
1. NIOSH Membership / Government / Student / Speaker /
Competent Person/Speaker : RM 900.00
2. Standard
: RM 950.00
3. Foreign Participant
: USD 500.00
REGISTRATION – CONFERENCE
Note:
1. Students must provide a copy of current student identification.
2. NIOSH Membership rates are applicable to active member only.
3. COSH 2014 is HRDF Claimable. All conference fees do not include accommodation.
Contact The Secretariat:
​Tel: +603-8911 3886/ 3867/3869​​/3870/389/
3871/3879
​Fax: +603-8926 5655
​Email: [email protected]/[email protected]
3
Issue 12, Volume 7, 2014
Let’s take a look at the mechanisms
behind asthma
sthma is a chronic respiratory disease that
causes the airways in the lungs to become inflamed.
This leads to the narrowing of the airways, and
symptoms, eg, coughing, chest tightness and
wheezing, will most likely follow.
An asthma flare-up or attack occurs when the
airways become so narrow that you have difficulty
breathing. Unfortunately, these can happen at any
time of the day.
To fully understand the mechanisms behind asthma,
let‘s take a look at the differences between normal
and inflamed airways.
Normal airways
The bronchial tubes diverge and shrink as they go
deeper into the lungs. At the ends of the smallest
tubes are tiny balloon-like sacs called alveoli. The
alveoli transmit the oxygen you breathe into the
blood stream, in exchange for carbon dioxide.
When you have asthma
In asthmatic individuals, the lungs are more sensitive
to irritants than in other people. The airways react to
certain asthma ‗triggers by becoming inflamed,
and swell and narrow.
How the lungs work
The air you breathe in goes through the throat and
windpipe into the lungs. Within each lung are
bronchial tubes, a system of diverging airways. The
exterior of these tubes is wrapped with bands of
muscle, while the interior is lined with cells that secrete
mucus. The function of this mucus is to trap irritants
that you inhale and also to help rid the lung of them.
4
Issue 12, Volume 7, 2014
Inflamed airways
The problems caused by asthma begin with
inflammation in the lungs. This is a chronic problem that
occurs when triggers irritate the lining of the airways. As
the lining swells, there‘s less space for air to move
through the airways. Sometimes you won‘t notice any
symptoms; other times you may experience mild
symptoms, eg, cough, chest tightness, shortness of
breath and low energy.
Asthma attacks
Attacks occur when airways that are already inflamed
react to a trigger. This is an acute episode, where the
lining of the airways continues to swell and produces
excessive mucus, further narrowing the airways. The
muscles wrapped around the airways also tighten,
making breathing difficult. Frequent asthma attacks can
cause lasting damage to the lungs and its airways.
Cough-variant asthma is marked by severe
coughing and, as such, is sometimes confused with
other diseases that exhibit the same symptom.
Triggers for this type of asthma include exercise
and respiratory tract infection.
Occupational asthma is initiated by triggers in the
workplace. Farmers, nurses, hairstylists, painters and
carpenters are particularly at risk for this type of
asthma.
Nocturnal asthma happens at night and is greatly
influenced by the sleep-wake cycle. It is
particularly dangerous as symptoms tend to occur
when you are asleep.
Types of asthma
Not all asthma cases are the same. Understanding your
type of asthma will get you closer to the appropriate
treatment for it.
Allergic asthma happens as a response to allergic
rhinitis, a chronic allergic disease where the interior
lining of the nose becomes inflamed after contact with
allergens. Allergic rhinitis is characterised by sneezing,
nasal congestion and watery eyes. It may also trigger
symptoms of asthma.
Exercise-induced asthma is triggered by physical
exertion. This means that symptoms, eg, wheezing or
coughing, are only felt during strenuous activity.
5
Issue 12, Volume 7, 2014
Relieving Asthma
Attacks
Asthma treatment is all about reducing symptoms and preventing
attacks, but that‘s not as easy as it sounds. Finding the right
treatment plan will probably require some trial and error with
medication, and close observation on your part of the triggers
that make your asthma worse.
Medication
Before selecting the appropriate medication for you, your doctor
will consider factors, eg, your age, symptoms, asthma triggers and
the efficacy of the treatment. Long-term control medications are
used as preventative measures to reduce swelling and
inflammation the airways. On the other hand, quick-relief
medications are taken rapidly open inflamed airways during
asthma attacks.
Depending on the drug, asthma medications can be inhaled,
swallowed (pills or syrup) or injected.
Long-term control
Long-term control or ‗maintenance‘ medications are taken on
schedule typically every day — even when you‘re feeling well.
These help keep your asthma under control and lessen the
incidence of symptoms. However, long-term control drugs will not
stop an asthma attack once has begun. Examples include
theophylline and ketotifen.
Quick-relief solutions
When asthma symptoms — coughing, wheezing, shortness of
