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HHE Search Results
1058 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) 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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(2019) Silica exposures during micro trenching. (Click to open report) Management from a communications company requested a health hazard evaluation concerning employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica during micro trenching activities (process of cutting the roadway to install communication cable). During a given workday, employees performed tasks that included cutting the micro trench, installing the cable, emptying the vacuum truck, filling the micro trench, and loading the dumpster. Over a three-day period, we observed work processes and work practices... (Click to show more)Management from a communications company requested a health hazard evaluation concerning employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica during micro trenching activities (process of cutting the roadway to install communication cable). During a given workday, employees performed tasks that included cutting the micro trench, installing the cable, emptying the vacuum truck, filling the micro trench, and loading the dumpster. Over a three-day period, we observed work processes and work practices, collected air samples for respirable crystalline silica and respirable dust, collected bulk samples of the material being cut to determine its silica content, and measured the air velocity in the vacuum hose. We found low concentrations of respirable dust in the air; respirable crystalline silica was not detected. The vacuum truck appeared to control exposures. Emptying the vacuum and loading the dumpster produced the most dust. We found between 5.5% and 26% quartz in the bulk samples. Employees were not wearing their respirators correctly, and appeared to be unsure about proper donning and doffing techniques. Some employees had facial hair and did not recall being fit tested. We recommended the company explore other methods for loading the dumpster and cleaning the vacuum filter because these tasks caused the most dust, and potentially, the greatest risk of exposures. We made a number of recommendations on ways to improve the company respiratory protection program. We also recommended the company perform periodic noise monitoring to determine which job tasks require hearing protection as there appeared to be excessive noise generated when the saw and vacuum when both were operating together.
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(2019) Wildland fire fighter exposures during fuel reduction projects. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a state-based wildland fire management program who was concerned about potential exposures to hand-transmitted vibration, wood chipper dust, noise, and carbon monoxide related to chain saw and wood chipper use among wildland fire fighters. The requestors were also concerned about safety climate and job stress issues among wildland fire fighters. This state agency's fire crews participated in fuel reduction projects when not engaged in ... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a state-based wildland fire management program who was concerned about potential exposures to hand-transmitted vibration, wood chipper dust, noise, and carbon monoxide related to chain saw and wood chipper use among wildland fire fighters. The requestors were also concerned about safety climate and job stress issues among wildland fire fighters. This state agency's fire crews participated in fuel reduction projects when not engaged in fire suppression or training. We conducted three site visits; pre- and post-fire season visits in 2015 in which informal interviews were conducted focusing on general medical issues, psychosocial factors, and job stress. A third visit occurred in April 2016 where we evaluated carbon monoxide, wood dust, noise, and hand-transmitted vibration. Fire fighters also completed questionnaires covering work history and current tasks. Our evaluation found that these fire fighters were overexposed to carbon monoxide, wood dust, noise, and vibration. Although average carbon monoxide concentrations measured on fire fighters were low, peak exposures exceeded relevant occupational exposure limits. Combined exposure to noise with carbon monoxide exposure can worsen the resultant hearing loss, highlighting the importance of reducing exposures to both. Several fire fighters reported symptoms that could be consistent with work-related asthma. Overall, wildland fire fighter employees reported a strong safety climate, favorable perceptions of various psychosocial factors at work, and moderate job stress. Employees reported decreased sleep quality at the end of the season. We recommended reducing chain saw use to three hours or less during a work shift, requiring use of hearing and respiratory protection, communicating with fire fighters about job demands, maintaining chain saws to reduce exposures, and encouraging fire fighters who develop health symptoms related to work to get evaluated by their healthcare provider.
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(2018) A thermal drying process at a wastewater treatment plant. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from employees at a wastewater treatment plant who were concerned about exposures to thermally dried sewage sludge. In particular, employees were concerned about odors, upper airway irritation, and dust exposures from the newly-installed thermal dryer. We reviewed the process flow and thermal dryer operations, collected air samples and bulk samples for endotoxins and silica, conducted confidential health interviews with employees, and revie... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from employees at a wastewater treatment plant who were concerned about exposures to thermally dried sewage sludge. In particular, employees were concerned about odors, upper airway irritation, and dust exposures from the newly-installed thermal dryer. We reviewed the process flow and thermal dryer operations, collected air samples and bulk samples for endotoxins and silica, conducted confidential health interviews with employees, and reviewed records. Exposures to endotoxins and silica were low. Dust and odors were detected throughout the facility. We surveyed employees about work-related symptoms related to working with a new thermal sewer sludge dryer. The most common health symptoms reported by employees were eye irritation, coughing, nasal congestion, and headaches. Strong odors were reported by employees during the treatment process. We observed potential fire hazards in the thermal dryer area because dryer conditions led to overheating of sludge and the presence of combustible dust. We observed that respirators were not always used, maintained, or stored correctly. In addition, correct use of other personal protective equipment such as gloves and safety glasses was inconsistent. We recommended the company work with the thermal dryer manufacturer to ensure that the equipment is working according to design and all safety mechanisms are operational; ensure that respirators are properly worn, maintained, and stored, and employees are trained on how to use them; and improve the personal protective equipment use and compliance.
