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HHE Search Results
1060 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) Fire debris cleanup employees' exposure to silica, asbestos, metals, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. (Click to open report) The NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program received requests from construction company managers, representatives of two unions, and a government agency for the state of California concerning exposures to asbestos, heavy metals, respirable crystalline silica, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons during cleanup of structural debris and burn ash after wildfires spread into homes and business. When structures are destroyed by wildfires, hazardous materials may be left behind, which can impact workers clean... (Click to show more)The NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program received requests from construction company managers, representatives of two unions, and a government agency for the state of California concerning exposures to asbestos, heavy metals, respirable crystalline silica, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons during cleanup of structural debris and burn ash after wildfires spread into homes and business. When structures are destroyed by wildfires, hazardous materials may be left behind, which can impact workers cleaning up the area, the public, and the surrounding environment. After a wildfire in 2018, our evaluation of fire debris cleanup included observation of work practices, employee interviews, review of previous exposure assessments during wildfire debris cleanup work, and measurement of airborne exposures to respirable crystalline silica, asbestos, metals, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and skin exposure to metals and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Many of the fire debris cleanup employees we evaluated were exposed to respirable crystalline silica. Two skid steer operators were exposed to concentrations above the ACGIH threshold limit value and the OSHA action level. Employees exposures to airborne asbestos, metals, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons were well below exposure limits. Employees' hands had detectable amounts of metals on them; most of the skin wipes had nondetectable amounts of polyaromatic hydrocarbons. We observed inconsistent use of personal protective equipment. We also observed instances where dust suppression with water was not used. Although noise level measurement was not included in our assessment, noise from construction equipment could expose operators and laborers to noise levels above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit. To address the silica overexposures, we recommended consistently using water spray to reduce dust, developing a silica medical surveillance program, and educating employees on silica and silicosis. We recommended the construction companies ensure consistent and proper wear of personal protective equipment. Additional recommendations included (1) evaluating employees' noise exposures; (2) adding handwashing facilities; (3) requiring employees to wash their hands before eating, drinking, or smoking; and (4) discontinuing use of latex gloves.
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(2019) Indoor environmental quality with limited surface sampling for metals at an office building. (Click to open report) In December 2017, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the union representing employees working in an office building. Employees were concerned about air quality throughout the building. Employee health concerns included breathing issues; eye irritation; skin lesions, and allergy attacks that they attributed to dampness and mold in the building, and particulates from the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning sys... (Click to show more)In December 2017, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the union representing employees working in an office building. Employees were concerned about air quality throughout the building. Employee health concerns included breathing issues; eye irritation; skin lesions, and allergy attacks that they attributed to dampness and mold in the building, and particulates from the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. Employees were concerned about particulates from the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system supply air vents. Specifically, employees were concerned the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system contained residual particulates with metals from when the building was used to manufacturer jewelry roughly 30 years ago. On June 1, 2018, we performed a walkthrough of the office building and performed wipe sampling to analyze particulates for metals found on office furniture and in areas near the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system supply air vents. During our walkthrough, we identified a number of potential issues related to indoor environmental quality at this office building, some of which were caused by retrofitting an industrial building into an office building. Indoor environmental quality issues included signs of a dusty environment, indoor dampness, improperly functioning heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system, and rodents and pests. Management reported receiving notifications regularly from employees that fragrances in the workplace caused mucous membrane or respiratory symptoms. We recommend creating a health and safety committee consisting of employees who work throughout the building to engage with management on issues such as comfort (temperature and relative humidity), indoor dampness, dusty environments, and housekeeping concerns. We recommend management review personal workspace rules and enforcement guidelines pertaining to blocking vents; food storage, preparation, and consumption areas; refrigerators; fish tanks; dehumidifiers; and fragrances.
