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HHE Search Results
477 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
(1993) JMS Southeast, Inc., Statesville, North Carolina. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential employee request, an investigation was begun of worker exposures to airborne contaminants and the effectiveness of the ventilation system at JMS Southeast, Inc. (SIC- 3823), Statesville, North Carolina. The company employed 42 workers, including 17 directly involved in manufacturing temperature measurement devices for industrial applications. Processes evaluated at this site during the on site visit included tungsten inert gas welding (TIG), metal grinding, buffing ... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential employee request, an investigation was begun of worker exposures to airborne contaminants and the effectiveness of the ventilation system at JMS Southeast, Inc. (SIC- 3823), Statesville, North Carolina. The company employed 42 workers, including 17 directly involved in manufacturing temperature measurement devices for industrial applications. Processes evaluated at this site during the on site visit included tungsten inert gas welding (TIG), metal grinding, buffing and sanding, brazing and soldering, and degreasing. Observations included sporadic adherence to the use of personal protective equipment and the lack of a formal safety program. Shop vacuums were used to ventilate the grinders and tubing cutters and did not appear to effectively contain the dusts after collection. Air sampling results indicated that contaminant levels were below NIOSH recommended exposure limits. Low concentrations of metals, both fumes and dust, were detected at several workstations. The author concludes that workers were not exposed to airborne contaminants above recommended limits at the time of the survey. The shop vacuums used as local exhaust systems were not intended for this use. The author recommends specific measures to improve the level of safety and health, including ventilation and employee training.
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(1993) Ohio University, Athens, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Ohio University Athens, Ohio, concerning worker exposures and cleaning effectiveness during a lead based paint cleaning pilot program conducted by a lead abatement contractor (SIC-1799), three cleaning methods were evaluated. The pilot program involved testing the three methods in unoccupied buildings contaminated with deteriorated lead (7439921) based paint. A visit was made to the site to observe work practices, and conduct air, surface, and bulk sampling for lead... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Ohio University Athens, Ohio, concerning worker exposures and cleaning effectiveness during a lead based paint cleaning pilot program conducted by a lead abatement contractor (SIC-1799), three cleaning methods were evaluated. The pilot program involved testing the three methods in unoccupied buildings contaminated with deteriorated lead (7439921) based paint. A visit was made to the site to observe work practices, and conduct air, surface, and bulk sampling for lead. The three cleaning methods included dry scraping followed by broom sweeping, wet scraping followed by high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtered vacuuming, and wet scraping followed by HEPA vacuuming with a HEPA filtered air filtration device placed in the room to exhaust room air to the outside. Six workers cleaned 18 rooms in 1 day. Sampling for lead was conducted before, during and after cleaning. The authors conclude that workers were potentially overexposed to lead during the three methods. The wet HEPA method was the best for controlling lead exposures. Even using this method, lead exposures during cleaning reached 50 micrograms/cubic meter. The cleaning effectiveness of the three methods was not significantly different. The authors recommend that the contractor furnish workers with NIOSH approved HEPA filter respirators, protective clothing, a clean change area, handwashing facilities, and job specific hazard training.