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(2018) Exposure to metals, flame retardants, and nanomaterials at an electronics recycling company. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from an electronics recycling company. The employer was concerned about employee exposure to metals and flame retardant chemicals while recycling electronics. We met with employer and employee representatives and toured the workplace to observe operations, work practices, and working conditions. We also collected air, hand wipe, surface wipe, blood, and urine samples for metals and flame retardants. We found some flame retardants typically ... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from an electronics recycling company. The employer was concerned about employee exposure to metals and flame retardant chemicals while recycling electronics. We met with employer and employee representatives and toured the workplace to observe operations, work practices, and working conditions. We also collected air, hand wipe, surface wipe, blood, and urine samples for metals and flame retardants. We found some flame retardants typically associated with electronics in the air, on employees' hands, in their blood, and in their urine (metabolites). We found metals in the air and on surfaces outside of the processing area. One employee's exposure to cadmium in the air was above the recommended exposure limit. Three employees had elevated blood lead levels. There is the potential for take-home contamination with cadmium, lead, other metals, and flame retardants. We observed employees dry sweeping and eating and/or drinking in the processing areas. We recommended adding local exhaust ventilation to the small shredder sorter, requiring disassembly and shredding employees wear respirators until cadmium exposures are reduced, including all processing employees in a lead exposure prevention program, providing employees with a lead-removing product to wash their hands, and providing onsite laundering facilities or contracting with a laundering service.
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(2018) Exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility. (Click to open report) In February 2016, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from the management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility. The request stated concerns about potential health issues related to exposure to diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting, grinding, and packaging. In September 2017, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey, ventilation assessment, and a medical survey at the facility. The industrial h... (Click to show more)In February 2016, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from the management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility. The request stated concerns about potential health issues related to exposure to diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting, grinding, and packaging. In September 2017, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey, ventilation assessment, and a medical survey 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. 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. The medical survey consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. One interim report with recommendations was sent to the company following our visit. Overall, full-shift time-weighted average air concentrations of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione were higher in production areas of the facility. However, none of the personal full-shift samples collected in the production area exceeded the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5 parts per billion, with a maximum measured concentration of 2.9 parts per billion. Similarly, none of the personal full-shift samples collected in the production area exceeded the recommended exposure limit for 2,3-pentanedione of 9.3 parts per billion, with a maximum measured concentration of 2.6 parts per billion. We identified some work tasks that resulted in relatively higher air concentrations of diacetyl than other tasks. Specifically, coffee roasting tasks were associated with higher diacetyl levels. We recommend air sampling during flavoring and after building construction is complete to determine if alpha-diketone exposures are above the recommended exposure limits. We also recommend implementing administrative controls such as modification of work practices, training employees about workplace hazards, and voluntary use of N95 disposable filtering facepiece respirators available for protection against green or roasted coffee dust and burlap exposure such as when working with green beans. Additionally, we recommend a medical monitoring program for employees who flavor the small batches of coffee approximately four times per year to identify any employees who might be developing lung disease (e.g., obliterative bronchiolitis) and to help management prioritize interventions to prevent occupational lung disease.
