If you cannot find anything that addresses your concerns, please contact us to see how we can help.
All NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation reports and other NIOSH publications are available at no cost.
You can either download a copy of the publication from the website or contact us for a copy.
For HHE reports, please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov.
Information about all other NIOSH publications is available at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pubs/.
We carefully review our reports prior to publication, but we do make errors from time to time.
We regret any typographical or other minor errors that you might find. If you find a substantive factual or data-related error, let us know.
Please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov with the report number (ex. HHE 2013-0500-7500),
the authors' names, the error you are reporting, and the page number of the error. We will look into your comments,
fix confirmed errors, and repost the report. Thank you for your interest in the HHE Program.
HHE Search Results
282 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
(2016) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of respiratory concerns at a coal and copper slag processing company. (Click to open report) In September 2012, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a management request for a health hazard evaluation at a coal slag processing facility in Illinois. Management submitted the health hazard evaluation request as part of a settlement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspected one of the company's coal processing facilities in 2010 and identified multiple health and safety violations and a s... (Click to show more)In September 2012, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a management request for a health hazard evaluation at a coal slag processing facility in Illinois. Management submitted the health hazard evaluation request as part of a settlement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspected one of the company's coal processing facilities in 2010 and identified multiple health and safety violations and a suspected cluster of pneumoconiosis in four former workers. As part of the settlement, the company requested a health hazard evaluation to determine if cases of pneumoconiosis were present in current workers and assess dust hazards. We evaluated airborne exposures during coal and copper slag processing. We took air samples for the analysis of dust, silica, and metals to investigate respiratory concerns. Overall, copper slag processing produced higher levels of dust, silica, and metals compared to coal slag processing, but both processes posed health risks. We recommend employee exposure monitoring and a formal respiratory protection program.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2015) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of aerogel insulation particulate at a union training facility. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from an insulators union concerned with exposure to particulate released when handling aerogel insulation. Union members reported nosebleeds, upper respiratory tract irritation, and skin dryness. Two union employees provide training for over 200 apprentices and 800 journeymen per year at a training facility. The number of trainees has recently increased. We took personal air samples for components of aerogel insulation (amorphous and crysta... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from an insulators union concerned with exposure to particulate released when handling aerogel insulation. Union members reported nosebleeds, upper respiratory tract irritation, and skin dryness. Two union employees provide training for over 200 apprentices and 800 journeymen per year at a training facility. The number of trainees has recently increased. We took personal air samples for components of aerogel insulation (amorphous and crystalline silica, aluminum, iron, and titanium) while an instructor applied aerogel insulation. We looked at the shape, size, and size distribution of the airborne particulate released from handling aerogel insulation. Over two days, we observed the work practices of an instructor who handled aerogel insulation during training. We asked students, journeymen, and an instructor about exposure to aerogel insulation, use of personal protective equipment, medical history, symptoms, and personal hygiene practices while training at this facility and at their job site(s). Airborne exposures for amorphous silica approached occupational exposure limits, while crystalline silica, aluminum, iron, and titanium were below the most protective occupational exposure limits. Most of the particulate released during aerogel handling was respirable and can be inhaled deep into the lungs. Many participants who handled aerogel insulation reported upper respiratory tract irritation, or very dry or chapped skin. We recommended the instructors (1) educate staff and students about potential upper respiratory tract irritation and drying effects from prolonged exposure to aerogel insulation, (2) encourage staff and students to report work-related health problems to their supervisor, (3) explore alternative cleansers that are more effective than soap and water but will not contribute to skin drying, and (4) provide staff and students with personal protective equipment described in the manufacturer's safety data sheets.