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HHE Search Results
86 HHE reports were found based on your search terms. Reports are listed in order of year published with the most recently published reports listed first.
Year Published and Title
(1994) Magnetics Division of Spang and Company, Butler, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to an employee request, an investigation was begun into possible exposures to paint, paint thinners, and Freon at the Magnetics Division of Spang and Company (SIC-3679), Butler, Pennsylvania. The division employed about 450 people and manufactured two types of magnetic cores used in a variety of electronic devices. Workers in the Tape Core Paint Room had experienced light headedness or fainting episodes. Only one sample contained measurable levels of 2-ethoxyethyl-acetate (111159) bu... (Click to show more)In response to an employee request, an investigation was begun into possible exposures to paint, paint thinners, and Freon at the Magnetics Division of Spang and Company (SIC-3679), Butler, Pennsylvania. The division employed about 450 people and manufactured two types of magnetic cores used in a variety of electronic devices. Workers in the Tape Core Paint Room had experienced light headedness or fainting episodes. Only one sample contained measurable levels of 2-ethoxyethyl-acetate (111159) but the level was 0.25 parts per million (ppm), one half of the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for full shift time weighted average exposure. Methylene-chloride (75092) was detected in all but one of the air samples with levels ranging up to 35ppm. One personal breathing zone sample had a lead (7439921) concentration of 36 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) which exceeded the OSHA action level for lead of 30microg/m3. The paint booth exhaust systems appeared to be operating efficiently and there were good work practices among the painters. The authors conclude that workers were exposed to methylene-chloride, considered by NIOSH to be a potential occupational carcinogen. Exposures to lead and 2- ethoxyethyl-acetate may exceed the evaluation criteria. Some workers may experience symptoms when working near solvents and paints, even though the measured exposures were below the permissible exposure limits. The authors recommend that efforts be made to reduce exposures in the paint room.
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(1994) Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Association of Fire Fighters, an evaluation was performed of possible hazardous noise conditions at the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire (PBF) (SIC-9224), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The PBF was responsible for providing fire suppression and prevention services along with first responder emergency medical services in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Noise dosimeter surveys were conducted at 18 of the 36 fire stations during September 12 through October... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Association of Fire Fighters, an evaluation was performed of possible hazardous noise conditions at the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire (PBF) (SIC-9224), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The PBF was responsible for providing fire suppression and prevention services along with first responder emergency medical services in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Noise dosimeter surveys were conducted at 18 of the 36 fire stations during September 12 through October 3 of 1988. The surveys indicated that the 8 hour time weighted average noise exposures were in general less than the amount allowed under any of the environmental evaluation criteria used by NIOSH. Audiometric testing was conducted on 424 fire fighters. A statistically significant relationship was noted between the time spent with the PBF and the amount of hearing loss in fire fighters after correcting for the effects of age on hearing levels. The author concludes that a health hazard existed for fire fighters due to high noise exposure levels. The author recommends that measures be instituted to reduce noise exposure and help prevent further hearing losses.
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(1994) Ross Mould Inc., Washington, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the American Flint Glass Workers Union Local 146, an investigation was made into possible hazardous working conditions at Ross Mould Inc. (SIC-3544), Washington, Pennsylvania. Employees were reportedly experiencing numbness in their fingertips from the use of the power equipment. The company manufactured molds used in the production of glass containers. At this site, castings made of iron or bronze are machined into molds and then ground polished, and deburred using... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the American Flint Glass Workers Union Local 146, an investigation was made into possible hazardous working conditions at Ross Mould Inc. (SIC-3544), Washington, Pennsylvania. Employees were reportedly experiencing numbness in their fingertips from the use of the power equipment. The company manufactured molds used in the production of glass containers. At this site, castings made of iron or bronze are machined into molds and then ground polished, and deburred using power hand tools. Videotapes were made of the work activities and interviews were held with the workers. Measurements were made while 21 tools were used by nine employees. The mean hand/arm vibration (HAV) experienced by the workers was 28 meters per second squared (m/sec2) expressed as 4 hour equivalent exposures. Mean HAV ranged from 18 to 40m/sec2 for the three different job titles that were evaluated. The limit recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists was 12m/sec2. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard existed from overexposure to hand/arm vibration. The authors recommend that a medical monitoring program be instituted, and measures should be taken to reduce exposure to vibration.
