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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
(1986) City of Columbus Refuse Derived Fuel Power Plant, Columbus, Ohio. (Click to open report) As a result of a request from the City of Columbus, Ohio, potential for heat stress along with exposure to chemical contaminants and airborne microbial pollutants was investigated at the city refuse derived fuel powerplant (SIC-4931, SIC-4953). Health hazards existed from lead (7439921) and silica exposures for workers involved in handling ash. Low levels of exposure to chromium (7440473), chromium-VI, cadmium (7440439), and nickel (7440020) were noted. Excessive heat stress occurred during the ... (Click to show more)As a result of a request from the City of Columbus, Ohio, potential for heat stress along with exposure to chemical contaminants and airborne microbial pollutants was investigated at the city refuse derived fuel powerplant (SIC-4931, SIC-4953). Health hazards existed from lead (7439921) and silica exposures for workers involved in handling ash. Low levels of exposure to chromium (7440473), chromium-VI, cadmium (7440439), and nickel (7440020) were noted. Excessive heat stress occurred during the maintenance activities in hot areas of the facility. Airborne microbial contamination levels in the refuse handling areas indicated that exposure hazards existed by both the inhalation and ingestion routes. Human pathogens may be present in the microbial pollutants. The author recommends that the use of engineering controls be instituted to lessen the exposure of employees to lead. In the power plant area and in the refuse handling area, eating, drinking, and the carrying or use of tobacco products or cosmetics should be prohibited. Use of dry sweeping or compressed air cleaning of surfaces to remove dust must be discontinued. Vacuuming or wet removal of dust particles should be used instead. At material transfer points, where dust exposure can be a real problem, it is recommended that enclosures be built. Single use disposable dust respirators are not recommended. Recommended methods for controlling heat stress include modification of environmental heat exchange components, work schedule modifications, protective clothing, worker education, and preplacement and periodic medical surveillance.
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(1986) Fruehauf Corporation - Parts Plant, Delphos, Ohio. (Click to open report) A request was received from union and management at the Fruehauf Corporations Parts Facility (SIC-3549) in Delphos, Ohio to evaluate possible exposures to total welding fume, metals, carbon-monoxide (630080), oxides of nitrogen, and ozone (10028156) during welding operations. Total welding fume concentrations in 32 personal breathing zone samples ranged from 1.5 to 23.4 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). Nine area samples ranged from 0.4 to 3.7mg/m3. Three sample results exceeded OSHA standard ... (Click to show more)A request was received from union and management at the Fruehauf Corporations Parts Facility (SIC-3549) in Delphos, Ohio to evaluate possible exposures to total welding fume, metals, carbon-monoxide (630080), oxides of nitrogen, and ozone (10028156) during welding operations. Total welding fume concentrations in 32 personal breathing zone samples ranged from 1.5 to 23.4 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). Nine area samples ranged from 0.4 to 3.7mg/m3. Three sample results exceeded OSHA standard of 15mg/m3. Iron (7439896) was the predominant metal found. Measurable quantities of aluminum (7429905), chromium (7440473), copper (7440508), magnesium (7439954), manganese (7439965), molybdenum (7439987), nickel (7440020), lead (7439921), tin (7440315), and vanadium (7440622) were found. Results of a questionnaire, given to 33 of the 92 welders, indicated a relatively high prevalence of reported symptoms of mucous membrane and respiratory tract irritation, including eye irritation, sinus/nasal congestion, headaches, throat irritation and cough. Cigarette smoking was high among the welders, but symptoms could not be totally related to that cause. The authors conclude that welding fumes and paint vapors were potential health hazards and caused short term health effects. The authors recommend that welding fume exposures should be controlled by local ventilation where feasible. The use of respirators for protection against welding fumes should not be viewed as a long term control measure.