breath set in, quick-relief or ‗rescue‘ medications help relax the
muscles that tighten around the airways, thus easing symptoms.
Quick-relief medications are taken only when needed. These
drugs open up the airways to stop an asthma attack. Examples
include salbutamol and terbutaline.
Salbutamol - a common asthma drug
In Malaysia, salbutamol is the most commonly prescribed drug
used in asthma treatment, and is typically used as a quickrelief medication. Once administered, it works quickly to widen
the airways and relieve the symptoms of an asthma attack.
Salbutamol is an example of the selective beta-2adrenoreceptor agonist class of drugs, which is considered the
most effective by The Malaysian Thoracic Society.
When inhaled, salbutamol easily, painlessly and rapidly
reaches the tissues of the lungs to relieve symptoms of an
asthma attack. The effects can last for as long as 2-4 hours.
Salbutamol can be taken in metered doses, in a single unit
dose or in multiple doses, depending on the inhaler type. It
can also be inhaled through a nebuliser which converts liquid
medication into a fine mist.
Salbutamol is also helpful in preventing exercise-induced
asthma. It should be taken roughly 20 minutes before
engaging in exercise or other strenuous physical activities.
For individuals who are not capable of using an inhaler
effectively, salbutamol is also available in tablet u-id syrup
form. Controlled-release salbutamol tablets are designed to
slowly release medicine into your body over a period of time.
However, you should follow your doctor‘s instructions on which
drug delivery method to use.
6
Issue 12, Volume 7, 2014
Side-effects
Like all medications, salbutamol has
side-effects. The milder ones include:
• Sleep difficulties.
• Stomach problems.
• Headache.
• Nervousness.
• Muscle aches.
• Tingling sensations in the hands and feet.
A rare, but serious, side-effect of salbutamol is an allergic
reaction characterised by a rash or hives with itching,
along with swelling of the face, mouth and tongue or
throat. This is in conjunction with the breathing difficulties of
an asthma attack.
In the event of this allergic reaction, seek medical help
immediately.
Tips for taking your asthma
medication
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Make sure you have enough. Never run the risk of not having
your asthma medication at hand. Refill your prescriptions at
least two days before you deplete your supply. Record the
medication names and doses for easy reference when you are
at the pharmacy.
Stick to your treatment plan. Follow your doctor‘s instructions
and refer to your asthma treatment plan when taking
medication. Consult your doctor if you feel that the plan could
be improved.
Wash your hands. Prior to taking your medications, make sure
your hands are clean.
Don’t rush. Take your time to double check the names and
dosages of all the medications you are taking.
Store your meds safely.
Follow the instructions on the packaging, and keep well out of
the reach of children.
Check liquid meds often.
They can sometimes change colour or form crystals. In this
event, get new ones.
Talk to your doctor. Make sure you know the side- effects that
may occur. Also, be upfront with your doctor about all other
medications or supplements that you may be taking. This is to
reduce the risk of drug interactions, and to help you get the
best out of your asthma treatment.
7
Source info: HealthToday Magazine
May 2012
Issue 12, Volume 7, 2014
TANGANI STRES UNTUK
K
ehidupan kita dipenuhi dengan kesibukan menjalankan tugas
dan tanggungjawab. Memenuhi keperluan hidup yang sentiasa
berubah mungkin boleh menyebabkan tekanan mental dan stres, jika
kita tidak bijak mengendalikannya. Stres penyumbang kepada
tekanan mental dan kemurungan serta sifat putus asa. Ini seterusnya
gangguan fungsi otak yang boleh menyebabkan perubahan kepada
proses pemikiran, perasaan dan tingkah laku seseorang.
Kajian berkaitan pemantauan penyakit di Malaysia pada tahun 1996
mendapati hampir 11.1 peratus daripada golongan dewasa dan
remaja Malaysia mengalami stres dan dikesan mengalami tekanan
mental.
Sementara itu, Laporan Pertubuhan Kesihatan Sedunia (WHO)
menunjukkan stres menjurus kepada tekanan mental antara lima
penyakit utama yang menyebabkan hilang upaya di seluruh dunia dan
dijangkakan pada 2020 penyakit mi akan menjadi penyebab kedua
tertinggi.
Kesibukan dan tugas-tugas yang berlebihan, daya tahan diri yang
terhad dan kekurangan sokongan keluarga, rakan serta majikan boleh
mendatangkan tekanan mental. Ini ditambah pula dengan
persekitaran yang tidak selesa dan tenteram.
Pemahaman, tolak ansur dan kesabaran amatlah perlu dalam
mengharungi suasana yang amat tertekan ini. Apabila tekanan mental
dan stres sudah memuncak dalam diri, sering kali ia akan mencari
jalan keluar.
Selalunya dalam bentuk tindakan dan perlakuan yang mengikut
emosi. Antara gejala tekanan mental adalah berasa cepat marah,
rasa cemas dan bimbang, mudah letih dan tidak bermaya, kurang
daya tumpuan, fikiran bercelaru, penggunaan alkohol dan ubat
penenang yang berlebihan, hilang selera makan dan makan
berlebihan, mengalami masalah gangguan tidur dan kecenderungan
bertindak secara melulu.
TANGANI TEKANAN MENTAL