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2015) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of erionite and silica exposure during forestry activities. (Click to open report) A federal government agency requested a health hazard evaluation. The agency wanted to know about the hazards from erionite exposure. In some areas of the Custer National Forest where its employees worked, the agency knew or suspected the presence of erionite. Erionite is a mineral that occurs in nature in most areas in the western United States. Erionite fibers can cause health effects like those seen with exposure to asbestos. Crystalline silica is another mineral found in many geologic format... (Click to show more)A federal government agency requested a health hazard evaluation. The agency wanted to know about the hazards from erionite exposure. In some areas of the Custer National Forest where its employees worked, the agency knew or suspected the presence of erionite. Erionite is a mineral that occurs in nature in most areas in the western United States. Erionite fibers can cause health effects like those seen with exposure to asbestos. Crystalline silica is another mineral found in many geologic formations. We took air samples and analyzed them for erionite and silica. We took rock and soil samples and analyzed them for erionite. We considered the samples positive for erionite when they met several criteria. One criterion was that the fibers were longer than 5 micrometers. Another was that the fibers had a length to width aspect ratio greater than 3:1. The final criterion was that the fibers contain silicon, aluminum, and at least one of the elements calcium, sodium, or potassium. We found erionite fibers in the air, rock, and soil samples. We did not find overexposures to respirable crystalline silica. But, some air samples taken during specific tasks contained silica.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2014) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of erionite and silica exposure during dirt road maintenance. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a management representative at a federal government agency concerned about potential employee exposures to erionite mineral fibers when maintaining dirt roads in areas where erionite was confirmed or was suspected to be present. We visited two field offices to assess potential employee exposures to erionite and respirable crystalline silica (quartz) during road maintenance activities in October 2012 and August 2013. Erionite is a natur... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a management representative at a federal government agency concerned about potential employee exposures to erionite mineral fibers when maintaining dirt roads in areas where erionite was confirmed or was suspected to be present. We visited two field offices to assess potential employee exposures to erionite and respirable crystalline silica (quartz) during road maintenance activities in October 2012 and August 2013. Erionite is a naturally occurring mineral found in fine-grained sediments such as volcanic ash deposits that have been altered by weathering and ground water. Erionite deposits have been identified in all of the western states except Washington. We observed employees blading and grading dirt roads, replacing culverts and cattle guards, replacing aggregate on parking lots, and pulverizing and analyzing rock samples. We took air samples for mineral fibers and crystalline silica and bulk rock and soil samples to analyze for erionite. We found that employees doing road maintenance activities could be exposed to quartz above the recommended limits. Area air samples indicated a high percentage of quartz, up to 100%. Zeolite mineral fibers, a class of fibers that includes erionite, were not found in the personal air samples. None of the bulk rock samples collected in the areas surrounding where employees worked contained erionite. Because of the variable environmental and geological conditions encountered by the employees and the variability in job tasks, including tasks that aerosolize dust particles, the potential for exposure to erionite and silica dust exists. Therefore, minimizing dust exposure during dust-generating activities is prudent. To address the potential for exposure to dust that may contain erionite or crystalline silica, we recommended the employer (1) not use aggregate that contains erionite to repair roads, (2) maintain air filters in the equipment regularly, (3) wet the soil before doing road maintenance, (4) schedule dust-generating tasks on days when the soil is moist, and (5) provide employees with clothes that are solely designated for work activities. We also recommended monitoring employees' exposure to respirable crystalline silica, and training employees in proper work practices for working in areas that contain crystalline silica or erionite. We recommended employees keep the windows and doors on equipment closed, and not bring work clothing home.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2014) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of occupational exposures at an electronic scrap recycling facility. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a health and safety manager at an electronic scrap recycling facility. The employer was concerned about workplace exposures, including lead and cadmium. Computers, monitors, hard drives, televisions, printers, light bulbs, and other e-scrap were recycled and processed at this facility. The recycling operations included cathode ray tube (CRT) processing (demanufacturing and glass breaking operations, and electronic sorting, demanufactur... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a health and safety manager at an electronic scrap recycling facility. The employer was concerned about workplace exposures, including lead and cadmium. Computers, monitors, hard drives, televisions, printers, light bulbs, and other e-scrap were recycled and processed at this facility. The recycling operations included cathode ray tube (CRT) processing (demanufacturing and glass breaking operations, and electronic sorting, demanufacturing, shredding, and bailing operations for all other electronics. We made multiple visits between 2012 and 2013 to evaluate employee exposures to workplace contaminants. We collected air samples for metals, dust, and crystalline silica; surface wipe samples for metals; and blood and urine samples for metals. We also did employee medical interviews; reviewed the facility's health and safety monitoring plans; and evaluated noise, engineering controls, and ergonomics in the work areas. We measured an overexposure to lead during shredder sorting and overexposures to cadmium on two employees during CRT buffing and grinding. We measured overexposures to noise on employees during CRT buffing and grinding, shredder sorting, forklift driving, and baling. We found metal contamination on surfaces throughout the facility; potentially contaminated air was recirculated back into the production area. We found lead on the clothing and skin of employees and on work surfaces. Blood lead levels ranged up to 13.7 micrograms per deciliter of blood. Two employees were above 10; a level of 10 or above is considered elevated. We noted the potential for taking lead and other contaminants outside of the workplace. Employees were exposed to ergonomic risk factors including extreme working postures, forceful exertions, and repetitive motions. Our recommendations to the employer included (1) following the OSHA lead and cadmium standards, (2) starting a medical monitoring program for all employees exposed to lead, (3) starting a hearing conservation program, (4) requiring respirator use in CRT buffing and grinding and shredder operations, (5) using wet methods or a vacuum with a high efficiency air filter instead of sweeping, and (6) designing work tasks and workstations to reduce bending, lifting, and other postures that do not allow employees to work efficiently and comfortably. We recommended the employees (1) provide and discuss this report with their doctor and discuss blood lead tests for their children and other family members, (2) wear required personal protective equipment, and (3) take a shower at the end of the shift and avoid wearing work clothing or shoes home.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2010) Crystalline silica and isocyanate exposures during parking garage repair, Aduddell Restoration and Waterproofing, Inc., Arlington, Virginia. (Click to open report) On November 30, 2007, NIOSH received a request from managers at Aduddell Restoration and Waterproofing, Inc. for an HHE at the Ballston Mall Parking Garage in Arlington, Virginia. The managers wanted to know if the employees were adequately protected against silica and MDI during parking garage repair. Full-shift PBZ air samples for respirable particulates and silica were collected on four employees over 2 days. The amount of MDI monomer in a bulk sample of Part A and Part B was measured. We als... (Click to show more)On November 30, 2007, NIOSH received a request from managers at Aduddell Restoration and Waterproofing, Inc. for an HHE at the Ballston Mall Parking Garage in Arlington, Virginia. The managers wanted to know if the employees were adequately protected against silica and MDI during parking garage repair. Full-shift PBZ air samples for respirable particulates and silica were collected on four employees over 2 days. The amount of MDI monomer in a bulk sample of Part A and Part B was measured. We also evaluated the curing time after mixing MDI-containing Part A and the inert Part B. Employees were exposed to hazardous levels of respirable crystalline silica during jackhammering and sandblasting. Of the eight PBZ air samples for respirable dust and silica, seven reached or exceeded the silica (as quartz) ACGIH TLV of 0.025 mg/m3, and five reached or exceeded the NIOSH REL of 0.05 mg/m3. None of the samples exceeded the OSHA PEL. Approximately 52% of the bulk sample of Part A was MDI monomer. Part B contained no MDI monomer. A quantitative analysis of the reaction between Part A and Part B showed that approximately 80% of the MDI monomer reacted in the first 10 minutes. At 60 minutes, the mixture was hardened. We considered inhalation exposure to MDI unlikely because of the low vapor pressure of MDI, the relatively short curing time between the MDI-containing Part A and the inert Part B, and the method used to pour and apply the MDI-containing slurry. However, we believed there was a potential for dermal exposure to MDI that could result in sensitization, asthma, and contact dermatitis. We interviewed all 10 employees who were working during our site visit; none reported work-related health concerns. The company provided the appropriate type of respirator for crystalline silica and required employees to wear it. However, not all job tasks requiring respirators were clearly defined. Additionally, employees were neither respirator fit-tested nor did they clean or maintain their respirators properly. We recommend informing employees that MDI monomer may still exist after Parts A and B are mixed together and requiring them to wear butyl rubber gloves when mixing these compounds. We also recommend requiring employees to wear respirators during jackhammering and sandblasting. The company's respirator program should comply with the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard. Additional recommendations included exploring possible engineering controls to reduce dust levels while jackhammering and sandblasting; complying with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard; evaluating employees' exposure to noise during jackhammering and sandblasting activities; providing antivibration gloves to employees who use vibrating tools such as jackhammers; wearing eye protection while sandblasting, jackhammering, or mixing and applying filler material; and establishing a smoking cessation program.