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HHE Search Results
471 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
(1994) Delaware County Resource Recovery Facility, Chester, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Delaware County Resource Recovery Facility (SIC-4053), Chester, Pennsylvania. The facility was a waste to energy incinerator employing 91 persons. The facility incinerated municipal solid waste and refuse derived fuel to produce electrical power. The request was made in response to concern regarding exposure to lead (7439921), incinerator ash dust, and heat stress. Health concerns inc... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Delaware County Resource Recovery Facility (SIC-4053), Chester, Pennsylvania. The facility was a waste to energy incinerator employing 91 persons. The facility incinerated municipal solid waste and refuse derived fuel to produce electrical power. The request was made in response to concern regarding exposure to lead (7439921), incinerator ash dust, and heat stress. Health concerns included ear, nose and throat problems, eye irritation, and skin rash. During the initial visit, lead and other metals were found in settled dust throughout the facility. Lead, chromium (7440473), cadmium (7440439), and nickel (7440020) were present on lunch tables and on workers' hands. During a follow up visit, full shift personal air monitoring was conducted. The greatest concentrations of lead were found in bulk, wipe and air samples. Personal breathing samples taken showed that lead concentrations were well below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit of 50 micrograms/cubic meter. A potential for excessive heat exposure was found on the fifth and sixth floor of the facility. Safety hazards cited during this visit included improper practices regarding personal protective equipment and inadequate personal hygiene practices such as handwashing. The authors conclude that a possible occupational health hazard existed due to heat exposure in some areas of the facility. The presence of metal in dust on workers' hands and surfaces presented a risk of ingestion.
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(1994) Gen Corp Automotive, Logansport, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Rubber, Cork, Linoleum, and Plastic Workers of America, an investigation was conducted into possible hazardous working conditions in department 634, Gen Corp Automotive (SIC-3061), Logansport, Indiana. Workers had reported skin problems and reproductive problems, and had expressed concern about exposure to solvents and nitrosamines. The company employed 512 workers in the production of automotive vibration control products from rubber stock and metal part... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Rubber, Cork, Linoleum, and Plastic Workers of America, an investigation was conducted into possible hazardous working conditions in department 634, Gen Corp Automotive (SIC-3061), Logansport, Indiana. Workers had reported skin problems and reproductive problems, and had expressed concern about exposure to solvents and nitrosamines. The company employed 512 workers in the production of automotive vibration control products from rubber stock and metal parts. Air quality samples taken during the study indicated that there was no significant acute hazard from inhaling organic solvent vapors in this work area. No exposures to nitrosamines or lead were detected. Possibly work related dermatitis and urticaria were reported by four workers. Many of the rubber components and the adhesives and elastomers used in the department have been known to cause irritant or allergic reactions. The authors conclude that solvent exposures were well below recommended standards at the time of the survey. Some employees could be experiencing irritant or allergic reactions. The authors recommend that chemical exposures be reduced and the improvements be made in worker education and communication, and management of worker skin problems.
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(1994) Kessler Studios, Loveland, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the owners of Kessler Studios (SIC- 3231), Loveland, Ohio, an investigation was conducted to determine whether hazardous working conditions existed at that site. The company was a small stained glass window studio, adjoining the owners' home. The owners were the only full time employees. Part time employees work occasionally at the studio. The primary concerns were lead (7439921) exposure from working with leaded came and the possible contamination of their home. Ai... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the owners of Kessler Studios (SIC- 3231), Loveland, Ohio, an investigation was conducted to determine whether hazardous working conditions existed at that site. The company was a small stained glass window studio, adjoining the owners' home. The owners were the only full time employees. Part time employees work occasionally at the studio. The primary concerns were lead (7439921) exposure from working with leaded came and the possible contamination of their home. Air samples taken during all processes conducted at the studio yielded low concentrations of lead, except one. Breathing zone lead dust concentrations ranging from 60 to 80 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3) were generated during the whiting process, a cleaning procedure. Lead dust accumulations in the workshop ranged from 1.2 to 1,600 milligrams per square meter. Wipe samples, vacuum dust samples, and general air samples in the home suggest that lead contamination was not occurring in their residence. Blood lead levels were 1.8 and 2.1 micrograms per deciliter. The zinc protoporphyrin blood levels were 34 and 31 micrograms/deciliter. The author concludes that personal lead exposures were low, except during whiting. Exposures to lead were minimized by ventilation and hygiene practices; these also prevented the contamination of their home.
