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HHE Search Results
283 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) Tully Sculpting, Niwot, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a sculptor regarding the possible hazards of exposure to silica (7631869) during stone sculpting, a hazard evaluation was undertaken at his studio. The artist was primarily engaged in sculpturing fountains made from granite. Generally the work was done outside on the lawn either at the sculptor's house or at a rented location depending on the size of the stones to be worked. Air samples were collected while as many stone working tools as possible were used. Sound le... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a sculptor regarding the possible hazards of exposure to silica (7631869) during stone sculpting, a hazard evaluation was undertaken at his studio. The artist was primarily engaged in sculpturing fountains made from granite. Generally the work was done outside on the lawn either at the sculptor's house or at a rented location depending on the size of the stones to be worked. Air samples were collected while as many stone working tools as possible were used. Sound levels were also determined. The total dust samples ranged from 0.2 to 1.2mg/m3 while the respirable dust levels ranged from less than 0.1 to nondetectable to 0.6mg/m3. No measurable levels were noted of respirable quartz, or total or respirable cristobalite (14464461). The highest exposure levels occurred during grinding of stone surfaces with no engineering controls. The short duration of the exposures did not result in any exposures over the time weighted average standards, but could have if the duration lasted 1.5 hours. Noise levels averaged 102 to 104 decibels-A when the stone saw and grinder were in operation. The worker had appropriate hearing protection.
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(1991) West Virginia University Pottery Shop, Morgantown, West Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the West Virginia University, Office of Environmental Health and Safety, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the University Pottery Shop (SIC-3269), Morgantown, West Virginia. The Shop provided classes for university students. The purpose for the evaluation was to consider silica (14808607) exposure during clay mixing operations. There was no local exhaust ventilation provided for the control of dusts generated during either the wei... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the West Virginia University, Office of Environmental Health and Safety, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the University Pottery Shop (SIC-3269), Morgantown, West Virginia. The Shop provided classes for university students. The purpose for the evaluation was to consider silica (14808607) exposure during clay mixing operations. There was no local exhaust ventilation provided for the control of dusts generated during either the weighing or mixing of the dry ingredients. Only one of the collected samples showed quantifiable levels of quartz. The sample concentration of respirable quartz was 169.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Exposure to respirable dust, however, was considerable for short durations. The author concludes that a potential health hazard existed at the Pottery Shop. The author recommends that, due to the crystalline silica content of the clay and related products used in the pottery shop, and the potential for high dust exposure, a dust control system should be installed in the mixing room.
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(1990) A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company, Decatur, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Allied Industrial Workers of America International Union, an evaluation was conducted at Staley Company (SIC-2046), Decatur, Illinois to investigate emissions from the waste water treatment facility and exposures to asbestos (1332214). This company processed 160,000 bushels/day of corn into starch and syrup products. Twenty one of 66 employees who completed a health questionnaire had experienced some symptoms due to waste treatment facility emissions. However, n... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Allied Industrial Workers of America International Union, an evaluation was conducted at Staley Company (SIC-2046), Decatur, Illinois to investigate emissions from the waste water treatment facility and exposures to asbestos (1332214). This company processed 160,000 bushels/day of corn into starch and syrup products. Twenty one of 66 employees who completed a health questionnaire had experienced some symptoms due to waste treatment facility emissions. However, no detectable emissions likely to cause these symptoms were detected in the waste treatment facility. Area and personal breathing zone samples for propylene- oxide (75569) were collected in the starch processing areas and registered as much as 2400 parts per million (ppm) in a 55 minute sampling period due to a fracture in a glycerol seal on the reactor vessel. After repair of the seal, concentrations ranged from 7.4ppm down to nondetectable. Area air samples and personal breathing zone samples indicated an excessive exposure to vinyl-acetate (108054) in the starch vinyl-acetate processing building. The asbestos screening program at this site was in compliance with NIOSH and OSHA recommendations. The authors recommend improvements in employee work practices and the respiratory protection. Engineering controls are also suggested.
