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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
(1989) Consolidated Freightways, Pocono Summit, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Consolidated Freightways (SIC-4213), Pocono Summit, Pennsylvania. The request concerned potential exposure of dock workers to exhaust emissions from diesel powered forklift trucks brought about by the health complaints of several of the workers there. The Pocono Summit terminal occupied a very long, relatively narr... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Consolidated Freightways (SIC-4213), Pocono Summit, Pennsylvania. The request concerned potential exposure of dock workers to exhaust emissions from diesel powered forklift trucks brought about by the health complaints of several of the workers there. The Pocono Summit terminal occupied a very long, relatively narrow building of steel. Most of the floor space was devoted to the dock area. Twenty one workers were identified as symptomatic of exposure to diesel exhaust fumes. This included at least half of the midnight shift. Upper respiratory tract irritation was mentioned by all of these workers. Some reported eye irritation, cough productive of black tinged sputum, and sore throat. These symptoms lessened during periods away from work. Airborne concentrations of all components measured at the site were well below the applicable exposure limits. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard associated with exposure to diesel engine exhaust existed. The authors recommend that whenever a forklift truck is to be left unattended for more than the shortest of periods, the motor should be turned off. The newer forklifts should be used on a shift before the older, less emission controlled, lifts. Roof exhaust fans which have been ordered are to be installed at the facility and their effectiveness evaluated.
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(1989) Dowty Corporation's Welding Shop, Warrendale, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Metal Workers of America, an investigation was made of possible health hazards existing at the Dowty Corporation's welding shop (SIC-1211), Warrendale, Pennsylvania. About 100 workers on two shifts were involved in building and repairing longwall coal mining equipment. Operations included arc gouging, cutting, shielded metal arc welding, and tungsten inert gas welding. Two paint spray booths were situated adjacent to the welding operations. Worker exposur... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Metal Workers of America, an investigation was made of possible health hazards existing at the Dowty Corporation's welding shop (SIC-1211), Warrendale, Pennsylvania. About 100 workers on two shifts were involved in building and repairing longwall coal mining equipment. Operations included arc gouging, cutting, shielded metal arc welding, and tungsten inert gas welding. Two paint spray booths were situated adjacent to the welding operations. Worker exposures to 11 metals and elements were well below the allowable standards. Exposures to gases commonly generated by welding operations were likewise below limits. While there were no areas where exposures were greater than the allowable limits, the ventilation system was in places less than optimal and did allow a greater exposure to fumes than would have occurred had it been working up to level. One worker's exposure level for arsenic (7440382) exceeded the NIOSH 0.002mg/m3 ceiling exposure limit. In one area, exposure to perchloroethylene (127184) did exceed the lowest feasible limit for a potential carcinogen. The author concludes that worker exposures to welding fumes and organic solvents did not exceed permissible exposure limits. The author recommends measures to reduce worker exposure to solvents and welding fumes.
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(1989) Eljer Plumbingware, Ford City, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Safety Director at Eljer Plumbingware (SIC-3261), Ford City, Pennsylvania, an ergonomic study was undertaken to attempt to moderate the incidence of back injuries suffered by workers involved in the manufacture of toilets. The work involved at the most demanding locations was observed, and essential data were obtained using photographs, videotape recordings and tape measurements of critical dimensions. The work involved a lot of lifting and moving of products su... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Safety Director at Eljer Plumbingware (SIC-3261), Ford City, Pennsylvania, an ergonomic study was undertaken to attempt to moderate the incidence of back injuries suffered by workers involved in the manufacture of toilets. The work involved at the most demanding locations was observed, and essential data were obtained using photographs, videotape recordings and tape measurements of critical dimensions. The work involved a lot of lifting and moving of products such as toilets, lavatories, and urinals. Findings were reported for workers involved in the casting operation, for workers involved in transferring the product from stillage to turntable, and for those involved in sprayer loading and unloading. The authors conclude that some tasks exceeded the Maximum Permissible Limit for lifting. The authors recommend that the following changes be made: reassignment of workers so that two are available for some lifts; rearrangement of the work place so that distances between the lifting and the replacement of certain heavier objects could be shortened; lower the shelves on which heavy objects were to be placed; use a mechanical apparatus for certain lifting operations; and instruct workers in proper lifting techniques.
