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HHE Search Results
1056 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
(2019) Ergonomics, dust, and unanticipated hazards at a donation and retail store. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from employees of a donation and retail store. They were concerned about ergonomics and exposures to dust and unanticipated hazards, such as needles, other sharp items, and feces- or urine-soiled items. Our evaluation included reviewing documents on new employee health and safety training, injury reports, and health and safety meeting topics; observing work processes, practices, and conditions; reviewing personal protective equipment (PPE) ... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from employees of a donation and retail store. They were concerned about ergonomics and exposures to dust and unanticipated hazards, such as needles, other sharp items, and feces- or urine-soiled items. Our evaluation included reviewing documents on new employee health and safety training, injury reports, and health and safety meeting topics; observing work processes, practices, and conditions; reviewing personal protective equipment (PPE) availability, use, and storage; measuring workstation dimensions; confidentially interviewing employees; and speaking with management about work practices, health and safety concerns, and our preliminary observations and recommendations. We found communication gaps between employees and management. Employees reported health problems they believed were work-related, and they were concerned about stress, sharp objects, and dust in the workplace. Employees reported the potential for being cut or stabbed with sharp objects when stepping into a large box of donations to sort its contents. We did not observe noticeable clouds of dust in the air, and the store did not have any processes that created dust. We observed that required PPE (such as cut-resistant gloves) was not available to some employees. We recommended methods for better cleaning practices, and for improving the training around potential hazards, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) access, and the sorting of donations. We also made recommendations on PPE, workplace lighting, anti-fatigue mats, pallet jack warning devices, and ways to improve communication between employees and management.
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(2019) Exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility and two off-site retail cafés. (Click to open report) In March 2016, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the owner of a coffee roasting and packaging facility and off-site retail cafés with 15 employees regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting, coffee grinding, and café tasks. In May 2017, we conducted the medical survey, industrial hygiene survey, and ventilation assessment at the roastery produ... (Click to show more)In March 2016, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the owner of a coffee roasting and packaging facility and off-site retail cafés with 15 employees regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting, coffee grinding, and café tasks. In May 2017, we conducted the medical survey, industrial hygiene survey, and ventilation assessment at the roastery production space and two off-site retail cafés. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of collecting personal breathing zone and area air samples for alpha-diketones (i.e., diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione). We used continuous monitoring instruments to measure total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in specific areas and during tasks. We also conducted a ventilation assessment in both cafés and the roastery production space location. The medical survey consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. An interim letter reporting industrial hygiene results and recommendations was sent to the company following our visit. Most time-weighted average air concentrations of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione were below the NIOSH recommended exposure limits. Five of the 13 full-shift samples collected during the survey exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5 parts per billion, with a maximum concentration of 13.9 parts per billion. We identified jobs where some work tasks resulted in relatively higher air concentrations of diacetyl than other tasks. Specifically, grinding roasted coffee beans was associated with higher diacetyl levels. Overall, the most commonly reported symptoms were associated with mucous membranes, specifically the nose, eyes, and sinuses. Most employees reported that they did not feel that their symptoms were caused or aggravated by work-related exposures. Wheezing or whistling in the chest was the most commonly reported lower respiratory symptom, 33% of employees reported experiencing this symptom in the last 12 months. All administered spirometry tests (n=9) were normal. One of nine participants had high exhaled nitric oxide, a marker of allergic airways inflammation, and three of nine participants had airway obstructions. We recommend moving the cold brew grinders in the basement of the downtown café closer to an outside wall and installing an exhaust fan or ducted local exhaust ventilation system to exhaust contaminants generated during grinding directly outdoors. We also recommend introducing prescribed amounts of fresh, outdoor air to the café spaces to help further reduce airborne concentrations. Further, we recommended operating the ventilation system in the roastery production space continuously during roastery operating hours, training employees about workplace hazards, and establishing a medical monitoring program to identify any employees who may be developing work-related lung disease (e.g., asthma, obliterative bronchiolitis) and to help management prioritize interventions to prevent occupational lung disease.