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(1990) A.W. Cash Valve Manufacturing Corp., Decatur, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Allied Industrial Workers of America, an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the A.W. Cash Valve Manufacturing Corp. (SIC- 3491), Decatur, Illinois. The company manufactured precision valves, including those for cryogenic uses with oxygen. Stainless steel and brass castings were manufactured to their final form by a variety of machine processes including milling, drilling, lathe operations, and tapping on many types of machin... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Allied Industrial Workers of America, an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the A.W. Cash Valve Manufacturing Corp. (SIC- 3491), Decatur, Illinois. The company manufactured precision valves, including those for cryogenic uses with oxygen. Stainless steel and brass castings were manufactured to their final form by a variety of machine processes including milling, drilling, lathe operations, and tapping on many types of machines with both wet and dry methods. There was potential employee exposure to lead (7439921) with the five general area air samples ranging from 32 to 120 micrograms per cubic meter. The results for Freon-113 (76131) and trichloroethylene (7631869) were all below allowable limits. Crystalline silica (14808607) was not detected. The authors conclude that although the results of blood lead levels and erythrocyte protoporphyrin studies did not demonstrate excessive lead exposure, the dry machining processes present a potential for lead exposure. The authors recommend measures to limit the potential lead exposure from the dry machine processes.
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(1990) Eagle Convex Glass Company, Clarksburg, West Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of Eagle Convex Glass Company (SIC-3231), Clarksburg, West Virginia, an evaluation was made of possible worker exposure to hazardous conditions resulting in occupational pneumoconiosis, hearing loss, and cumulative trauma disorders. The company produced a wide variety of speciality glass products for the automotive, furniture, and major appliance industries, employing 171 workers over three shifts. Hydrofluoric- acid (7664393) concentrations ranging f... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of Eagle Convex Glass Company (SIC-3231), Clarksburg, West Virginia, an evaluation was made of possible worker exposure to hazardous conditions resulting in occupational pneumoconiosis, hearing loss, and cumulative trauma disorders. The company produced a wide variety of speciality glass products for the automotive, furniture, and major appliance industries, employing 171 workers over three shifts. Hydrofluoric- acid (7664393) concentrations ranging from 0.34 to 3.0mg/m3 were measured in the etching department. Analysis of the two solvents used in the decorating department indicated one contained mostly C10 to C11 alkyl substituted benzenes plus naphthalene (91203). The following compounds were also identified: trimethylbenzene (95636), methyl-ethyl-benzene (98828), and indan (496117). Noise levels in excess of the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Level of 85 decibels-A, as a time weighted average, were found in some departments. Respirable dust levels ranged from 0.08 to 0.20mg/m3. Symptoms consistent with hand/wrist, shoulder, and neck cumulative trauma disorders were noted among 20 to 30 percent of the workers in the decorating, processing, mirror and polishing departments. The authors conclude that some workers were potentially exposed to cumulative trauma, acid mists, and noise. The authors recommend specific measures, including work practices, ergonomic changes, a hearing conservation program, and a respiratory protection program.
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(1990) Hitachi Magnetics Corporation, Edmore, Michigan. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an employee at the Hitachi Magnetics Corporation (SIC-3499), Edmore, Michigan, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to cobalt (7440484), nickel (7440020), silica (14808607), and asbestos (1332214). The current workforce consisted of 416 hourly workers and 115 salaried employees. The facility produced permanent magnets using five production processes: sintered ALNICO; cast ALNICO; Hicorex Rare Earth Iron; Ceramic (Ferrite Magnets); and Lodex. Six re... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an employee at the Hitachi Magnetics Corporation (SIC-3499), Edmore, Michigan, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to cobalt (7440484), nickel (7440020), silica (14808607), and asbestos (1332214). The current workforce consisted of 416 hourly workers and 115 salaried employees. The facility produced permanent magnets using five production processes: sintered ALNICO; cast ALNICO; Hicorex Rare Earth Iron; Ceramic (Ferrite Magnets); and Lodex. Six reported episodes of respiratory conditions were noted which was more than ten times the number expected for such industries. The incidence of skin disorders was likewise ten times that expected for this industry. Respirable crystalline silica was identified in dust samples collected at eight of the 18 jobs studied. Exposures in three jobs (sand mixer, furnace operator and a machine molder) were above the OSHA permissible exposure limit and all eight jobs exceeded the ACGIH threshold limit value for crystalline silica exposures of 0.1mg/m3. On each shift the post shift creatinine corrected mean urine cobalt concentrations were higher than preshift values. The authors conclude that a hazard existed from exposure to airborne cobalt, nickel and silica. The authors' recommendations pertaining to respiratory protection and the reduction of exposures are included.