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2010) Isocyanate exposure during polyurethane foam application and silica exposure during rock dusting at an underground coal mine, Consolidation Coal Company, Blacksville, West Virginia. (Click to open report) NIOSH received a request for an HHE from the United Mine Workers of America, Local 1702 representing employees at the Consolidation Coal Company Blacksville #2 Mine in Blacksville, West Virginia. The HHE request concerned potential exposure to MDI during the application of polyurethane foam and exposure to silica and asbestos during rock dusting. In an initial evaluation on March 31, 2009, we sampled the surface of the foam applicator gun for MDI contamination and collected bulk samples of the r... (Click to show more)NIOSH received a request for an HHE from the United Mine Workers of America, Local 1702 representing employees at the Consolidation Coal Company Blacksville #2 Mine in Blacksville, West Virginia. The HHE request concerned potential exposure to MDI during the application of polyurethane foam and exposure to silica and asbestos during rock dusting. In an initial evaluation on March 31, 2009, we sampled the surface of the foam applicator gun for MDI contamination and collected bulk samples of the rock dust for silica and asbestos analysis. During a second evaluation on September 14-17, 2009, we collected PBZ air samples on day-shift rock dusters for respirable silica and dust. We did not detect MDI on the surface of the foam applicator gun. The bratticeman who applied the foam wore nitrile gloves that protected his skin from MDI. Inhalation exposure to MDI is unlikely because the foam was not aerosolized during application and does not readily evaporate due to its low vapor pressure. Low levels of silica were found in bulk samples of rock dust. Asbestos was not present in the rock dust. The PBZ air concentrations of respirable silica were below applicable OELs. However, according to a statistical analysis, there is a 73% probability that the rock dusters' PBZ concentrations may exceed the ACGIH TLV 5% of the time. Because of the potential for overexposure to respirable silica, we recommend continued use of N95 filtering facepiece respirators. Additionally, the company should implement a written respiratory protection program that incorporates medical evaluations and respirator fit testing.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2009) Employees' chemical exposures while blending and repackaging glass beads for road markings, Weissker Manufacturing, Palestine, Texas. (Click to open report) On October 16, 2007, NIOSH received a confidential employee request for an HHE at Weissker Manufacturing (Weissker) in Palestine, Texas. Employees were concerned about exposures to lead, arsenic, formaldehyde, and dust while handling reflective glass beads. Health problems listed on the request and attributed to the dust from the glass beads included glassy eyes, sore throat, body aches, and flu-like symptoms. Weissker imported the glass beads in Super Sack containers (2200-pound capacity fabric... (Click to show more)On October 16, 2007, NIOSH received a confidential employee request for an HHE at Weissker Manufacturing (Weissker) in Palestine, Texas. Employees were concerned about exposures to lead, arsenic, formaldehyde, and dust while handling reflective glass beads. Health problems listed on the request and attributed to the dust from the glass beads included glassy eyes, sore throat, body aches, and flu-like symptoms. Weissker imported the glass beads in Super Sack containers (2200-pound capacity fabric bags) from Russia and China and repackaged the beads for resale. Both the Chinese and Russian glass beads had a silane coating. Employees complained about a fish-like odor emitted from the Chinese beads when they were wet. The odor may have come from the amines in the glass beads' coating. Weissker is no longer purchasing beads from China due to employees' health concerns. At the time of this evaluation six employees at Weissker worked one 8-hour shift. During our site visit on January 22-24, 2008, we observed the blending and repackaging process, reviewed the MSDSs for the glass beads, and interviewed employees. We also collected PBZ air samples for respirable dust, crystalline silica, elements (including arsenic and lead), and formaldehyde and GA air samples for total dust, formaldehyde, and elements. We analyzed bulk samples of glass beads for elements, VOCs, and size. We took wipe samples from employees' hands and work surfaces and had them analyzed for elements. Our review of the OSHA 300 Logs of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses revealed that an employee was injured in June 2007, when his arm was trapped between a metal bin and a Super Sack while he was emptying it. All air sampling results were below applicable OELs. No VOCs were detected in the bulk samples of glass beads. Elements were either not detected or were detected at very low concentrations. Particle size analysis of the glass beads revealed that they were too large to be deposited in the respiratory tract or the lungs. We measured very low levels of elements on employees' hands, on work surfaces, and on the lunchroom table. We conducted confidential medical interviews with five employees; some reported eye and throat irritation. We recommend that employees wear safety glasses or goggles to prevent glass beads from getting in their eyes and that they wash their hands before eating or touching their face. We also recommend that employees not place their arms underneath the Super Sack containers when they are being emptied to prevent hand and arm injuries.