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(2019) Exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility. (Click to open report) In May 2016, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting, grinding, and flavoring. In July 2016, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of collection of air sampl... (Click to show more)In May 2016, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting, grinding, and flavoring. In July 2016, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of collection of air samples and bulk samples of coffee for analysis of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione. Continuous monitoring instruments were used to monitor total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in specific areas and during tasks. We also measured levels of carbon monoxide in employees' exhaled breath and conducted a ventilation assessment. In August 2016, we conducted a medical evaluation of employees that consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. In February 2017, we returned to conduct an industrial hygiene survey of the finished goods warehouse All personal full-shift samples collected during the industrial hygiene survey exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5.0 parts per billion, with a maximum concentration of 420.9 parts per billion. Thirty-six of the 37 full-shift samples exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for 2,3-pentanedione of 9.3 ppb, with a maximum of 275.9 parts per billion. We identified work tasks that resulted in higher air concentrations of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione than other tasks. Specifically, flavoring coffee, grinding roasted coffee beans, roasting coffee beans, packaging roasted coffee, and cleaning equipment were associated with higher diacetyl levels. We observed high instantaneous levels of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during flavoring, grinding, and packaging. Air levels of carbon monoxide collected on employees with duties that included flavoring and grinding coffee exceeded the NIOSH ceiling limit of 200 parts per million. Carbon dioxide levels were low throughout most of the facility. The most commonly reported symptoms were nose and eye symptoms. Some employees reported these nose and eye symptoms were caused or aggravated by green bean coffee burlap bags, green bean and roasted coffee dust, smoke, flavorings, or roasting coffee Wheezing or whistling in the chest was the most commonly reported lower respiratory symptom. Some employees reported their lower respiratory symptoms were caused or aggravated by grinding and flavoring, heat, or stress. Six (6%) of 99 participants had abnormal spirometry. Eight (8%) participants had high exhaled nitric oxide, a marker of allergic airways inflammation. Employees who reported grinding or flavoring had higher odds of waking up with chest tightness and episodes of flu-like achiness or achy joints in the last 12 months, and had lower lung function parameters, although these were not statistically significant. One participant with abnormal spirometry and work-related respiratory symptoms was referred to a pulmonologist and subsequently received a clinical diagnosis of obliterative bronchiolitis associated with occupational exposure to flavorings In response to our evaluation, the company implemented engineering controls and made administrative changes to reduce employees' exposure to diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. The company installed additional general exhaust ventilation in administrative and production areas, local exhaust ventilation in production areas where sources of high exposures to diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione were documented, and equipment to monitor pressure differentials between production and administrative spaces. The company also enclosed the grinding area. Personal protective equipment requirements were implemented and included powered air-purifying respirators for employees in the flavoring room and grinding area, and half-face respirators for employees in other areas of the facility until exposures could be reduced and verified by additional air sampling. The company also instituted a medical surveillance program that included repeating spirometry every six months to identify employees who might be developing work-related lung disease (e.g., asthma, flavoring related lung disease). Of 53 employees who underwent spirometry testing conducted by NIOSH in 2016 and the coffee facility s occupational health provider in 2017, six (11%) had 15% or more decrease in lung function between tests, which is more than expected because of aging. One employee had 15% or more decrease between two occupational health provider spirometry tests conducted in 2017. We recommend follow-up air sampling to confirm the effectiveness of engineering controls and consulting with a ventilation engineer to install additional engineering controls near point sources. Additional engineering controls might be designed to capture diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione in specific locations at sources where elevated levels of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione were measured. We recommend the company continue to train employees about potential workplace hazards, and continue to administer the medical surveillance program.