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(1989) Meyersdale Manufacturing Co., Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to requests from the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union, Local 393, investigations were made of formaldehyde (50000) exposures, lead (7439921) exposures from drinking water, and occupational exposures during winter operating conditions at Meyersdale Manufacturing Company (SIC-2321), Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. The facility received precured, finished fabric from a textile finishing company where the fabric was treated with a formaldehyde based resin; the fabric was cut and ... (Click to show more)In response to requests from the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union, Local 393, investigations were made of formaldehyde (50000) exposures, lead (7439921) exposures from drinking water, and occupational exposures during winter operating conditions at Meyersdale Manufacturing Company (SIC-2321), Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. The facility received precured, finished fabric from a textile finishing company where the fabric was treated with a formaldehyde based resin; the fabric was cut and sewn into shirts. Time weighted average formaldehyde concentrations from area impinger samples of facility air ranged from 0.03 to 0.23 parts per million (ppm). None of these was over the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit of 1ppm. The levels of formaldehyde measured were in the range associated with eye and upper respiratory tract irritation. Other organic compounds detected in the atmosphere at the site included dioxane (123911), methylene-chloride (75092), perchloroethylene (127184), and trichloroethane (71556) which were attributed to dry cleaning compounds from the shirt cleaning area. The concentrations of these compounds did exceed NIOSH recommended exposure levels based on potential carcinogenic effects. An unidentified source of lead contamination in the sampling materials invalidated the water samples collected for lead analysis. The author concludes that formaldehyde concentration did not exceed the OSHA limits. Dry cleaning solvent exposures in the shirt cleaning area exceeded NIOSH lowest feasible limits for potential carcinogens. Recommendations are made for reducing worker exposure to formaldehyde and other chemicals.
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(1989) Snaptite, Inc., Union City, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request, an evaluation was made of possible clustering of cancer cases among employees at Snaptite, Inc. (SIC- 3451), Union City, Pennsylvania. The firm manufactured metal screw connectors. Straight cutting oils and synthetic cutting oils and coolants were used at the facility. Drilling, milling, debutting, and induction hardening operations were performed in the secondary department. Air samples were collected to assess employee exposure to Stoddard-solvent (8052413). None of t... (Click to show more)In response to a request, an evaluation was made of possible clustering of cancer cases among employees at Snaptite, Inc. (SIC- 3451), Union City, Pennsylvania. The firm manufactured metal screw connectors. Straight cutting oils and synthetic cutting oils and coolants were used at the facility. Drilling, milling, debutting, and induction hardening operations were performed in the secondary department. Air samples were collected to assess employee exposure to Stoddard-solvent (8052413). None of the samples indicated Stoddard-solvent exposure above the NIOSH recommended exposure level of 350mg/m3 as a 10 hour time weighted average. The highest sample recorded was 36.5mg/m3. A visual inspection did not indicate a general haze throughout the facility from the cutting oils and coolants, suggesting a lack of problem from oil mists or vapors. Three probable cases of basal cell carcinoma of the skin were detected. One individual had either a basal cell carcinoma or actinic keratosis. Three of the four had worked in the secondary department for at least a short time. Two of the workers had been employed for less than 5 years at this site. Most of the skin lumps were common entities such as lipomas and sebaceous cysts. One skin lesion clinically resembled a keratoacanthoma on an individual with a prior history of skin cancer. The authors conclude that a health hazard did not exist at the time of the survey. The authors recommend specific measure to further reduce exposures to solvent, oil mist and coolants.
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(1989) Washington Hospital, Washington, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees, an evaluation was made of a potential health hazard resulting from exposure to ethylene-oxide (75218) (EtO) and a perceived increase in the incidence of cancer at Washington Hospital (SIC-8062), Washington, Pennsylvania. The workers in the Central Supply Department were located in the basement wing and used EtO in hospital supply and surgical instrument sterilization. The sterilizer area was ventilated by a d... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees, an evaluation was made of a potential health hazard resulting from exposure to ethylene-oxide (75218) (EtO) and a perceived increase in the incidence of cancer at Washington Hospital (SIC-8062), Washington, Pennsylvania. The workers in the Central Supply Department were located in the basement wing and used EtO in hospital supply and surgical instrument sterilization. The sterilizer area was ventilated by a dedicated exhaust system. The sterilizer had a 15 minute conditioning phase followed by a 2 hour sterilization cycle and a 12 hour aeration cycle. Five 8 hour general area air samples were collected at locations chosen to give the highest possible readings. All EtO concentrations were below the limit of detection with the exception of a 1.63 part per million (ppm) reading 6 inches above the EtO gas cylinder valve and a reading of 0.011ppm directly above the EtO liquid gas separator. No job related health effects were noted following interviews with employees and a review of employee health records. Several cancer cases were noted but they involved several different locations and it was felt unlikely that they were related to EtO exposures. The authors conclude that a health hazard from EtO exposure in the Central Supply Department did not exist at the time of the evaluation. The authors recommend measures to further reduce potential exposures.
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(1988) Bryn Mawr Hospital, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a group of surgeons at the Bryn Mawr Hospital (SIC-8062), located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at that site. The surgeons were concerned about emissions generated by electrocautery knives when performing reduction mammoplasty. Several operating room personnel were experiencing acute health effects during this procedure, which does produce a considerable amount of smoke. Symptoms included respiratory and e... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a group of surgeons at the Bryn Mawr Hospital (SIC-8062), located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at that site. The surgeons were concerned about emissions generated by electrocautery knives when performing reduction mammoplasty. Several operating room personnel were experiencing acute health effects during this procedure, which does produce a considerable amount of smoke. Symptoms included respiratory and eye irritation, headache, and nausea. Personal and area air samples were taken for hydrocarbons, nitrosamines, total particulates, benzene soluble fraction, and polynuclear aromatic compounds. Total particulate concentrations ranged from 0.4 to 2.0mg/m3 in personal breathing zone samples and from 0.7 to 9.4mg/m3 in area samples. During a brief demonstration of the laser cutting technique, a particulate sample was taken which measured 9.4mg/m3, 7.4mg/m3 of which was benzene soluble. The benzene soluble fraction exceeded the NIOSH REL and the OSHA PEL in seven of eleven samples collected. Trace amounts of hydrocarbons were identified. The major component of the samples appeared to be a compound or compounds related to fatty acid esters. Solvent extracts of airborne particles collected from the room using cauterization were mutagenic. The authors recommend that engineering ventilation controls be used to minimize the acute health effects and reduce the potential for long range chronic disorders, that any further acute or chronic health effects be evaluated and documented, and that exposure to eletrocautery smoke be reevaluated.