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(1993) Rhode Island Department of Education, Providence, Rhode Island. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Professional Employees Union, Local 2012, an investigation was begun into health and comfort complaints at the Rhode Island Department of Education facility (SIC- 8211), Providence, Rhode Island. Friable asbestos (1332214) exposures were also a concern. Water damaged ceiling tiles and carpeting, missing and broken stair treads, pest infestations, mold growth, and potential fire hazards were noted during a walk through survey. Broken or improperly installed air c... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Professional Employees Union, Local 2012, an investigation was begun into health and comfort complaints at the Rhode Island Department of Education facility (SIC- 8211), Providence, Rhode Island. Friable asbestos (1332214) exposures were also a concern. Water damaged ceiling tiles and carpeting, missing and broken stair treads, pest infestations, mold growth, and potential fire hazards were noted during a walk through survey. Broken or improperly installed air conditioners failed to adequately maintain comfortable conditions during the summer months. No mechanical means for supplying fresh outside air was present. Carbon-dioxide (124389) levels ranged from 500 parts per million (ppm) to 900ppm in occupied areas. Temperature ranged from 73 to 77 degrees-F with relative humidity between 35 and 42%. Of the workers responding to a health questionnaire, 55% suffered from allergies and 59% frequently experienced both headache and fatigue. Bulk insulation samples from pipe lagging and the furnace surface contained 30 to 50% chrysotile (12001295) asbestos. Two of five air samples in the furnace room indicated the presence of airborne asbestos. Paint chip samples from the furnace room contained 0.44 and 2.19% inorganic lead (7439921). The author concludes that health complaints could not be related to an identifiable environmental contaminant. There were potential exposures to lead and asbestos in basement work areas. The author recommends that specific measures be taken to control lead and asbestos exposures and to remedy other identified conditions.
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(1993) Saint Bernard Police Department, Saint Bernard, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management at the Saint Bernard Police Department (SIC-9221), Saint Bernard, Ohio, an investigation was begun into exposures to lead (7439921) during hand gun firing exercises. The Department employed a staff of approximately 17 officers. Each month the firing range was used by four or five officers for 1 to 2 hours. The firing range occupied 2,500 square feet of the lower level of the building. The personal breathing zone (PBZ) measurements for lead exposure ranged... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management at the Saint Bernard Police Department (SIC-9221), Saint Bernard, Ohio, an investigation was begun into exposures to lead (7439921) during hand gun firing exercises. The Department employed a staff of approximately 17 officers. Each month the firing range was used by four or five officers for 1 to 2 hours. The firing range occupied 2,500 square feet of the lower level of the building. The personal breathing zone (PBZ) measurements for lead exposure ranged from 36 to 48 micrograms of lead per cubic meter (microg/m3), based on the actual sampling time of 72 minutes. PBZ measurements for three officers ranged from 5 to 7microg/m3. All tests indicated the lead exposure levels were below the permissible limits. Thirteen general area air samples ranged from none detected to 845microg/m3. Peak sound pressure levels measured were as high as 160 decibels (dB), which did exceed the OSHA peak exposure criteria of 140dB. The authors conclude that there were no overexposures to airborne lead at the time of the evaluation. The authors recommend that personal hygiene practices be improved, that the firing range be properly maintained, and that hearing protection devices be maintained in good working order.
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(1993) The General Castings Co. - Domestic Division, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management at the General Castings Company (SIC-3321), located in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, an investigation was made into worker exposures in the coremaking, molding, pouring, melting, shakeout, sand handling, and cleaning areas of the facility. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry. An electric induction and two holding furnaces were used to produce molten iron. No local exhaust hoods or air pollution control devices for the induction furnaces were in... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management at the General Castings Company (SIC-3321), located in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, an investigation was made into worker exposures in the coremaking, molding, pouring, melting, shakeout, sand handling, and cleaning areas of the facility. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry. An electric induction and two holding furnaces were used to produce molten iron. No local exhaust hoods or air pollution control devices for the induction furnaces were in place. Four coremaking processes were used: hot shell, oil baked, cold box, and no bake. An industrial hygiene survey was conducted and included personal breathing zone and area air sampling, work practice evaluation, engineering control measures, and noise exposure assessment. The author concludes that workers were overexposed to respirable silica (14808607), lead (7439921) and noise. Carbon- monoxide (630080), chrysotile (12001295) and benzene (71432) exposures constituted a potential health hazard to employees in the coremaking, molding, pouring, cleaning and shakeout areas. The author recommended measures for reducing exposures and improving the use of respiratory protective devices.