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(2019) Exposures and respiratory health concerns in a paper converting equipment manufacturing facility. (Click to open report) In January 2012, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a confidential employee request for a health hazard evaluation at a paper tissue converting equipment manufacturing facility regarding concerns about lung disease and air quality, with exposures to coolants, oils, solvents, paper dust, exhaust fumes, welding and plasma cutting fumes, and lacquer thinner encountered during production activities. In June 2012, we toured the facility; interviewed employees, managers... (Click to show more)In January 2012, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a confidential employee request for a health hazard evaluation at a paper tissue converting equipment manufacturing facility regarding concerns about lung disease and air quality, with exposures to coolants, oils, solvents, paper dust, exhaust fumes, welding and plasma cutting fumes, and lacquer thinner encountered during production activities. In June 2012, we toured the facility; interviewed employees, managers, and the company's nurse; observed employees at work; assessed some of the mist collectors and vacuum pumps; and collected bulk samples of unused (neat) and in-use process fluids. Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas oleoverans/pseudoalcaligenes, were present in all in-use fluid samples ranging from 140 million colony forming units per milliliter to 1.4 billion colony forming units per milliliter. Concentrations of endotoxin, a component of gram-negative bacterial cell walls, in the fluid samples ranged from 3,001 endotoxin units per milliliter to 108,017 endotoxin units per milliliter. We identified four nonsmoking employees who had severe lung disease, including one employee who required lung transplantation. In response, we conducted medical record reviews and obtained reviews of lung tissue specimens for the four employees with severe lung disease. Lung tissue specimens from the employees, obtained by lung biopsy or at the time of lung transplantation, were reviewed by five pulmonary pathologists at three different institutions. The pathologists found the tissue samples demonstrated an unusual pattern of lung disease involving lymphocytic bronchiolitis with extension into alveolar ducts and emphysema. Chest computed tomography scans primarily demonstrated centrilobular emphysema. Spirometry demonstrated airways obstruction and that diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide was decreased, consistent with small airways disease and emphysema. In an effort to better understand what might have caused the cases of severe lung disease and to prevent future cases of illness, we conducted a detailed industrial hygiene survey in February 2013 and a medical survey in March 2013. The industrial hygiene survey involved collecting personal and area air samples for thoracic aerosol, metalworking fluids, and endotoxin; area air samples for bioaerosols, volatile organic compounds, and metals, and total particulate (collected with closed-face cassette) for microbiome analysis; real-time measurements of volatile organic compounds and size-selective particulate; collection of bulk process fluids for analysis of culturable bacteria, culturable fungi, endotoxin, and microbiome; and examination of the airflow using a safe tracer gas. The medical survey involved administering a health questionnaire and breathing tests to employees. In addition, a microbiome analysis of lung tissue specimens from the four employees with severe lung disease was performed. Local and state health officials, and physicians who worked in the local community, including a regional medical center and tertiary care referral center, were contacted regarding their awareness of other cases of this severe lung disease occurring in the surrounding region. During the 2013 survey, we identified a variety of processes with the potential to generate airborne exposures. For example, metals (steel [85-90%], aluminum [10-15%], and cast iron [less than 1%]) and plastics (less than 1%) were cut using saws, pressurized water, or plasma technology. Cut pieces were then processed into parts using grinders, mills, and lathes. Welding and painting were performed. Assembled machines were tested for functionality using customers' paper. We also found the facility used two metalworking fluids, preserved and non-preserved. The preserved metalworking fluid was designed for use with a bactericide and the non-preserved metalworking fluid did not require bactericide. Most process fluid bulk samples demonstrated growth of gram-negative bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas oleovorans/pseudoalcaligenes, at levels ranging from 70 colony forming units per milliliter to 57 million colony forming units per milliliter. Concentrations of endotoxin in the fluid samples ranged from 338 endotoxin units per milliliter to 390,633 endotoxin units per milliliter. Thoracic aerosol, metalworking fluids, metals, and volatile organic compounds were measureable in air at levels below occupational exposure limits and were highest in production areas. Two personal endotoxin samples from employees in the machine shop were above the Dutch Expert Committee on Occupational Safety (DECOS) recommended exposure limit of 90 endotoxin units per cubic meter (EU/m3). Assessment of the ventilation in the production area using a safe tracer gas demonstrated flow from the machine shop to the assembly area, highlighting opportunities for air contaminants in the machine shop area to reach assembly employees. Among current employees, some symptoms were more common than expected, while spirometric abnormalities were not in excess. Physicians and public health practitioners in the community and surrounding region had not observed cases of severe lung disease involving lymphocytic bronchiolitis with extension into alveolar ducts and emphysema occurring outside of employees at this facility. Lung tissue samples from the four employees with severe lung disease involving lymphocytic bronchiolitis with extension into alveolar ducts and emphysema were more enriched with Pseudomonas bacteria compared with lung tissue samples obtained from patients who did not work at the facility and underwent lung biopsies at the same nearby regional hospital. Because there was a cluster of workers with unusual lung disease, the cause of the lung disease was uncertain, and organized medical surveillance of the workforce was not in place, we conducted follow-up medical and industrial hygiene surveys in September 2016. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of collecting area air samples to analyze for thoracic aerosol, metalworking fluid and endotoxin, and bulk process fluid samples analyzed for culturable bacteria, culturable fungi, bacterial populations (microbiome) using molecular methods, and endotoxin. The medical survey consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests, and analysis of microbiome using molecular methods for samples taken from the skin, nose, and mouth of employees. The medical records for an additional employee identified as having severe lung disease were reviewed and lung tissue specimens were reviewed by the same five pathologists that had previously reviewed lung tissue from four employees. The overall concentrations of thoracic aerosol and extracted metalworking fluid in the air samples were lower during the 2016 survey compared with the 2013 survey. The installation of nine new mist collectors and the natural ventilation from open windows and bay doors might have contributed to the decrease in these concentrations. Pseudomonas oleoverans/ pseudoalcaligenes was the only type of gram-negative bacteria identified by culture with concentrations ranging from 370 colony forming units per milliliter to greater than 30 million colony forming units per milliliter. Endotoxin concentrations ranged from 35 endotoxin units per milliliter to 10,059 endotoxin units per milliliter. Microbiome analyses identified differences in the types of bacteria between the two types of metalworking fluids. Preserved metalworking fluid samples were enriched with different types of bacteria, including Brevundinomonas, Alcaligenaceae (u.g.), and Sphingobacterium. In contrast, non-preserved metalworking fluid samples were predominantly enriched with Pseudomonas. Among the total population of current employees who participated in the 2016 medical survey, the occurrence of wheeze in the last 12 months was more common than expected while spirometric abnormalities were not in...
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(2019) Exposures at a coffee roasting, flavoring, and packaging facility. (Click to open report) In February 2018, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from management at a coffee roasting, flavoring, and packaging facility regarding concerns about potential health effects from exposure to diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and other alpha-diketones during coffee roasting, grinding, and flavoring of coffee. In May 2018, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment at the facility. The industrial... (Click to show more)In February 2018, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from management at a coffee roasting, flavoring, and packaging facility regarding concerns about potential health effects from exposure to diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and other alpha-diketones during coffee roasting, grinding, and flavoring of coffee. In May 2018, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of the collection of air samples for the analysis of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione. We used continuous monitoring instruments to monitor total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in specific areas and during tasks. None of the eight full-shift personal samples collected during the industrial hygiene survey exceeded the recommended exposure limits of 5 parts per billion for diacetyl or 9.3 parts per billion for 2,3-pentanedione. Grinding roasted coffee beans and flavoring roasted beans resulted in relatively higher air concentrations of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione than other tasks. We observed high instantaneous levels of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during grinding of unflavored coffee. Continuous air sampling identified peak exposures to carbon monoxide during grinding of roasted coffee; however, carbon monoxide measurements did not exceed occupational exposure limits. Carbon dioxide levels were low throughout most of the facility. We recommend implementing local exhaust ventilation near the packaging grinders, and training employees about workplace hazards.
