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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
(1991) LTV Steel Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America, an investigation was made of possible causative agents for allergic contact dermatitis in workers who clean the coke oven gas inlets at the LTV Steel Company (SIC-3312), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The LTV Steel coke oven facility consists of five batteries, with a total of 315 byproduct ovens. Almost 3 years ago a skin problem of potential occupational origin was identified among the heaters, helpers and patchers. A list of 26 work... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America, an investigation was made of possible causative agents for allergic contact dermatitis in workers who clean the coke oven gas inlets at the LTV Steel Company (SIC-3312), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The LTV Steel coke oven facility consists of five batteries, with a total of 315 byproduct ovens. Almost 3 years ago a skin problem of potential occupational origin was identified among the heaters, helpers and patchers. A list of 26 workers with skin problems was developed by the union and management and provided to NIOSH investigators. The suspected causative agent was a condensate from coke oven underfiring gas which collected on gas nozzle seats in the gas heating pipes of specific batteries. The nine employees diagnosed as having occupational allergic contact dermatitis tested positive to at least one of the coke oven gas condensate fractions. Many compounds were identified in the condensate sample. The authors conclude that the dermatitis in some workers was probably caused by contact with the coke oven gas condensates. The authors recommend measures intended to prevent contact with the condensates.
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(1991) Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request from employees, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc. (SIC-2711), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Approximately 65 employees worked in the track six mail room on the night of the study. The evaluation was conducted in the winter, when the ventilation system was shut down, and fresh air is provided by infiltration alone. Environmental monitoring was conducted to determine employee exposure to newsprint du... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request from employees, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc. (SIC-2711), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Approximately 65 employees worked in the track six mail room on the night of the study. The evaluation was conducted in the winter, when the ventilation system was shut down, and fresh air is provided by infiltration alone. Environmental monitoring was conducted to determine employee exposure to newsprint dust and ink mist. Air sampling results did not indicate any contaminants in levels which could be considered unacceptable. Eight hour time weighted average (TWA) particulate concentrations ranged from 0.01mg/m3 to 0.32mg/m3. The amounts of ink mist in 15 samples were below detectable limits. No aldehydes or oxides of nitrogen were detected. Seven of the 14 workers interviewed reported upper respiratory and/or eye irritation that worsened while they were at work. Temperatures ranged from 71 to 85 degrees-F and relative humidity from less than 10 to 23%. The authors conclude that workers in the track six mail room are not at risk of harmful exposures to newsprint dust, ink mist, or diesel exhaust emissions. Eye and respiratory irritation may result from relying on infiltration alone to bring outside air into the area. The authors recommend that an effort be made to reduce the heat and increase the relative humidity at the site.
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(1991) Shamokin Elementary, Shamokin, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of the school system in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, an evaluation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Shamokin Elementary School (SIC- 8211). Health and comfort complaints had included tiredness, irritated eyes, and dry throat. Real time carbon-dioxide (124389), respirable particulate, temperature and relative humidity measurements were made in a selection of rooms throughout the day of the survey. Symptom questionnaires were di... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of the school system in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, an evaluation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Shamokin Elementary School (SIC- 8211). Health and comfort complaints had included tiredness, irritated eyes, and dry throat. Real time carbon-dioxide (124389), respirable particulate, temperature and relative humidity measurements were made in a selection of rooms throughout the day of the survey. Symptom questionnaires were distributed to all of the teachers and followup interviews were conducted. Supply air flow rates to the classrooms varied widely. Average carbon-dioxide levels ranged from about 800 parts per million (ppm) to over 900ppm. Morning readings of 475 to 1000ppm and afternoon readings of 723 to 1125ppm were noted. Average respirable particulate levels were rising to 76 degrees in the afternoon. Average humidities began at 22% and rose to 27% in the afternoon. Of 51 teachers, 38 frequently experienced two or more building related health complaints. According to the authors, no obvious health hazards were identified. The imbalanced air and faulty control systems appear to have caused overheating of some areas which can result in thermal comfort problems. Low humidity levels are also believed to have exacerbated these problems. The authors recommend measures to solve the problems for the mechanical systems and to relieve occupant symptoms.