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(1993) Haddon Craftsmen, Inc., Scranton, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request, an investigation was begun into possible exposures associated with hot melt glue, shrinkwrap, and foil stamping operations at Haddon Craftsmen, Inc., (SIC-2789), Scranton, Pennsylvania. Worker exposure to carbon-monoxide (630080), noise and paper dust were also of concern. The company was a book bindery, a three story complex employing about 115 workers in the office and 235 in the production of the books. Printing was done off site. Six varieties of hot melt glues were... (Click to show more)In response to a request, an investigation was begun into possible exposures associated with hot melt glue, shrinkwrap, and foil stamping operations at Haddon Craftsmen, Inc., (SIC-2789), Scranton, Pennsylvania. Worker exposure to carbon-monoxide (630080), noise and paper dust were also of concern. The company was a book bindery, a three story complex employing about 115 workers in the office and 235 in the production of the books. Printing was done off site. Six varieties of hot melt glues were used in nine machines on three floors to produce 100,000 hard cover and 25,000 paperback books daily. None of the measurements taken for total airborne particulate, carbon-monoxide, 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556) and general aldehydes exceeded the recommended limits. Exposures were above recommended limits (lowest feasible level) for acetaldehyde (75070) and formaldehyde (50000). Workers were potentially exposed to noise levels in excess of the OSHA Action Level of 85 decibels-A. Symptoms of upper respiratory irritation were noted in some of the ten employee medical records reviewed. Numerous complaints of repetitive motion trauma were seen in OSHA logs. The authors conclude that there was a potential hazard from acetaldehyde and formaldehyde exposures. The authors recommend that exposures be controlled to the lowest feasible level. Work practices and engineering controls throughout the facility should be improved.
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(1993) Lakeland Jr-Sr High School, Jermyn, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the superintendent of the Lakeland School District (SIC-8211), an investigation was begun into the occurrences of bacterial illnesses among employees of the Lakeland Junior Senior High School in Jermyn, Pennsylvania. In 1992 the estimated occupancy was 800 individuals, of whom 10% were adults. Symptoms reported by the teachers and other employees included eye strain, eye irritation, nasal/sinus congestion, and excess fatigue. Nearly all symptoms were reported by a h... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the superintendent of the Lakeland School District (SIC-8211), an investigation was begun into the occurrences of bacterial illnesses among employees of the Lakeland Junior Senior High School in Jermyn, Pennsylvania. In 1992 the estimated occupancy was 800 individuals, of whom 10% were adults. Symptoms reported by the teachers and other employees included eye strain, eye irritation, nasal/sinus congestion, and excess fatigue. Nearly all symptoms were reported by a higher percentage of workers during the school year than during the summer when school was not in session. Possible building related symptoms included mucous membrane irritation, respiratory symptoms, or nonspecific symptoms. Bacterial and fungal counts in bulk samples collected from water stained ceiling tiles, interior ventilation system lining, and wall paint did not indicate a significant problem with microbiological contamination. The authors conclude that a consistent pattern of bacterial disease that could be related to environmental conditions was not found. Reported symptoms were related to employee perceptions of unpleasant working conditions, particularly insufficient air movement and unclean work areas. The authors recommend that an adequate supply of outside air be provided and that temperature and humidity levels be maintained in accordance with guidelines currently in place.
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(1993) Oakland Sports Therapy and Work Hardening, Exton, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from employees, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Oakland Sports Therapy and Work Hardening (SIC-8049), Exton, Pennsylvania. Various health complaints such as headaches, dizziness, eye irritation, sinus infections, and respiratory problems resulted in the request. The facility was located on the first floor of a two story brick structure. Most of the facility was dedicated to an open area for physical therapy rehabilitation services. T... (Click to show more)In response to a request from employees, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Oakland Sports Therapy and Work Hardening (SIC-8049), Exton, Pennsylvania. Various health complaints such as headaches, dizziness, eye irritation, sinus infections, and respiratory problems resulted in the request. The facility was located on the first floor of a two story brick structure. Most of the facility was dedicated to an open area for physical therapy rehabilitation services. There were 14 employees and typically six to seven clients using the facility at any one time. The temperature and relative humidity measurements were slightly below comfort guidelines. Carbon-dioxide (124389) levels consistently exceeded the 1,000 parts per million levels. The center apparently was not receiving sufficient amounts of outside air during maximum occupancy. Bromine (7726956) traces were found in two of three samples collected but not at concentrations which would be expected to cause health effects. Bromine was used as a sanitizer in a large whirlpool. The authors conclude that symptoms reported by workers were consistent with building related symptoms. The amount of outside air supplied by the ventilation system was below ventilation guidelines. The authors recommend that the amount of outside air be increased. The air intake should be relocated, the ventilation system should be balanced, and more efficient filter media should be used.