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(2019) Fire debris cleanup employees' exposure to silica, asbestos, metals, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. (Click to open report) The NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program received requests from construction company managers, representatives of two unions, and a government agency for the state of California concerning exposures to asbestos, heavy metals, respirable crystalline silica, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons during cleanup of structural debris and burn ash after wildfires spread into homes and business. When structures are destroyed by wildfires, hazardous materials may be left behind, which can impact workers clean... (Click to show more)The NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program received requests from construction company managers, representatives of two unions, and a government agency for the state of California concerning exposures to asbestos, heavy metals, respirable crystalline silica, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons during cleanup of structural debris and burn ash after wildfires spread into homes and business. When structures are destroyed by wildfires, hazardous materials may be left behind, which can impact workers cleaning up the area, the public, and the surrounding environment. After a wildfire in 2018, our evaluation of fire debris cleanup included observation of work practices, employee interviews, review of previous exposure assessments during wildfire debris cleanup work, and measurement of airborne exposures to respirable crystalline silica, asbestos, metals, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and skin exposure to metals and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Many of the fire debris cleanup employees we evaluated were exposed to respirable crystalline silica. Two skid steer operators were exposed to concentrations above the ACGIH threshold limit value and the OSHA action level. Employees exposures to airborne asbestos, metals, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons were well below exposure limits. Employees' hands had detectable amounts of metals on them; most of the skin wipes had nondetectable amounts of polyaromatic hydrocarbons. We observed inconsistent use of personal protective equipment. We also observed instances where dust suppression with water was not used. Although noise level measurement was not included in our assessment, noise from construction equipment could expose operators and laborers to noise levels above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit. To address the silica overexposures, we recommended consistently using water spray to reduce dust, developing a silica medical surveillance program, and educating employees on silica and silicosis. We recommended the construction companies ensure consistent and proper wear of personal protective equipment. Additional recommendations included (1) evaluating employees' noise exposures; (2) adding handwashing facilities; (3) requiring employees to wash their hands before eating, drinking, or smoking; and (4) discontinuing use of latex gloves.
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(2019) Indoor environmental quality with limited surface sampling for metals at an office building. (Click to open report) In December 2017, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the union representing employees working in an office building. Employees were concerned about air quality throughout the building. Employee health concerns included breathing issues; eye irritation; skin lesions, and allergy attacks that they attributed to dampness and mold in the building, and particulates from the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning sys... (Click to show more)In December 2017, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the union representing employees working in an office building. Employees were concerned about air quality throughout the building. Employee health concerns included breathing issues; eye irritation; skin lesions, and allergy attacks that they attributed to dampness and mold in the building, and particulates from the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. Employees were concerned about particulates from the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system supply air vents. Specifically, employees were concerned the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system contained residual particulates with metals from when the building was used to manufacturer jewelry roughly 30 years ago. On June 1, 2018, we performed a walkthrough of the office building and performed wipe sampling to analyze particulates for metals found on office furniture and in areas near the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system supply air vents. During our walkthrough, we identified a number of potential issues related to indoor environmental quality at this office building, some of which were caused by retrofitting an industrial building into an office building. Indoor environmental quality issues included signs of a dusty environment, indoor dampness, improperly functioning heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system, and rodents and pests. Management reported receiving notifications regularly from employees that fragrances in the workplace caused mucous membrane or respiratory symptoms. We recommend creating a health and safety committee consisting of employees who work throughout the building to engage with management on issues such as comfort (temperature and relative humidity), indoor dampness, dusty environments, and housekeeping concerns. We recommend management review personal workspace rules and enforcement guidelines pertaining to blocking vents; food storage, preparation, and consumption areas; refrigerators; fish tanks; dehumidifiers; and fragrances.
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(2019) Laser coding particulate composition, health effects, and safety climate at a brewery. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a union representative at a brewery. The union was concerned about employees' exposure to odors and particulate at the laser coding stations on the can-packing lines. We administered a questionnaire on can-packing-line employees' work practices, training, perceptions of safety climate, and concerns about work-related safety and health. We also collected area air and dust samples for carton coating ingredients, and reviewed health and s... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a union representative at a brewery. The union was concerned about employees' exposure to odors and particulate at the laser coding stations on the can-packing lines. We administered a questionnaire on can-packing-line employees' work practices, training, perceptions of safety climate, and concerns about work-related safety and health. We also collected area air and dust samples for carton coating ingredients, and reviewed health and safety records, local exhaust ventilation standard operating procedures, and safety data sheets. We found that some employees on the can-packing lines had nonspecific health concerns, including dermatitis and headaches that could be associated with workplace exposures. We found metals, acrylates, and benzophenone in filter particulate and volatile compounds and benzophenone in brewery air. The company can improve maintenance on the local exhaust system and further train employees to reduce possible exposures. Safety climate at the brewery was positive overall. We recommended the employer (1) train employees on the use, care, and maintenance of local exhaust ventilation systems, including how to safely clean the laser coding local exhaust ventilation systems' reusable filter, (2) recognize employees when they see them performing tasks safely, and (3) implement a medical surveillance program to identify and track skin or respiratory conditions if employees continue to report those conditions.