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(1991) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the American Federation of Government Employees, Local 940, an evaluation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office and Insurance Center, (SIC-9451) located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The concern arose following a spill of dielectric fluids known to contain polychlorinated biphenyls (1336363) (PCBs) during the removal and replacement of transformers in the vault area. The facility ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the American Federation of Government Employees, Local 940, an evaluation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office and Insurance Center, (SIC-9451) located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The concern arose following a spill of dielectric fluids known to contain polychlorinated biphenyls (1336363) (PCBs) during the removal and replacement of transformers in the vault area. The facility is a large, two story office building maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA). Within the confines of the open office area was a transformer vault containing two transformers. GSA contracted with private firms to remove the transformers, to install new transformers, and to provide industrial hygiene support during the removal phases. Improper hookup of a pump resulted in a spill of the PCB containing fluids. Although the work was being performed on the weekend, workers were working in adjacent office areas. The building was evacuated as noxious odors filled the area. After cleanup, the spill areas within the vault were encapsulated with paint. During the investigation the PCB contamination in the area was limited to the floors which averaged 2452 micrograms/square meter (microg/m2), compared to an average wall concentration of 13microg/m2. Surface contamination noted in the office carpet directly outside the vault door was measured at 388microg/m2.
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(1990) General Foam Corporation, West Hazleton, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Local Union 15371 of the United Steelworkers of America, a study was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at General Foam Corporation, West Hazleton, Pennsylvania. The facility had two foam production departments. Each had a continuous foam pouring line that produces long blocks of foam that were cut into lengths ranging from a few feet to 200 feet. Both foam pouring lines produce a variety of polyurethane foams from formulations incorporating polyest... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Local Union 15371 of the United Steelworkers of America, a study was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at General Foam Corporation, West Hazleton, Pennsylvania. The facility had two foam production departments. Each had a continuous foam pouring line that produces long blocks of foam that were cut into lengths ranging from a few feet to 200 feet. Both foam pouring lines produce a variety of polyurethane foams from formulations incorporating polyester or polyether polyol, a mixture of 2,4-toluene-diisocyanate (584849) and 2,6-toluene-diisocyanate (91087), various amine catalysts, and other chemicals including a blowing agent. No association was established between amine exposure levels and visual symptoms or deficits in visual acuity tests among the employees studied. One of ten samples for methylene-chloride (75092) exceeded the 8 hour time weighted average limit of 50 parts per million. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard did exist at the time of the survey from airborne exposure to both toluene-diisocyanate isomers. The authors recommend specific measures for improving working conditions at this site.
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(1990) Harrisburg Steam Generation Facility, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the City of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at the Harrisburg Steam Generation Facility (HSGF) (SIC-4953) concerning possible exposure to fly ash, combustion products and asbestos (1332214). This facility was a waste to energy site where municipal refuse was incinerated at approximately 1400 degrees-F. The steam generated was either sold directly or converted to electricity via an on site turbine. Employees used hard hats, safety s... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the City of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at the Harrisburg Steam Generation Facility (HSGF) (SIC-4953) concerning possible exposure to fly ash, combustion products and asbestos (1332214). This facility was a waste to energy site where municipal refuse was incinerated at approximately 1400 degrees-F. The steam generated was either sold directly or converted to electricity via an on site turbine. Employees used hard hats, safety shoes and glasses, work clothes and single use disposable dust and mist respirators. There was a potential for exposure to fly ash for employees working in the boiler and basement areas. Total particulate exposures ranged from 5 to 11mg/m3 for laborers. The concentration of lead (7439921) exceeded the standards set by OSHA permissible exposure level of Amosite (12172735) and chrysotile (12001295) asbestos were identified in bulk samples of insulation and asbestos taken from a settled dust sample in the boiler area. Surface wipe samples indicated the possibility of hand to mouth contact with fly ash, particularly in the break and locker rooms. The author concludes that there is a need for reducing worker exposure to fly ash particulate. The author recommends engineering and work practice controls to reduce particulate exposures, increased cleaning and maintenance activities; and further evaluation of asbestos contamination at the facility.
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(1990) Helen Mining Company, Homer City, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Mine Workers of America, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Helen Mining Company (SIC-1221), Homer City, Pennsylvania. One of the tipple operators had complained of headaches, dizziness and skin rashes from working with a mixture of solvents used in the float/sink test operation. The solvents included perchloroethylene (127184) and dibromomethane (106934). A week prior to receiving the request, the use of dibromometh... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Mine Workers of America, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Helen Mining Company (SIC-1221), Homer City, Pennsylvania. One of the tipple operators had complained of headaches, dizziness and skin rashes from working with a mixture of solvents used in the float/sink test operation. The solvents included perchloroethylene (127184) and dibromomethane (106934). A week prior to receiving the request, the use of dibromomethane had been discontinued. Consequently, on the visit to the site, no traces of dibromomethane were found. After engineering controls were installed, only one of seven personal breathing zone samples detected any perchloroethylene, and that sample was 0.12 parts per million, at the limit of detection. The author concludes that a hazard from perchloroethylene did not exist at the time of the evaluation. The author recommends replacing the rubber/cloth type glove being used with either a Teflon or Viton glove, and enclosing the work table.