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(1986) Handy and Harman, Inc., Fairfield, Connecticut. (Click to open report) A request was received from the United States Steelworkers to investigate possible health hazards related to employee exposures to beryllium (7440417), arsenic (7440382), lead (7439921), nickel (7440020), cadmium (7440439), and silver (7440224) at Handy and Harman, Inc. (SIC-3341), located in Fairfield, Connecticut. Granulomatous lung disease was present in five employees of the refinery, four of whom had worked in the furnace area. The investigation did result in the confirmation that a health ... (Click to show more)A request was received from the United States Steelworkers to investigate possible health hazards related to employee exposures to beryllium (7440417), arsenic (7440382), lead (7439921), nickel (7440020), cadmium (7440439), and silver (7440224) at Handy and Harman, Inc. (SIC-3341), located in Fairfield, Connecticut. Granulomatous lung disease was present in five employees of the refinery, four of whom had worked in the furnace area. The investigation did result in the confirmation that a health hazard from beryllium exposure has existed at this facility. Four of the five cases were work related. Of 121 personal air samples, 114 exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for silver, 62 exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL) for beryllium, 55 exceeded the OSHA PEL for lead, 54 exceeded the NIOSH REL for nickel, and 6 exceeded the NIOSH REL for arsenic. Cadmium levels are to be maintained at the lowest feasible limit. The 39 personal air samples from the manufacturing melt area showed exposure to cadmium from 9.3 to 115 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3), and silver concentrations ranging from 11 to 104microg/m3. All of the silver concentrations exceeded the OSHA PEL. The authors conclude that a health hazard from beryllium exposure has and may still exist at this facility. Recommendations include the use of rubber gaskets on drums during blender and crusher unloading, redesign of ventilation hoods and their operation at sufficient velocity, the use of respirators in the melt room, and systematic medical examinations.
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(1986) J'Leen Ltd., Boulder, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the owner of J'Leen, Ltd. (SIC-3999), Boulder, Colorado, an evaluation of exposures to lead (7439921) in the copper and lead glazing art studio was carried out. Three workers were involved at the time, and the possibility of hiring more workers prompted the request. Breathing zone and general air samples were analyzed by NIOSH Method P and CAM 173, blood lead was measured by voltammetry, and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin was measured photofluorometrically. Average... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the owner of J'Leen, Ltd. (SIC-3999), Boulder, Colorado, an evaluation of exposures to lead (7439921) in the copper and lead glazing art studio was carried out. Three workers were involved at the time, and the possibility of hiring more workers prompted the request. Breathing zone and general air samples were analyzed by NIOSH Method P and CAM 173, blood lead was measured by voltammetry, and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin was measured photofluorometrically. Average airborne lead concentration was 0.08mg/m3, and five of seven samples equaled or exceeded the OSHA time weighted average limit of 0.05mg/m3. Blood lead concentrations were 7, 16, and 33 micrograms/deciliter (microg/dl), which were all below the OSHA limit of 40microg/dl for returning to a job involving lead exposure. One free erythrocyte protoporphyrin sample was 59microg/dl, which was above the normal limit of 50microg/dl. Ventilation was found to be inadequate for removing airborne lead resulting from use of lead dust and furnaces. The author concludes that the high environmental lead levels present a health hazard, and recommends improved exhaust ventilation, continued use of ultra filter respiratory protection, and education of new employees on clean work habits.
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(1986) KP Industries, Delphos, Ohio. (Click to open report) KP Industries (SIC-3714), Delphos, Ohio requested an evaluation of worker exposure to carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO) fumes in the shipping and warehouse area, and to lead (7439921) in the can line area. The 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) CO levels ranged from 64 to 74 parts per million (ppm); the OSHA 8 hour TWA permissible exposure limit is 50ppm. The CO levels resulted from the use of six propane forklift trucks and an inadequate distribution of airflow. Airborne CO concentrations behind th... (Click to show more)KP Industries (SIC-3714), Delphos, Ohio requested an evaluation of worker exposure to carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO) fumes in the shipping and warehouse area, and to lead (7439921) in the can line area. The 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) CO levels ranged from 64 to 74 parts per million (ppm); the OSHA 8 hour TWA permissible exposure limit is 50ppm. The CO levels resulted from the use of six propane forklift trucks and an inadequate distribution of airflow. Airborne CO concentrations behind the forklifts were as high as 350ppm. After tuning the trucks, the CO level was significantly reduced. Airborne lead concentrations for four personal and three area samples were less than 2 micrograms/cubic meter. Five of six employees interviewed reported headache, and eye and throat irritation, attributed to fumes from the propane forklift trucks. The four employees on the tin and lead line reported no health problems related to the job. The authors conclude that overexposure to CO occurred in the shipping and warehouse area. A health hazard from exposure to lead did not exist at the time of the evaluation. Recommendations include modifying the ventilation system; increasing the air supply system to balance air flow in the building; direct supply air at points of heavy forklift use; install overhead air circulating fans; and use direct reading monitoring equipment to measure CO.