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(2019) Lead and copper exposure at an indoor shooting range. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program received a management request from a government indoor shooting range because of concerns about employee exposure to lead and copper during cleaning activities. The facility contained three ranges. Two ranges used lead-based ammunition and one used frangible copper-based ammunition only. Employees were responsible for range cleaning in addition to maintenance activities, such as replacing exhaust fan filters and emptying buckets that collect bullets beh... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program received a management request from a government indoor shooting range because of concerns about employee exposure to lead and copper during cleaning activities. The facility contained three ranges. Two ranges used lead-based ammunition and one used frangible copper-based ammunition only. Employees were responsible for range cleaning in addition to maintenance activities, such as replacing exhaust fan filters and emptying buckets that collect bullets behind the bullet traps. During our evaluation, we toured the range facility, reviewed standard operating procedures and medical and training records, held confidential employee interviews, collected air and surface wipe samples for lead and copper and colorimetric wipe samples for lead, and evaluated the ventilation system. Four employees had lead exposures that were above the OSHA PEL when changing prefilters and emptying the bullet trap buckets. Employees wore respiratory protection while performing these tasks. However, NIOSH respirator selection guidance recommends a higher level of protection given the high lead concentrations we measured. One employee was above the OSHA action level for lead while performing cleaning. Two employees had blood lead levels > 5 ug/dL, a level NIOSH considers elevated. Air samples collected for total copper dust were lower than occupational exposure limits. Colorimetric wipes indicated lead and copper on surfaces within the facility. Although all employees were being monitored through the medical surveillance program and received training on lead exposure, they may benefit from more training on take-home lead. One range ventilation system was operating in accordance with NIOSH guidelines, one was lower than NIOSH guidelines, and one we were unable to evaluate because it was occupied with personnel firing weapons. We observed work practices that could contribute to lead exposure. Included in our recommendations were to provide periodic refresher training related to the standard operating procedures for each task and ensuring procedures are followed, ensure appropriate sizes for Tyvek suits and nitrile gloves are available, include take-home lead exposure information in annual training materials, provide work clothes that employees can launder and store at the workplace, and investigate possible changes to maintenance tasks involving filters and buckets.
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(2019) Silica exposures during drywall sanding. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the management of a drywall finishing company concerned with employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica during drywall-sanding activities. Our site visit consisted of observing work processes and practices, measuring the air velocity in the vacuum hose, collecting air samples for respirable crystalline silica and respirable dust, and collecting bulk samples of sanding dust to determine its silica content. Our air sampling found... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the management of a drywall finishing company concerned with employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica during drywall-sanding activities. Our site visit consisted of observing work processes and practices, measuring the air velocity in the vacuum hose, collecting air samples for respirable crystalline silica and respirable dust, and collecting bulk samples of sanding dust to determine its silica content. Our air sampling found overexposures to respirable dust, but no overexposures to respirable crystalline silica. However, there could be overexposures to respirable crystalline silica if sanding was performed for the entire day. Vacuums were sometimes used without a disposable bag and without emptying the vacuum canister before it was used at the start of the work shift. Sometimes vacuum filters were removed and tapped on the trash bin to dislodge dust. Although the company had a voluntary respiratory protection program, employees were not wearing their respirators correctly. We recommended the company conduct additional personal air sampling for respirable dust and silica as multiple days of sampling in a variety of work sites will provide more information about potential respirable dust exposures. We recommended improving vacuum care and maintenance practices including establishing clear guidelines for when to empty the vacuum, replace the vacuum cleaner bags, and replace filters. We also recommended the company strengthen their voluntary respiratory protection program.
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