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(1988) Centre County State Health Center, State College, Pennsylvania. (Click for full summary) In response to a request from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, an evaluation was made of worker health complaints including burning of the eyes, throat, and nose, among the staff at the Centre County State Health Center, State College, Pennsylvania. The building was 1 year old, and had only three or four windows (none of which opened). A survey indicated elevated levels of carbon-dioxide (124389) were present, there were deficiencies in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, an evaluation was made of worker health complaints including burning of the eyes, throat, and nose, among the staff at the Centre County State Health Center, State College, Pennsylvania. The building was 1 year old, and had only three or four windows (none of which opened). A survey indicated elevated levels of carbon-dioxide (124389) were present, there were deficiencies in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, humidity was low and the humidifier was inoperative, and the outside air intake valve was downwind of service station air pollutant emission sources. No carbon-monoxide, nitrogen-dioxide, formaldehyde, or gasoline was detected in the air. Toluene and hydrocarbons were detected, but not at unusual levels. Siloxane compounds were detected in the building air. Volatile organic compounds ranged from 101 to 231 micrograms/cubic meter. A questionnaire concerning indoor air quality was administered to workers. Case histories of three workers previously diagnosed with pneumonia were reviewed. No causative agent was identified. The author concludes that the HVAC system deficiencies were probably the primary contribution factors to employee discomfort. The author makes recommendations which address each of the difficulties in the ventilation system.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report HETA-88-154-0000.
(1988) Community Savings Association, Finleyville, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Finleyville Branch of the Community Savings Association (SIC-6036), located in Finleyville, Pennsylvania. Employees had been sensitized to a fungus and were experiencing nausea, headache, fatigue, sinus congestion and difficulty in breathing even after action to control the fungus had been taken. The first allergic reaction was noted in October o... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Finleyville Branch of the Community Savings Association (SIC-6036), located in Finleyville, Pennsylvania. Employees had been sensitized to a fungus and were experiencing nausea, headache, fatigue, sinus congestion and difficulty in breathing even after action to control the fungus had been taken. The first allergic reaction was noted in October of 1986 with four more cases developing by December 5 of that same year. During early February of 1987 the wall in the storeroom was scraped, cleaned, and painted with a fungal resistant paint. On March 16 the office was closed early due to three full time employees suffering the aforementioned symptoms plus dermatological symptoms of an allergic reaction. Additional control efforts were likewise unsuccessful. Analysis indicated that exposure to microorganisms and an inadequate supply of fresh air were likely the causes of the symptoms experienced by these workers. No evidence of any pulmonary damage among the exposed workers was found. The authors recommend that the ventilation, heating, and air conditioning unit be operated according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air- Conditioning Engineers, Incorporated (ASHRAE) standards; that relative humidity should range between 20 to 50 percent; that the storeroom wall be maintained free of microbial growth; and that files in open boxes be cleaned and placed in enclosed cabinets to reduce further contamination.
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(1988) Graphic Packaging Corporation, Paoli, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Paperworkers International Union, an evaluation was made of working conditions at the Graphic Packaging Corporation, Paoli, Pennsylvania. Particular attention was given to workers making microwave popcorn bags who reported swelling around the eyes and dermatitis. One employee also reported an asthma attack while working on the bags. Special water based epoxy adhesives were used for these bags as the product must withstand heating in a microwave oven. Envi... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Paperworkers International Union, an evaluation was made of working conditions at the Graphic Packaging Corporation, Paoli, Pennsylvania. Particular attention was given to workers making microwave popcorn bags who reported swelling around the eyes and dermatitis. One employee also reported an asthma attack while working on the bags. Special water based epoxy adhesives were used for these bags as the product must withstand heating in a microwave oven. Environmental and personal breathing zone air samples were taken and medical questionnaires were filled out. Use of this adhesive was discontinued in May of 1987 and the symptoms have disappeared. Chemical analysis of the adhesive indicated the presence of several chemicals which are potential irritants or allergic sensitizers both to skin and the respiratory track. These irritants included formaldehyde (50000), acetaldehyde (75070), benzoic-acid (65850), 1,1,1-trichloroethane, p-dioxane (123911), and ethyl-acetate (141786). Samples taken before the switch over to another adhesive was made did not indicate a hazardous level of any of these substances to be present.
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