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(1986) Ladish Company, Cudahy, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) A walk through survey was made to investigate exposures to crystalline silica (7631869), metal dust and fumes, solvents, machine coolants, and lead (7439921) at a metal forging facility owned by the Ladish Company (SIC-3462), Cudaby, Wisconsin as requested by an authorized representative of the employees. Medical surveys were conducted and environmental air samples collected. Additional specific substances investigated included titanium (7440326), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), iron oxide... (Click to show more)A walk through survey was made to investigate exposures to crystalline silica (7631869), metal dust and fumes, solvents, machine coolants, and lead (7439921) at a metal forging facility owned by the Ladish Company (SIC-3462), Cudaby, Wisconsin as requested by an authorized representative of the employees. Medical surveys were conducted and environmental air samples collected. Additional specific substances investigated included titanium (7440326), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), iron oxide (1332372), cobalt (7440484), vanadium (7440622), aluminum (7429905), cutting fluids, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556). No evidence of excess respiratory disease was found among 45 grinders. A substantial number of employees complained of irritant symptoms attributed to brief exposures to high concentrations of the grinding dust. No evidence of skin problems related to coolant exposures was noted. Concentrations of total particulates were below the OSHA standard of 15 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) as an 8 hour time weighted average (TWA). Nickel was detected in five of six personal samples at TWA concentrations ranging from 0.002 to 0.056 mg/m3. The authors conclude that instances involving the grinding of large forgings and forgings containing nickel present a potential health hazard if not properly controlled. It is recommended that nickel exposure be reduced to the lowest feasible level. Employees should position their work so that dust generated is effectively captured by the grinding hood, in some cases using a moveable hood, or periodically repositioning a part.
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(1986) TAC Radiator, Minot, North Dakota. (Click to open report) On request from the owner of the TAC Radiator (SIC-3714) Company in Minot, North Dakota, lead (7439921) exposures were evaluated in the radiator cleaning and repair shop. The environmental evaluation consisted of measuring breathing zone and general room air concentrations of lead, copper (7440508), and antimony (7440360). Copper and antimony were present in trace quantities and did not pose a health hazard. Four of the eight lead samples exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 0.05 mic... (Click to show more)On request from the owner of the TAC Radiator (SIC-3714) Company in Minot, North Dakota, lead (7439921) exposures were evaluated in the radiator cleaning and repair shop. The environmental evaluation consisted of measuring breathing zone and general room air concentrations of lead, copper (7440508), and antimony (7440360). Copper and antimony were present in trace quantities and did not pose a health hazard. Four of the eight lead samples exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 0.05 micrograms/cubic meter (mg/m3). The average of all eight samples was 0.12 mg/m3. Lead exposure levels ranged from 0.02 to 0.38 mg/m3. Medical monitoring and evaluation consisted of blood lead and free erythrocyte protoporphryin (FEP) determinations in all four radiator shop workers and the weekend janitor. Of the five workers tested, two were within the normal unexposed range. The other three had elevated FEP's and two had blood lead levels over 40 micrograms/deciliter (microg/dl). The author concludes that a health hazard existed from overexposure to lead during the cleaning and repair of radiators. The author recommends measures to reduce exposure to lead, including: installation of local exhaust ventilation; frequent blood lead analysis for all workers; and removal of workers with a blood lead concentration of 50 microg/dl or more from further lead exposure until the blood lead concentration is below 40 microg/dl.