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(1994) Lasko Metal Parts, Inc., R and S Manufacturing, Inc., Columbia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a management request, an investigation was conducted of a new epoxy powder recycling process and epoxy powder exposures at R and S Manufacturing (SIC-3634), Columbia, Pennsylvania, a division of Lasko Metal Parts. The company produced electric motors used in oscillating fans. An epoxy powder was sprayed onto the motors and heat cured. Eight employees worked in the epoxy powder room. Personal breathing zone air samples were analyzed for C7 to C11 naphthas and 1,1,1-trichloroethane ... (Click to show more)In response to a management request, an investigation was conducted of a new epoxy powder recycling process and epoxy powder exposures at R and S Manufacturing (SIC-3634), Columbia, Pennsylvania, a division of Lasko Metal Parts. The company produced electric motors used in oscillating fans. An epoxy powder was sprayed onto the motors and heat cured. Eight employees worked in the epoxy powder room. Personal breathing zone air samples were analyzed for C7 to C11 naphthas and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556) (TCE). General area air samples were analyzed for fiber identification, content of respirable dust, and crystalline silica (14808607). Only trace concentrations of wollastonite (13983170) were identified in the general air samples taken. Respirable dust general area air samples ranged from 0.20 to 0.24mg/m3. Results for crystalline silica were below the minimum detectable concentrations. Deficiencies were noted during a visual inspection of the local exhaust ventilation system. These deficiencies may have contributed to the minor symptoms of heat stress which were reported by employees. Potential lead (7439921) exposure was identified for workers in the wire department due to an inadequate exhaust hood design and poor work practices. Welding fumes from a manual spot welding station were exhausted into the factory. The authors conclude that exposures to epoxy powder were below nuisance dust criteria; however, exposures should be minimized. The authors recommend that exhaust ventilation deficiencies be corrected.
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(1994) Magnetics Division of Spang and Company, Butler, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to an employee request, an investigation was begun into possible exposures to paint, paint thinners, and Freon at the Magnetics Division of Spang and Company (SIC-3679), Butler, Pennsylvania. The division employed about 450 people and manufactured two types of magnetic cores used in a variety of electronic devices. Workers in the Tape Core Paint Room had experienced light headedness or fainting episodes. Only one sample contained measurable levels of 2-ethoxyethyl-acetate (111159) bu... (Click to show more)In response to an employee request, an investigation was begun into possible exposures to paint, paint thinners, and Freon at the Magnetics Division of Spang and Company (SIC-3679), Butler, Pennsylvania. The division employed about 450 people and manufactured two types of magnetic cores used in a variety of electronic devices. Workers in the Tape Core Paint Room had experienced light headedness or fainting episodes. Only one sample contained measurable levels of 2-ethoxyethyl-acetate (111159) but the level was 0.25 parts per million (ppm), one half of the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for full shift time weighted average exposure. Methylene-chloride (75092) was detected in all but one of the air samples with levels ranging up to 35ppm. One personal breathing zone sample had a lead (7439921) concentration of 36 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) which exceeded the OSHA action level for lead of 30microg/m3. The paint booth exhaust systems appeared to be operating efficiently and there were good work practices among the painters. The authors conclude that workers were exposed to methylene-chloride, considered by NIOSH to be a potential occupational carcinogen. Exposures to lead and 2- ethoxyethyl-acetate may exceed the evaluation criteria. Some workers may experience symptoms when working near solvents and paints, even though the measured exposures were below the permissible exposure limits. The authors recommend that efforts be made to reduce exposures in the paint room.
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(1994) Rosebud Company, Atlanta, Georgia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the owner, an evaluation was made of potential hazardous conditions associated with the use of an experimental paint stripper to renovate wood floors by the Rosebud Company (SIC-1752), Atlanta, Georgia. The work was being performed at an antique residence undergoing renovation. The paint stripper, Experimental Solvent System Formulat MPB, was a viscous liquid used for passive refinishing. Personal exposures to n-methyl- pyrrolidinone (872504) (NMP) were documented a... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the owner, an evaluation was made of potential hazardous conditions associated with the use of an experimental paint stripper to renovate wood floors by the Rosebud Company (SIC-1752), Atlanta, Georgia. The work was being performed at an antique residence undergoing renovation. The paint stripper, Experimental Solvent System Formulat MPB, was a viscous liquid used for passive refinishing. Personal exposures to n-methyl- pyrrolidinone (872504) (NMP) were documented at 3.3 and 4.0 parts per million (ppm) on two occasions at the work site. Area samples averaged 3.6 and 7.7ppm. No detectable lead (7439921) was found in the personal or area air samples taken. Wipe samples prior to renovation found a surface lead level of 158 micrograms per square foot from a section of baseboard. Four paint chip samples from the floor or a room being renovated contained 0.19% to 0.28% lead. Levels of formic-acid (64186) were below the 5ppm OSHA permissible exposure limit. The author concludes that the health hazard associated with NMP exposure is not clear. The author recommends that additional precautions be taken to reduce potential exposures for workers and others in the building.
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(1994) State of Rhode Island, Department of Employment and Training, Providence, Rhode Island. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of the Rhode Island Department of Employment and Training (DET) (SIC-9441), Providence, Rhode Island, an investigation was started into possible excessive exposures to lead (7439921) following abrasive blasting to remove lead based paint from the interior surfaces of the facility prior to occupancy of the building. Environmental monitoring studies were conducted approximately 18 months after the lead abatement activity had been completed. No lead was ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of the Rhode Island Department of Employment and Training (DET) (SIC-9441), Providence, Rhode Island, an investigation was started into possible excessive exposures to lead (7439921) following abrasive blasting to remove lead based paint from the interior surfaces of the facility prior to occupancy of the building. Environmental monitoring studies were conducted approximately 18 months after the lead abatement activity had been completed. No lead was detected in any of the twelve general area samples taken for airborne lead. Two bulk samples of residue abrasive blasting and paint chips material contained 3,300 and 120,000 micrograms of lead/gram of material. Forty wipe samples obtained from surfaces in the office ranged from 9 to 200,000 micrograms of lead/square foot. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard existed due to the presence of lead contaminated dust. The authors recommend that manual cleaning and vacuuming of these areas using a high efficiency particulate air filtering system be conducted.