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(1990) Photon Dynamics Ltd., Inc., Longwood, Florida. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of Photon Dynamics Limited (SIC-3231), Longwood, Florida, an investigation was made of airborne emissions produced from materials being cut by a carbon- dioxide laser. Photon Dynamics Limited specialized in unique applications of lasers within the industrial environment. The major emphasis was developmental work in high speed cutting of quartz (14808607) material using lasers. At the time of the measurements there were four full time employees, only o... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of Photon Dynamics Limited (SIC-3231), Longwood, Florida, an investigation was made of airborne emissions produced from materials being cut by a carbon- dioxide laser. Photon Dynamics Limited specialized in unique applications of lasers within the industrial environment. The major emphasis was developmental work in high speed cutting of quartz (14808607) material using lasers. At the time of the measurements there were four full time employees, only one of whom was involved continuously with laser cutting. Photon Dynamics shared a building wing with two other companies; fumes and vapors produced from the laser operations were quite evident to personnel working in these other companies. Personal breathing zone sampling revealed respirable exposure concentrations to fused silica (60676860) as high as 2.2mg/m3. Air samples taken for trace elements at two inches from the source identified small quantities of chromium (7440473), copper (7440508), iron (7439896), nickel (7440020), and zinc (7440666) on each of the samples collected. Qualitative samples identified ethyl-acrylate (140885) as the major component produced during laser cutting of four types of plastics. Radiometric analysis indicted occupational exposure to laser radiation was below the allowable standards. The authors conclude that a hazard existed from exposure to respirable fused silica dust and ethyl-acrylate. The authors recommend measures to reduce exposures, primarily through the use of ventilation controls.
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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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(1989) Reade Manufacturing Company, Lakehurst, New Jersey. (Click to open report) In response to a request from employees at the Reade Manufacturing Company (SIC-1061), Lakehurst, New Jersey, a site visit was made to determine whether hazardous working conditions existed at this facility. The workers expressed concern over exposures to materials used as part of, or in the course of, manufacturing magnesium (7439954) chips, granules, and powders, and magnesium/aluminum alloy powders. Environmental sampling revealed magnesium dust in concentrations of 0.01 to 17.2mg/m3 in the p... (Click to show more)In response to a request from employees at the Reade Manufacturing Company (SIC-1061), Lakehurst, New Jersey, a site visit was made to determine whether hazardous working conditions existed at this facility. The workers expressed concern over exposures to materials used as part of, or in the course of, manufacturing magnesium (7439954) chips, granules, and powders, and magnesium/aluminum alloy powders. Environmental sampling revealed magnesium dust in concentrations of 0.01 to 17.2mg/m3 in the personal breathing zone samples. Aluminum (7429905) dust exposures ranged from nondetectable to 1.6mg/m3. Analysis of fluorspar and talc (14807966) bulk samples indicated that magnesium and aluminum were the primary metal contaminants with trace amounts of other metals. No asbestos or crystalline silica was detected. A medical evaluation involving 37 of the 66 production and maintenance workers indicated that at least half had experienced nasal symptoms with about one fifth reporting skin rash. All blood magnesium levels were within normal limits. None of the four with an obstructive pattern of pulmonary function had any significantly increased obstruction over the course of the workday. Of 34 chest x-rays reviewed, three demonstrated pleural thickening. The authors conclude that no safety hazards or chemical exposures were identified which would represent a health hazard. The authors recommend specific measures concerning engineering controls and the use of personal protective equipment.
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(1989) Seagull Industries, West Palm Beach, Florida. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of Seagull Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (SIC-8331), West Palm Beach, Florida an evaluation was made of exposure to silica (14808607) dust and lead (7439921) paints in the ceramics area and to solvents in the assembly building. Seagull Industries was a private, nonprofit corporation providing job training and employment, primarily for the mentally retarded. Airborne lead concentrations at the facility were extremely low, ranging from 0.9 to 1.8 mi... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of Seagull Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (SIC-8331), West Palm Beach, Florida an evaluation was made of exposure to silica (14808607) dust and lead (7439921) paints in the ceramics area and to solvents in the assembly building. Seagull Industries was a private, nonprofit corporation providing job training and employment, primarily for the mentally retarded. Airborne lead concentrations at the facility were extremely low, ranging from 0.9 to 1.8 micrograms per cubic meter of air (microg/m3). However, the settled dust on the painters' table tops was 10 percent lead, which posed some concern for accidental ingestion. Silica exposures in the ceramics polishing area were more significant with measurements of 48 and 64microg/m3 for the 6 hour work period. If these exposures were adjusted for an 8 hour time weighted average, the levels would be equivalent to 36 and 48microg/m3 which was slightly less than the NIOSH recommended limits. Solvent vapor concentrations were minimal during the cleaning of the printing press, due to the fact that there was sufficient natural ventilation. The author concludes that silica dust levels were significant, and lead dust on table tops may present an ingestion hazard. The author recommends measures to control silica and lead exposures and to reduce fire hazards associated with the use of flammable solvents.
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