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(1985) CF & I Steel, Pueblo, Colorado. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for lead (7439921), chromium (7440473), nickel (7440020), and arsenic (7440382) at the CF & I Steel Company (SIC-3321), Pueblo, Colorado in June, 1985. The evaluation was requested by local 2102 of the United Steel Workers of America because of possible lead exposures in the furnace area of the facility. Work practices were observed. Company medical monitoring records were reviewed. All chromium, nickel, and arsenic concentrations were below... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for lead (7439921), chromium (7440473), nickel (7440020), and arsenic (7440382) at the CF & I Steel Company (SIC-3321), Pueblo, Colorado in June, 1985. The evaluation was requested by local 2102 of the United Steel Workers of America because of possible lead exposures in the furnace area of the facility. Work practices were observed. Company medical monitoring records were reviewed. All chromium, nickel, and arsenic concentrations were below the limits of detection. Breathing zone lead concentrations ranged from 0.03 to is 0.05mg/m3. General air lead concentrations ranged from non detectable to 0.03mg/m3. All workers in areas with potential lead exposure were wearing respiratory protection. The respirator program complied with OSHA requirements. Employee blood lead concentrations according to company records were below 40 micrograms per 100 milliliters. The author concludes that there is a health hazard from exposure to lead. Recommendations include utilizing work and hygienic practices to minimize lead exposure, showering and changing clothes after each work shift, and continuing monitoring workers for lead exposure.
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(1985) Crystal Zoo, Boulder, Colorado. (Click for full summary) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for 1,1,1- trichloroethane (71556), toluene (108883), petroleum distillate, lead (7439921), quartz (14808607), cristobalite (14464461), and total particulates at Crystal Zoo (SIC-3229), Boulder, Colorado in August, 1984. The evaluation was requested by the management because of concern for the workers' health. Medical questionnaires were administered to eight workers in the leaded crystal grinding room. Blood lead and free erythrocyte protop... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for 1,1,1- trichloroethane (71556), toluene (108883), petroleum distillate, lead (7439921), quartz (14808607), cristobalite (14464461), and total particulates at Crystal Zoo (SIC-3229), Boulder, Colorado in August, 1984. The evaluation was requested by the management because of concern for the workers' health. Medical questionnaires were administered to eight workers in the leaded crystal grinding room. Blood lead and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) concentrations were measured in the grinding room workers and in three comparisons. All exposures were below the relevant standards except for lead. Five of six air samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 0.005 milligram per cubic meter (mg/m3) for lead. The lead concentrations ranged from 0.3 to 0.08mg/m3. The mean blood lead concentration in grinding room workers was 29.1 micrograms per deciliter (microg/dl); values in comparisons averaged 7.2microg/dl. No excessive lead concentrations (over 40microg/dl) were found. No evidence of lead toxicity was found. FEP concentrations averaged 31.4microg/dl in the exposed workers and 21.6microg/dl in the comparisons. The authors conclude that a health hazard due to overexposure to lead exists in the grinding department. Recommendations include improving work practices, prohibiting dry grinding or polishing of leaded glass, and installing down draft ventilation.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report HETA-84-384-1580.
(1985) Electric Machinery - McGraw Edison Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for amines, aliphatic aldehydes, boron-trifluoride-monoethylamine (75230), epichlorohydrin (106898), total volatile fluorides, formaldehyde (50000), lead (7439921), methyl-tetrahydrophthalic-anhydride (26590205), and n-butyl-glycidyl-ether (2426086) at Electric Machinery/McGraw Edison Company (SIC-3621), Minneapolis, Minnesota in December, 1981 and February, 1983. The surveys were requested by the union local because of irritative symptoms a... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for amines, aliphatic aldehydes, boron-trifluoride-monoethylamine (75230), epichlorohydrin (106898), total volatile fluorides, formaldehyde (50000), lead (7439921), methyl-tetrahydrophthalic-anhydride (26590205), and n-butyl-glycidyl-ether (2426086) at Electric Machinery/McGraw Edison Company (SIC-3621), Minneapolis, Minnesota in December, 1981 and February, 1983. The surveys were requested by the union local because of irritative symptoms and respiratory problems reported by employees exposed to epoxy resin compounds and impregnated materials. Medical questionnaires were administered to 51 employees in the hand taping and pole winding departments and 57 comparisons. Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and lead were the only contaminants detected. All concentrations were below their OSHA standards. Skin rash and irritation, eye irritation, and throat irritation were the most frequently reported symptoms. Fifty six percent of the exposed workers had evidence of carpal tunnel syndrome versus 7 percent of the comparisons. The authors conclude that mucous membrane irritation and dermatitis are common among workers exposed to epoxy resins. A high prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome was also found. Recommendations include reducing formaldehyde concentrations, using personal protective equipment and barrier creams, and maintaining proper work practices and good personal hygiene to minimize contact with epoxy resin materials.
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