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(1994) United Seal Company, Columbus, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Columbus Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, an investigation was made into possible excessive lead (7439921) exposure at United Seal Company (SIC-3679), Columbus, Ohio. The referral came from a local hospital where a patient was found to have blood lead levels in excess of 40 micrograms/deciliter. The patient's children were being treated concurrently for lead poisoning at the same hospital. The worker was employed at the United Seal Company. In additi... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Columbus Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, an investigation was made into possible excessive lead (7439921) exposure at United Seal Company (SIC-3679), Columbus, Ohio. The referral came from a local hospital where a patient was found to have blood lead levels in excess of 40 micrograms/deciliter. The patient's children were being treated concurrently for lead poisoning at the same hospital. The worker was employed at the United Seal Company. In addition to the index case, two of seven workers tested had blood lead levels greater than 25 micrograms/deciliter. None had other biochemical evidence of lead toxicity. Employees had not received the proper education about the hazards of lead exposure and its prevention. Appropriate personal hygiene measures were not taken at the site. Wipe sampling indicated that workers' hands were contaminated with lead, even after washing with soap and water prior to leaving the worksite at the end of the shift. Surface lead concentrations were quite high in workers' automobiles, particularly on the seat and floor area. The authors conclude that two of seven workers had elevated blood levels. Worker education, and personal hygiene practices were not adequate to control lead exposure. The authors recommend that specific measures be taken to reduce exposure in the work areas and to minimize the amount of lead taken home.
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(1994) UNR-Rohn Manufacturing, Peoria, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request, an investigation was begun into reports of headaches and nausea in workers in the galvanizing department at UNR-Rohn Manufacturing (SIC-3479), Peoria, Illinois. The facility manufactured solid member hot dip galvanized towers and did customized galvanizing work. The company employed 51 workers in the galvanizing department. Personal breathing zone samples for zinc (7440666), cadmium (7440439), chromium (7440473), ammonia (7664417) and aluminum (7429905) all... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request, an investigation was begun into reports of headaches and nausea in workers in the galvanizing department at UNR-Rohn Manufacturing (SIC-3479), Peoria, Illinois. The facility manufactured solid member hot dip galvanized towers and did customized galvanizing work. The company employed 51 workers in the galvanizing department. Personal breathing zone samples for zinc (7440666), cadmium (7440439), chromium (7440473), ammonia (7664417) and aluminum (7429905) all were well below the allowable limit. Samples for lead (7439921) ranged from trace to 56.1 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) of air; the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) was 50microg/m3. Surface wipe samples were collected and found to contain zinc at a range of 5.3 to 331mg/m2, lead from nondetectable to 16.3mg/m2, chromium ranging from nondetectable to 4.6mg/m2, and nondetectable for cadmium. The author concludes that workers were potentially exposed to lead levels in excess of the PEL. The author recommends that surface metal contamination levels should be kept at a minimum in areas such as the break area and rest rooms. Cadmium concentrations should be kept to the lowest feasible limit. Exposure monitoring should be continued, and improvements made in worker personal hygiene, and workplace cleanliness.
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(1993) Boston Edison Company, Boston, Massachusetts. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Utility Workers Union of America, Local 377, an evaluation was conducted of smoke, gases and other unknown potentially toxic substances present in underground utility vaults at the Boston Edison Company (SIC-4911), Boston, Massachusetts. Blood lead (7439921) levels were determined in workers and ranged from less than 5 to 43 micrograms/deciliter. Surface wipe and air samples from the vaults were analyzed for lead. Airborne lead concentrations ranged from 0.22 to... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Utility Workers Union of America, Local 377, an evaluation was conducted of smoke, gases and other unknown potentially toxic substances present in underground utility vaults at the Boston Edison Company (SIC-4911), Boston, Massachusetts. Blood lead (7439921) levels were determined in workers and ranged from less than 5 to 43 micrograms/deciliter. Surface wipe and air samples from the vaults were analyzed for lead. Airborne lead concentrations ranged from 0.22 to 17 micrograms per cubic meter. Wipe samples taken from work surfaces, clothing, and hands had lead concentrations ranging from nondetectable to 9.3 milligrams per sample. Potentially hazardous work practices were observed in and around the underground utility vaults including the handling of molten lead in uncovered containers; use of infrequently calibrated gas detection meters; the generation of smoke, gases, and vapors during cable slicing operations; poor housekeeping practices; cramped working conditions; and working on uneven working surfaces. The authors conclude that potential safety hazards existed during work within the utility vaults. Blood lead levels in several workers exceeded the public health service goal of 25 micrograms/deciliter. The authors recommend changes to the basic health and safety practices for work in underground utility vaults.
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