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2009) Employees' exposures to welding fumes and powder paint dust during metal furniture manufacturing, Dehler Manufacturing, Inc., Chicago, Illinois. (Click to open report) On April 6, 2007, NIOSH received a confidential employee request for an HHE at Dehler Manufacturing, Inc., (Dehler) in Chicago, Illinois. Employees were concerned about exposure to welding fumes and dust from powder painting and grinding operations. During our initial site visit on June 28-29, 2007, we met with management and employee representatives; toured the facility; observed work processes, use of PPE, and existing engineering controls; and interviewed 10 employees. We collected bulk sampl... (Click to show more)On April 6, 2007, NIOSH received a confidential employee request for an HHE at Dehler Manufacturing, Inc., (Dehler) in Chicago, Illinois. Employees were concerned about exposure to welding fumes and dust from powder painting and grinding operations. During our initial site visit on June 28-29, 2007, we met with management and employee representatives; toured the facility; observed work processes, use of PPE, and existing engineering controls; and interviewed 10 employees. We collected bulk samples of powder paint for particle sizing and to check for silica and asbestos content. Two of the 10 employees we interviewed reported symptoms we determined were not related to exposures in the workplace. They described episodic transient shortness of breath that lasted a few minutes and also affected members of their families who were not Dehler employees. Their condition did not improve when they were away from work. Two other employees reported eye and throat irritation. The remaining six employees reported no symptoms. Although the bulk powder paint samples did not contain silica or asbestos, we decided a return survey was needed to evaluate exposures to welding fumes, powder paint, noise, and heat stress. During the follow-up evaluation on September 18-20, 2007, we collected PBZ air samples for carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide on welders, and for elements (metals) on welders and grinders. We also collected PBZ samples for carbon monoxide on two grinders. For the painters, we collected PBZ air samples for TGIC, respirable dust, and total dust. We measured the face velocity on door openings to the paint booth, the capture velocity on a welding fume extractor, and noise levels throughout the facility. We also evaluated heat stress in the paint room. We interviewed the nine painters who were available and provided them with self-recording PEF meters. We were interested in knowing if the painters' breathing was affected by TGIC in powder paint. These meters provide an indication of airway obstruction. Of the 38 PBZ samples for elements collected on MIG welders, seven exceeded the ACGIH TLV of 200 microg/m3 for manganese, and an additional eight samples were at least at half of the TLV. Concentrations of the remaining elements in the welding fumes were below applicable OELs. Of the 16 PBZ air samples for carbon monoxide collected on welders, four exceeded the NIOSH ceiling limit of 200 ppm. Despite painting for only 80 to 300 minutes, four of eight painters were exposed to TGIC above the ACGIH 8-hour TLV-TWA of 0.05 mg/m3. One painter's exposure to TGIC exceeded the protection factor of the filtering facepiece respirator he was wearing. Had employees applied paint containing TGIC for 8 hours or longer at the same application rate (as is commonly done for a larger work order), at least six of the eight painters would have been overexposed to TGIC. Two of 15 PBZ air samples for respirable dust collected on painters exceeded the OSHA 8-hour PEL-TWA of 5 mg/m3, and 7 of 13 PBZ air samples for total dust exceeded the OSHA 8-hour PEL-TWA of 15 mg/m3. Talc was not detected in the respirable dust air samples collected on painters. The WBGT in the paint room did not exceed NIOSH recommended heat stress exposure limits, but at times the dry bulb temperature in the paint room exceeded 100 degrees F. On the day of our evaluation, the outdoor temperature was 77 degrees F, so it is possible that on warmer days the NIOSH RELs may be exceeded because the production area is not air-conditioned. Noise levels exceeded 85 dBA during grinding, welding, and painting, and at most presses occasionally exceeded 90 dBA. Hearing protection was required in the press area, but some employees were observed not wearing it, or wearing ear plugs that were not properly inserted. Two of the nine painters interviewed had PEF readings with a variability of 20% or more, which may suggest asthma. One of the two painters reported having symptoms of shortness of breath, which predated employment at Dehler, and had reportedly not worsened since employment. Because these employees only had Sundays off during the period of the PEF recordings, we are unable to determine if the PEF rates would have improved while away from work. A single day away from work is not sufficient to observe such changes if present. We are therefore unable to make a determination on work-relatedness