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(1993) The General Castings Company, Curtis Street Facility, Delaware, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a management request, worker exposures were evaluated at the General Casting Company (SIC-3321) Curtis Street Facility, Delaware, Ohio. The facility was a casting cleaning facility for gray and ductile iron foundries. Two shifts operated at the facility with a total of 52 employees. Personal breathing zone air concentrations of respirable silica (14808607) ranged from 163 to 19,870 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). All the 24 samples taken exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Expo... (Click to show more)In response to a management request, worker exposures were evaluated at the General Casting Company (SIC-3321) Curtis Street Facility, Delaware, Ohio. The facility was a casting cleaning facility for gray and ductile iron foundries. Two shifts operated at the facility with a total of 52 employees. Personal breathing zone air concentrations of respirable silica (14808607) ranged from 163 to 19,870 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). All the 24 samples taken exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 50microg/m3. Twenty one samples contained cristobalite (14464461). Of the 16 iron exposures measured for the chipper/grinders, 12 exceeded the REL of 5,000microg/m3. Several nickel (7440020) concentrations exceeded the REL of 15microg/m3. Grinders were overexposed to noise. A paint dip tank area sample exceeded the 100 parts per million OSHA standard for xylene (1330207). Exposures to benzene (71432), ethyl-benzene (100414), toluene (108883) aluminum (7429905), chromium (7440473), copper (7440508), lead (7439921), magnesium (7439954), manganese (7439965) and zinc (7440666) did not exceed recommended limits. The authors conclude that workers were overexposed to respirable silica, cristobalite, iron, nickel, and noise; there was a potential health hazard from xylene. The authors recommend that engineering controls, use of personal protective equipment, and work practices be improved.
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(1992) ARMCO Advanced Materials Corporation, Butler, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a management request, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at ARMCO Advanced Materials Corporation (SIC-3312), Butler, Pennsylvania. ARMCO produced primarily specialty steel products. An indirect method of electric heating was used at the facility to make steel. Concern was expressed about employee exposures to infrasound, electromagnetic radiation, and various dusts throughout the melt shop. The investigation was then expanded to include radiofrequency ... (Click to show more)In response to a management request, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at ARMCO Advanced Materials Corporation (SIC-3312), Butler, Pennsylvania. ARMCO produced primarily specialty steel products. An indirect method of electric heating was used at the facility to make steel. Concern was expressed about employee exposures to infrasound, electromagnetic radiation, and various dusts throughout the melt shop. The investigation was then expanded to include radiofrequency exposures at the Ultra-Rapid Annealing (URA) furnace located in the Strip Coating and Silicon Anneal Building (SCSAB). Air samples analyzed indicated that the recommended levels were being exceeded for chromium (7440473), manganese (7439965) and lead (7439921). Radiofrequency radiation measurements at the URA furnace and the visible radiation levels near the electric arc furnaces in the melt shops exceeded the appropriate evaluation criteria. The authors conclude that health hazards existed during the survey from excessive airborne levels of hexavalent chromium, manganese, and lead, high levels of optical radiation near the electric arc furnaces, and radiofrequency radiation at the URA furnace. The authors recommended measures to lower these exposures and suggested the institution of medical and environmental surveillance programs.
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(1992) AVX Corporation, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. (Click to open report) In response to a joint request from the International Brotherhood of Electrical workers, Local 1591 and the AVX Corporation, an evaluation was undertaken concerning dermatitis and hoarseness in workers in the screener stacker area at the AVX Corporation (SIC- 3674), Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. AVX Corporation manufactured multilayer ceramic capacitors for electronic applications. Qualitative analysis of air samples identified xylene isomers, 1,1,1- trichloroethane (71556), toluene (108883), me... (Click to show more)In response to a joint request from the International Brotherhood of Electrical workers, Local 1591 and the AVX Corporation, an evaluation was undertaken concerning dermatitis and hoarseness in workers in the screener stacker area at the AVX Corporation (SIC- 3674), Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. AVX Corporation manufactured multilayer ceramic capacitors for electronic applications. Qualitative analysis of air samples identified xylene isomers, 1,1,1- trichloroethane (71556), toluene (108883), methoxy-ethanol (109864), methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101), limonene (138863), formaldehyde (50000), acetaldehyde (75070), unidentified aliphatic amines and C9 to C12 aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Wipe samples revealed contamination of work surfaces with aluminum (7429905), barium (7440393), cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), silver (7440224), titanium (7440326), zinc (7440666), chromium (7440473), and palladium (7440053). Of the 36 employees who were interviewed, 20 had histories consistent with work related contact dermatitis. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard existed among workers in the screener stacker and dicer areas due to contact with multiple skin irritants including barium, titanium, palladium, and mineral spirits. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce the potential for skin irritation and dermatitis from chemical contact.