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(1990) Scott Paper Company, Chester, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management and the local union, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Scott Paper Company, Chester, Pennsylvania, due to dust exposures at the cogeneration facility. The facility supplied steam and power to the Scott Paper Mill nearby. The fluidized bed combustor cogeneration unit used anthracite culm as fuel. Lime was added to the culm to supply the final fuel for the combustor. The system consumed 200 tons of fuel per hour at full o... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management and the local union, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Scott Paper Company, Chester, Pennsylvania, due to dust exposures at the cogeneration facility. The facility supplied steam and power to the Scott Paper Mill nearby. The fluidized bed combustor cogeneration unit used anthracite culm as fuel. Lime was added to the culm to supply the final fuel for the combustor. The system consumed 200 tons of fuel per hour at full operation. Results of air sampling indicated respirable dust concentrations ranged from 70.0 to 7600.0 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). Respirable quartz (14808607) concentrations reached as high as 1220.0microg/m3. Airborne levels of trace metals approaching any of the established occupational exposure criteria levels were not identified. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed from airborne exposures to free silica. The authors recommend specific measures to maintain the dust levels within acceptable margins. Also, the acid and caustic pumping systems should be physically isolated from each other.
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(1990) Yorktowne, Inc., Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from company management, an on site visit was made to Yorktowne, Inc. (SIC-5712), a cabinet manufacturing company located in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania. A high number of musculoskeletal disorders had been reported among the workers at that location. Approximately 450 full time workers were employed at the site. A significant amount of work involved pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying heavy materials. Selected jobs in raw materials handling, sawing, frame assembly, san... (Click to show more)In response to a request from company management, an on site visit was made to Yorktowne, Inc. (SIC-5712), a cabinet manufacturing company located in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania. A high number of musculoskeletal disorders had been reported among the workers at that location. Approximately 450 full time workers were employed at the site. A significant amount of work involved pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying heavy materials. Selected jobs in raw materials handling, sawing, frame assembly, sanding and painting, cabinet assembly, and packaging/shipping departments were subjected to ergonomic assessments. Several jobs were identified that imposed potentially stressful biomechanical demands on the workers. These demands included fatiguing postures, repetitive lifting that involved twisting of the trunk and excessive reach distances, and repetitive motions of the trunk and upper limbs. Most injuries (70%) occurred during a worker's first year of employment. The authors conclude that certain tasks were potentially hazardous to workers at the facility. The authors recommend the following: offering basic safety training to new employees, and moving or redesigning equipment to reduce stress during heavy lifting, pushing, and transporting of loads, and while performing repetitive motion tasks.
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(1989) BMY Corporation, A Division of Harsco Corporation, York, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America, Local 7687, an evaluation was made of exposure to paint solvents at BMY Corporation, (SIC-3795), York, Pennsylvania. Workers were apparently exposed to paint solvents during the touch up painting of military vehicles in the Final Processing and Small Parts Painting Departments. These workers suffered dryness of the nose and throat, headaches, and sleeplessness as well as menstrual cycle problems. Sampling was performed for 13 orga... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America, Local 7687, an evaluation was made of exposure to paint solvents at BMY Corporation, (SIC-3795), York, Pennsylvania. Workers were apparently exposed to paint solvents during the touch up painting of military vehicles in the Final Processing and Small Parts Painting Departments. These workers suffered dryness of the nose and throat, headaches, and sleeplessness as well as menstrual cycle problems. Sampling was performed for 13 organic solvents and all were shown to be below the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limits. Calculation of the combined exposure still indicated that the results were within the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Value for mixtures. Preshift and post shift urine samples were collected from five workers. Blood samples were drawn from 20 workers and tested for immunoglobulin-G (IgG) and immunoglobulin-E (IgE) antibodies to hexamethylene-diisocyanate (822060) (HDI). Three of the employees demonstrated low levels of specific IgG antibodies to HDI, suggesting a past exposure. No specific IgE antibodies were noted. The authors conclude that, while the exposure levels were below the limits allowed, the workers were exposed to several different chemicals which may have contributed to reported symptoms. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce the potential for health effects.
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