Berbincang dengan orang yang dapat membantu.

Dapat menerima kelemahan dan kebolehan din sendiri tanpa
membanding dengan orang lain.

Merancang dan mengguna masa secara bijak, sesuai dengan
matlamat dan tujuan hidup yang realistik

Amalkan cam hidup sihat melalui penjagaan makanan,
beriadah dan istirahat yang cukup, melakukan senaman,
relaksasi secara teratur dan berkesan sepanjang masa.



Berfikiran secara positif dan mampu bertolak ansur.

Mampu menerima stres yang sederhana kerana membuat kita
cergas dan bermotivasi.
Mengendalikan emosi dan kemurungan secara terkawal dan
matang.
Berkongsi masalah dengan orang lain.
Meningkatkan amalan kerohanian dan mampu menghadapi
cabaran dan masalah dengan kesabaran.
8
Sumber dari: akhbar Berita Harian, 16 April 2014, pg. C28
Issue 12, Volume 7, 2014
FOREWORD
The Industry Code of Practice on Chemical Classification and Hazard
Communication 2013 (ICOP) is promulgated under Section 37 of
Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994) as a guidance
to chemical suppliers to comply with the provisions of Occupational
Safety and Health (Classification, Labelling and Safety Data Sheet of
Hazardous Chemicals) Regulations 2013 [P.U. (A) 310/2013] which have
been gazetted on 11 October 2013, hereinafter is referred to as ―the
Regulations‖. The Regulations is to replace Occupational Safety and
Health (Classification, Packaging and Labelling of Hazardous
Chemical) Regulations 1997 [P.U. (A) 143/1997]. The implementation of
the Regulations is consistent with Malaysia‘s commitment in
implementing the Globally Harmonised System for Classification and
Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) for industrial workplace sector especially
in supplying chemicals for use at work in Malaysia.
GHS is recommended by the United Nations in its effort to standardise
chemical
classification
and labelling
system,
and hazard
communication globally. The system includes harmonised classification
criteria based on physical hazards, health hazards and environmental
hazards; labelling elements and safety data sheet for hazardous
chemicals. Implementation of GHS at international level could facilitate
chemical trade globally by reducing the need to comply various
legislative requirements on various chemical hazard information.
This ICOP contains a list of chemical substances that have been
classified; guidance on chemical classification and hazard
communication. This ICOP provides guidance to the principal suppliers
on self classification of chemicals according to method and
classification criteria of GHS (Third revised edition, 2009). In addition, this
ICOP can assist the suppliers in preparing labels and Safety Data Sheet
(SDS) according to the Regulations. This ICOP is a legally binded
document to fulfil the requirements under the Regulations.
Director General
Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia
January 2014
Product Details
Publisher: Department of Occupational Safety and
Health (Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia)
ISBN-13: 978-983-2014-78-2
Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 8.3 inches
9
Issue 12, Volume 7, 2014
Headline
Publication
Date
Page
Headline
Publication
Date
Page number
:
:
:
:
Pekerja syarikat minyak, gas wajar ikuti program NIOSH
Berita Harian
18 Jun 2014
11
: Konkrit 50,000 tan hempap kepala
: Harian Metro
: 16 Jun, 2014
: 04
10
Issue 12, Volume 7, 2014
Headline
Publication
Date
Page number
: 515, 000 pekerja kontrak diiktiraf NIOSH
: Harian Metro
: 18 Jun 2014
: 55
Headline
Publication
Date
Page number
: NIOSH sambut baik wartakan larangan merokok di R & R
: Berita Harian
: 19 Jun 2014
: 14
11
Issue 12, Volume 7, 2014
Headline
Publication
Date
Page number
: Hampir putus jari
: Harian Metro
: 26 Jun 2014
: 07
Headline
Publication
Date
Page number
: Kren ‘makan, tuan
: Harian Metro
: 23 Jun 2014
: 30
12
Issue 12, Volume 7, 2014
Headline
Publication
Date
Page number
: Shell reaffirms commitment to workplace safety
: New Straits Times
: 24 Jun 2014
: 05
13
Issue 12, Volume 7, 2014
Headline
Publication
Date
Page number
: Jurukimpal maut, 3 rakan sesak nafas terhidu gas
: Harian Metro
: 21 Feb, 2014
: 39
Headline
Publication
Date
Page number
: Three crushed to death
: The Star
: 28 June, 2014
: 33N
14
Issue 12, Volume 7, 2014
Headline
Publication
Date
Page number
: Never compromise on safety at worksites
: The Star
: 28 June, 2014
: 57V
15
Issue 12, Volume 7, 2014
Headline
Publication
Date
Page number
Headline
Publication
Date
Page number
: Two hurt by falling metal beam
: The Star
: 27 June 2014
: 19N
: Dua parah dihempap besi binaan LRT
: Utusan Malaysia
: 27 Jun 2014
: 16
16
Issue 12, Volume 7, 2014
Headline
Publication
Date
Page number
: Jadikan sekolah selamat untuk belajar, kerja
: Berita Harian
: 30 Jun, 2014
: 32
17
Issue 12, Volume 7, 2014
Headline
Publication
Date
Page number
: NIOSH bidas sikap SPAD
: Berita Harian
: 29 Jun, 2014
: 24
18