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(2018) Exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from the management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility. The request stated concerns regarding exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting and grinding. During January 31 - February 1, 2017, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of the collection of air samples for th... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from the management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility. The request stated concerns regarding exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting and grinding. During January 31 - February 1, 2017, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of the collection of air samples for the analyses of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione. Bulk samples were also collected for the analysis of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione emission potential. 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 performed a ventilation assessment of the coffee production area. On February 2, 2017, we conducted a medical survey of production employees that consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. Overall, personal time-weighted average air concentrations of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione exceeded the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended exposure limits. For diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione, the NIOSH RELs are 5.0 ppb and 9.3 ppb, respectively, as a TWA for up to an 8-hour workday during a 40-hour workweek. We identified jobs where some work tasks measured over minutes resulted in relatively higher air concentrations of diacetyl than other tasks. Specifically, grinding coffee beans, packaging coffee beans, and cleaning the roaster, were associated with diacetyl levels above the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended exposure limit. Overall, mucous membrane symptoms, specifically eye, nose, and sinus symptoms, and flu-like achiness or achy joints, were the most commonly reported symptoms. Some production employees reported their mucous membrane symptoms were caused or aggravated by green coffee dust, or ground coffee dust. Wheezing or whistling in the chest was the most commonly reported lower respiratory symptom. Participants reported that these lower respiratory symptoms were not work-related or aggravated by an exposure at work.One participant had abnormal spirometry. We recommend installing general room ventilation in the production space and operate it continuously during the work-shift and installing local exhaust in areas where higher exposure tasks were observed such as grinding, weighing and packaging roasted coffee. We also recommended implementing a medical monitoring program for employees who work in the production are to identify any employees who might 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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(2018) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and flavoring facility. (Click to open report) In November 2016, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from management of a coffee roasting and flavoring facility with six employees regarding repetitive motion injuries, potential burns, general warehouse safety, and potential employee exposure to green coffee bean dust, diacetyl, and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee processing. In January 2017, we observed work practices and conducted an industrial hygiene survey an... (Click to show more)In November 2016, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from management of a coffee roasting and flavoring facility with six employees regarding repetitive motion injuries, potential burns, general warehouse safety, and potential employee exposure to green coffee bean dust, diacetyl, and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee processing. In January 2017, we observed work practices and conducted an industrial hygiene survey and a medical survey at the facility. 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), carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. Bulk samples of whole bean coffee and flavoring were collected to evaluate the potential for emission of 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. The medical survey consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. One interim report with recommendations was sent to the company following our visit. Overall, full-shift time-weighted average air concentrations of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione were higher in flavoring and grinding areas of the facility. All four of the personal full-shift samples collected in the production area exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5 parts per billion, with a maximum measured concentration of 20.7 parts per billion. One of the four personal full-shift samples collected in the production area exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for 2,3-pentanedione of 9.3 parts per billion, with a maximum measured concentration of 24.0 parts per billion. We identified some work tasks that resulted in relatively higher air concentrations of diacetyl than other tasks. Specifically, flavoring roasted coffee beans by hand, grinding flavored and unflavored roasted coffee beans, and weighing and packaging roasted coffee were associated with higher diacetyl levels. Some employees reported eye, nose, or sinus symptoms or wheezing or whistling in the chest that was aggravated at work. We also observed tasks that presented risk factors for repetitive strain injuries and burns, specifically the flavoring, grinding, and packaging processes. We recommend installing local exhaust ventilation, implementing administrative controls such as modification of work practices, and training employees about workplace hazards. We also recommend a medical monitoring program to identify any employees who might 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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(2018) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility and associated café. (Click to open report) In January 2016, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility and associated coffee café regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl during coffee roasting, grinding, and café tasks. In March 2016, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment. We also performed a medical survey. The industrial hygiene survey consiste... (Click to show more)In January 2016, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility and associated coffee café regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl during coffee roasting, grinding, and café tasks. In March 2016, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment. We also performed a medical survey. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of collecting personal breathing zone and general area air samples for alpha-diketones (i.e., diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione). Bulk samples of whole bean green and roasted coffee were collected to evaluate the potential for emission of 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. The medical survey consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. At the roasting and packaging facility, all full-shift personal air sample results were below the recommended exposure limits for diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. Grinding tasks in the production area resulted in the highest alpha-diketone exposures. Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide concentrations in the air did not exceed applicable exposure limits. Eye and nose symptoms were the most commonly reported symptoms. Breathing trouble and awakening with chest tightness were the most commonly reported lower respiratory symptom. All participants with upper or lower respiratory symptoms reported that their symptoms did not improve away from work. These respiratory symptoms and the lung function abnormalities could be related to workplace exposures or to other factors. However, our findings of respiratory symptoms caused or aggravated by dust, green bean dust, or chaff in 40% of medical survey participants suggest a burden of respiratory problems in this workforce. We recommend operating the rooftop air-handling unit at all times during production activities, implementing administrative controls such as modification of work practices, training employees about workplace hazards, and voluntary use of N95 disposable filtering facepiece respirators available for protection against green or roasted coffee dust exposure such as when working with green coffee beans or chaff. At the café, three of five full-shift personal air samples were above the recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5 parts per billion, with the highest measured concentration of 6 parts per billion. None of the personal samples exceeded the recommended exposure limit for 2,3-pentanedione. An employee that made espresso drinks, including grinding the coffee beans, had the highest personal task-based exposures for diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. Both diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione air concentrations increased over the course of the work day. When we measured beside the expresso machine, carbon dioxide levels also increased slightly throughout the day, and were higher than recommended. The air-handling unit that provided ventilation to the café was recirculating 100% of the air from the café spaces without bringing in any outdoor air. An adequate supply of outdoor air, typically delivered through the heating, and air-conditioning system, is necessary in any indoor environment to dilute pollutants that are released by equipment, building materials, furnishing, processes and products (e.g., grinding coffee) as well as people. Nose symptoms followed by sinusitis or sinus problems were the most commonly reported symptoms; medical survey participants did not report any work-related symptoms. All spirometry and exhaled nitric oxide tests were normal. We recommend training employees about workplace hazards and working with a ventilation expert to bring in appropriate levels of outdoor air to meet ventilation guidelines.
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