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(1993) Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from employees, an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (SIC-9311), Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Health problems reported included headaches, body aches, dizziness, sinus problems, flue symptoms, low energy levels and constant colds. All of the carbon-dioxide (124389) levels measured were below the required limits. In some places the temperature and relative humidity measures exceeded the summer comf... (Click to show more)In response to a request from employees, an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (SIC-9311), Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Health problems reported included headaches, body aches, dizziness, sinus problems, flue symptoms, low energy levels and constant colds. All of the carbon-dioxide (124389) levels measured were below the required limits. In some places the temperature and relative humidity measures exceeded the summer comfort range. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) identified included acetone (67641), toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), pentane (109660), hexane (110543), tetrachloroethane (79345), and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556). None of the compounds exceeded any applicable exposure limits. Symptoms most often reported included tired or strained eyes, stuffed nose, sinus congestion, irritation of the eyes, tiredness, headache, and dry throat. Several potential problems were noted with the air handling units such as leaking control valves, out of calibration controllers, incorrectly selected or placed sensors, and malfunctioning control systems. The authors conclude that no specific exposure were identified that would explain the symptoms reported by workers. The authors recommend measures to improve the work environment, including implementing a more effective smoking policy, minimizing pesticide spraying, and improving the temperature and humidity control in the building.
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(1993) The General Castings Co. - Domestic Division, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management at the General Castings Company (SIC-3321), located in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, an investigation was made into worker exposures in the coremaking, molding, pouring, melting, shakeout, sand handling, and cleaning areas of the facility. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry. An electric induction and two holding furnaces were used to produce molten iron. No local exhaust hoods or air pollution control devices for the induction furnaces were in... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management at the General Castings Company (SIC-3321), located in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, an investigation was made into worker exposures in the coremaking, molding, pouring, melting, shakeout, sand handling, and cleaning areas of the facility. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry. An electric induction and two holding furnaces were used to produce molten iron. No local exhaust hoods or air pollution control devices for the induction furnaces were in place. Four coremaking processes were used: hot shell, oil baked, cold box, and no bake. An industrial hygiene survey was conducted and included personal breathing zone and area air sampling, work practice evaluation, engineering control measures, and noise exposure assessment. The author concludes that workers were overexposed to respirable silica (14808607), lead (7439921) and noise. Carbon- monoxide (630080), chrysotile (12001295) and benzene (71432) exposures constituted a potential health hazard to employees in the coremaking, molding, pouring, cleaning and shakeout areas. The author recommended measures for reducing exposures and improving the use of respiratory protective devices.
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(1992) AMP Incorporated, Berwyn, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from employees of AMP Incorporated (SIC- 5063), Berwyn, Pennsylvania, an investigation was begun into indoor air quality. Concern was expressed over excessive headaches, runny noses, coughing, lost voices, and bronchial symptoms experienced by the employees. There were also complaints about the comfort of the working conditions as far as temperature levels and air circulation were concerned. The facility included a Sales/Service office area and cafeteria, offices, a comp... (Click to show more)In response to a request from employees of AMP Incorporated (SIC- 5063), Berwyn, Pennsylvania, an investigation was begun into indoor air quality. Concern was expressed over excessive headaches, runny noses, coughing, lost voices, and bronchial symptoms experienced by the employees. There were also complaints about the comfort of the working conditions as far as temperature levels and air circulation were concerned. The facility included a Sales/Service office area and cafeteria, offices, a computer room and a few other ancillary rooms in the northern portion of the one story building. The rest of the building was occupied by a large warehouse and some additional offices. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning system was found to have inadequate ventilation effectiveness. Air temperatures were above recommended comfort ranges. The cafeteria was a designated smoking area. The author concludes that it was not possible to determine whether these factors caused the problems experienced by the workers. The presence of environmental tobacco smoke in the cafeteria did constitute a potential health hazard. The author recommends the establishment of a separate smoking lounge, a readjustment of the ventilation system, and checking the performance of the various parts of the system with some degree of frequency.
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(1992) ARMCO Advanced Materials Corporation, Butler, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a management request, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at ARMCO Advanced Materials Corporation (SIC-3312), Butler, Pennsylvania. ARMCO produced primarily specialty steel products. An indirect method of electric heating was used at the facility to make steel. Concern was expressed about employee exposures to infrasound, electromagnetic radiation, and various dusts throughout the melt shop. The investigation was then expanded to include radiofrequency ... (Click to show more)In response to a management request, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at ARMCO Advanced Materials Corporation (SIC-3312), Butler, Pennsylvania. ARMCO produced primarily specialty steel products. An indirect method of electric heating was used at the facility to make steel. Concern was expressed about employee exposures to infrasound, electromagnetic radiation, and various dusts throughout the melt shop. The investigation was then expanded to include radiofrequency exposures at the Ultra-Rapid Annealing (URA) furnace located in the Strip Coating and Silicon Anneal Building (SCSAB). Air samples analyzed indicated that the recommended levels were being exceeded for chromium (7440473), manganese (7439965) and lead (7439921). Radiofrequency radiation measurements at the URA furnace and the visible radiation levels near the electric arc furnaces in the melt shops exceeded the appropriate evaluation criteria. The authors conclude that health hazards existed during the survey from excessive airborne levels of hexavalent chromium, manganese, and lead, high levels of optical radiation near the electric arc furnaces, and radiofrequency radiation at the URA furnace. The authors recommended measures to lower these exposures and suggested the institution of medical and environmental surveillance programs.
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