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(2019) Laser coding particulate composition, health effects, and safety climate at a brewery. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a union representative at a brewery. The union was concerned about employees' exposure to odors and particulate at the laser coding stations on the can-packing lines. We administered a questionnaire on can-packing-line employees' work practices, training, perceptions of safety climate, and concerns about work-related safety and health. We also collected area air and dust samples for carton coating ingredients, and reviewed health and s... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a union representative at a brewery. The union was concerned about employees' exposure to odors and particulate at the laser coding stations on the can-packing lines. We administered a questionnaire on can-packing-line employees' work practices, training, perceptions of safety climate, and concerns about work-related safety and health. We also collected area air and dust samples for carton coating ingredients, and reviewed health and safety records, local exhaust ventilation standard operating procedures, and safety data sheets. We found that some employees on the can-packing lines had nonspecific health concerns, including dermatitis and headaches that could be associated with workplace exposures. We found metals, acrylates, and benzophenone in filter particulate and volatile compounds and benzophenone in brewery air. The company can improve maintenance on the local exhaust system and further train employees to reduce possible exposures. Safety climate at the brewery was positive overall. We recommended the employer (1) train employees on the use, care, and maintenance of local exhaust ventilation systems, including how to safely clean the laser coding local exhaust ventilation systems' reusable filter, (2) recognize employees when they see them performing tasks safely, and (3) implement a medical surveillance program to identify and track skin or respiratory conditions if employees continue to report those conditions.
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(2019) Lead and copper exposure at an indoor shooting range. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program received a management request from a government indoor shooting range because of concerns about employee exposure to lead and copper during cleaning activities. The facility contained three ranges. Two ranges used lead-based ammunition and one used frangible copper-based ammunition only. Employees were responsible for range cleaning in addition to maintenance activities, such as replacing exhaust fan filters and emptying buckets that collect bullets beh... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program received a management request from a government indoor shooting range because of concerns about employee exposure to lead and copper during cleaning activities. The facility contained three ranges. Two ranges used lead-based ammunition and one used frangible copper-based ammunition only. Employees were responsible for range cleaning in addition to maintenance activities, such as replacing exhaust fan filters and emptying buckets that collect bullets behind the bullet traps. During our evaluation, we toured the range facility, reviewed standard operating procedures and medical and training records, held confidential employee interviews, collected air and surface wipe samples for lead and copper and colorimetric wipe samples for lead, and evaluated the ventilation system. Four employees had lead exposures that were above the OSHA PEL when changing prefilters and emptying the bullet trap buckets. Employees wore respiratory protection while performing these tasks. However, NIOSH respirator selection guidance recommends a higher level of protection given the high lead concentrations we measured. One employee was above the OSHA action level for lead while performing cleaning. Two employees had blood lead levels > 5 ug/dL, a level NIOSH considers elevated. Air samples collected for total copper dust were lower than occupational exposure limits. Colorimetric wipes indicated lead and copper on surfaces within the facility. Although all employees were being monitored through the medical surveillance program and received training on lead exposure, they may benefit from more training on take-home lead. One range ventilation system was operating in accordance with NIOSH guidelines, one was lower than NIOSH guidelines, and one we were unable to evaluate because it was occupied with personnel firing weapons. We observed work practices that could contribute to lead exposure. Included in our recommendations were to provide periodic refresher training related to the standard operating procedures for each task and ensuring procedures are followed, ensure appropriate sizes for Tyvek suits and nitrile gloves are available, include take-home lead exposure information in annual training materials, provide work clothes that employees can launder and store at the workplace, and investigate possible changes to maintenance tasks involving filters and buckets.
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(2019) Silica exposures during drywall sanding. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the management of a drywall finishing company concerned with employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica during drywall-sanding activities. Our site visit consisted of observing work processes and practices, measuring the air velocity in the vacuum hose, collecting air samples for respirable crystalline silica and respirable dust, and collecting bulk samples of sanding dust to determine its silica content. Our air sampling found... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the management of a drywall finishing company concerned with employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica during drywall-sanding activities. Our site visit consisted of observing work processes and practices, measuring the air velocity in the vacuum hose, collecting air samples for respirable crystalline silica and respirable dust, and collecting bulk samples of sanding dust to determine its silica content. Our air sampling found overexposures to respirable dust, but no overexposures to respirable crystalline silica. However, there could be overexposures to respirable crystalline silica if sanding was performed for the entire day. Vacuums were sometimes used without a disposable bag and without emptying the vacuum canister before it was used at the start of the work shift. Sometimes vacuum filters were removed and tapped on the trash bin to dislodge dust. Although the company had a voluntary respiratory protection program, employees were not wearing their respirators correctly. We recommended the company conduct additional personal air sampling for respirable dust and silica as multiple days of sampling in a variety of work sites will provide more information about potential respirable dust exposures. We recommended improving vacuum care and maintenance practices including establishing clear guidelines for when to empty the vacuum, replace the vacuum cleaner bags, and replace filters. We also recommended the company strengthen their voluntary respiratory protection program.
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(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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