of this finding. Our evaluation did not identify any painter who had definitive work-related respiratory disease or symptoms. However, we recommended to the two painters with increased variability of their daily peak flow readings that they consult their physician for further evaluation to determine if their bronchial hyperresponsiveness was related to workplace exposures. We also recommend that management take steps to prevent employee sensitization to TGIC. We recommend using powder paints that do not contain TGIC and welding wire that does not contain manganese. The paint booth should be further enclosed to better contain the powder paint, and the painters should be provided with a higher level of respiratory protection until exposures can be reduced through engineering or administrative controls. Painters should avoid skin contact with powder paint that contains TGIC because it is also a skin sensitizer and can cause allergic contact dermatitis and asthma. Management should inform employees about the risks of working with TGIC. We recommend installing spot cooling fans and exhaust fans in the paint booth room to control heat stress, and exhaust fans in the welding area to remove welding fumes. We recommend that management conduct noise monitoring to determine employees' full-shift TWA noise exposures, and ensure employees wear hearing protection properly while in designated hazardous noise areas. We also recommend that an ergonomics consultant be hired to assess work tasks and provide recommendations for reducing the number of ergonomic injuries.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2008) Exposures at a pottery shop, FUNKe Fired Arts (formerly known as Annie's Mud Pie Shop), Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) On February 2, 2007, NIOSH received a management request for an HHE at FUNKe Fired Arts, previously known as Annie's Mud Pie Shop, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Although no health symptoms were reported, management was concerned about the potential for employees' long-term exposure to a variety of substances while performing duties at the pottery shop. Exposures of concern included silica from the clay mixing process, elements from mixing dry materials used in the glazes, and VOCs and gases during kiln f... (Click to show more)On February 2, 2007, NIOSH received a management request for an HHE at FUNKe Fired Arts, previously known as Annie's Mud Pie Shop, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Although no health symptoms were reported, management was concerned about the potential for employees' long-term exposure to a variety of substances while performing duties at the pottery shop. Exposures of concern included silica from the clay mixing process, elements from mixing dry materials used in the glazes, and VOCs and gases during kiln firing. Because management requires the use of respirators during clay and glaze mixing, they also requested information on proper respirator use and maintenance. On March 21, 2007, NIOSH investigators held an opening conference and toured the facility to review work processes. On April 11, 12, and May 24, 2007, NIOSH investigators collected eight 8-hour PBZ samples and six area air samples for respirable particulates and silica. Six separate PBZ samples were taken while employees performed specific dust-generating tasks. Wipe sampling for elements was conducted throughout the facility. An ergonomic evaluation of the work processes was performed. During the firing of the kilns, area air samples were taken for elements, NO2, SO2, CO, CO2, and VOCs. CO readings were also taken during forklift activities. None of the PBZ or area air samples exceeded the OSHA PELs or NIOSH RELs for any of the compounds measured, although one employee's exposure for silica was at the NIOSH REL of 0.05 mg/m3. Tasks that created the highest concentrations of respirable silica and particulates included moving bags of raw materials to and from storage and mixing clay. Short-term concentrations of silica were high, reaching 2.0 mg/m3 over 96 minutes of sampling. This exceeded ACGIH's excursion limit of 5 times the TWA TLV. VOCs, NO2, and SO2 concentrations were not detected above the MDC during the kiln-firing process. Although PBZ samples of CO were not taken during the use of the forklift, real-time area CO measurements taken at breathing zone level in the storage room peaked at 204 ppm, exceeding the NIOSH ceiling limit of 200 ppm. Due to the silica content of the clay and the potential for silica exposures to exceed OELs, we recommend using engineering controls to reduce employee exposures. This includes installing LEV in areas where high dust-generating activities take place and improving general building ventilation to allow adequate intake of outdoor air, mixing of indoor air, and dilution of potential airborne contaminants. Engineering controls are the preferred method over respirator use to reduce exposures to workplace contaminants. However, respirators should be used, and a formal respiratory protection program should be implemented until exposures can be reduced below the NIOSH REL and ACGIH excursion limit for silica. We also recommend establishing a health and safety training program for employees on appropriate equipment use and hazards. We further recommend that employees and students practice good hygiene in the workplace. Regular preventive maintenance for the forklift should be performed, eventually transitioning to a low or no emission forklift, and loading dock doors should be kept open while using the forklift to prevent the build-up of CO.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)