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(1992) Chempower, Incorporated, Combustion Engineering, Incorporated, Albright Power Station, Albright, West Virginia. (Click to open report) An evaluation was conducted in response to two requests from the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB), Local 667 concerning an outbreak of acute illness among workers involved in a renovation and asbestos removal project on a boiler at the Albright Power Station (SIC-1542), Albright, West Virginia, and worker exposure to heavy metals during another phase of the boiler renovation. In the outbreak of illness, symptoms were reported which were similar to metal fume fever. Of the 36 worke... (Click to show more)An evaluation was conducted in response to two requests from the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB), Local 667 concerning an outbreak of acute illness among workers involved in a renovation and asbestos removal project on a boiler at the Albright Power Station (SIC-1542), Albright, West Virginia, and worker exposure to heavy metals during another phase of the boiler renovation. In the outbreak of illness, symptoms were reported which were similar to metal fume fever. Of the 36 workers interviewed, 15 met the case definition of possible work related illness defined by the presence of at least three of these symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, chills, headache, nausea, and bloody sputum. Elevated blood mercury (7439976) levels were found in 11 of 19 workers seeking medical care. Workers who were burning through the heavy metal boiler casting with oxyacetylene torches appeared more likely to become ill and have elevated blood mercury levels. The paint on the boiler may have contained mercury. The type of respirators used were not sufficient to protect against sulfur-dioxide (7446095) or mercury. The authors conclude that, based on epidemiologic evidence, the reported illnesses may have been work related. During oxyacetylene cutting of a boiler casing, airborne arsenic (7440382), iron (7439896), and lead (7439921) exceeded the evaluation criteria. The authors recommend that all potential hazards should be evaluated prior to beginning abatement and renovation activities.
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(1992) Delco Remy, Olathe, Kansas. (Click to open report) In response to a request from United Auto Workers Local 1021, a study was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at Delco Remy (SIC-3694), Olathe, Kansas. The facility produced lead acid batteries, primarily used in automobiles. Employees were reportedly suffering from headache, sore throat, dizziness, light headedness, eye irritation and stomach aches. Odors had been noticed coming from the ventilation system. Many of the air handling units at the facility had been changed from ste... (Click to show more)In response to a request from United Auto Workers Local 1021, a study was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at Delco Remy (SIC-3694), Olathe, Kansas. The facility produced lead acid batteries, primarily used in automobiles. Employees were reportedly suffering from headache, sore throat, dizziness, light headedness, eye irritation and stomach aches. Odors had been noticed coming from the ventilation system. Many of the air handling units at the facility had been changed from steam coil to direct fired heating just prior to the series of complaints. Air sampling did not detect any contaminants at levels above standards or recommendations. The paste department air handling unit burner was found to be rapidly cycling between low fire and high fire, resulting in a sour odor due to incomplete combustion of natural gas. Inspection of two of the air handling units indicated that proper maintenance procedures were not being followed. There was also a concern that on days where weather conditions were cool and dry there may be too low a relative humidity in the building for employee comfort. The authors conclude that the unidentified odor was being generated by the burner in the air handling unit serving the paste department. The relative humidity may be low during colder weather. The authors recommend that routine maintenance be conducted on all air handing units, the air supply system in the paste department should be refurbished, facility air should not be recirculated, and efforts should be made to decrease forklift truck exhaust.
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