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HHE Search Results
474 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
(1987) Federal Reserve Bank, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Federal Reserve Bank (SIC-6011) located in Cincinnati, Ohio, an evaluation of airborne lead (7439921) exposures was made during the use of an indoor firing range. The range was used by about 20 bank guards who must qualify quarterly; range officers were rotated to reduce chronic exposures. Lead levels produced by the firing of two specific types of ammunition was also evaluated. In the four breathing zone air samples collected, the mean 8 hour time weighted aver... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Federal Reserve Bank (SIC-6011) located in Cincinnati, Ohio, an evaluation of airborne lead (7439921) exposures was made during the use of an indoor firing range. The range was used by about 20 bank guards who must qualify quarterly; range officers were rotated to reduce chronic exposures. Lead levels produced by the firing of two specific types of ammunition was also evaluated. In the four breathing zone air samples collected, the mean 8 hour time weighted average exposure to lead was 89 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) when using standard lead ammunition (range 23 to 160microg/m3), and 79microg/m3 (range 50 to 120microg/m3) when firing copper coated lead bullets. In either case the lead level exceeded OSHA permissible exposure limit of 50microg/m3. During both evaluations the ventilation system at the range was performing poorly. Airflow was erratic and turbulent so that much of the air flowed backwards. The copper coating on the bullets was apparently too thin to do much to stop the lead from entering the atmosphere. The author concludes that a health hazard from overexposure to lead existed at the firing range. The author recommends that the the bullet trap exhaust be repaired, since no matter how much the air flow is increased in the range, the problem will not be solved until the lead is trapped in the exhaust. Until the ventilation is repaired, jacketed bullets should be used on this range.
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(1987) Silver Deer Spectrum, Boulder, Colorado. (Click to open report) The management of the Silver Deer Spectrum (SIC-3229), Boulder, Colorado, requested an evaluation of exposures to lead (7439921), glues and solvents for workers involved in the grinding, polishing, gluing and silkscreening of leaded glass crystal art objects. Sixteen breathing zone and general room air samples were collected with lead concentrations ranging from not detectable to 0.08mg/m3. Three of these readings exceeded the evaluation criteria of action level for lead. Methylene-chloride (750... (Click to show more)The management of the Silver Deer Spectrum (SIC-3229), Boulder, Colorado, requested an evaluation of exposures to lead (7439921), glues and solvents for workers involved in the grinding, polishing, gluing and silkscreening of leaded glass crystal art objects. Sixteen breathing zone and general room air samples were collected with lead concentrations ranging from not detectable to 0.08mg/m3. Three of these readings exceeded the evaluation criteria of action level for lead. Methylene-chloride (75092) was found in small quantities in 13 of 14 air samples. The highest level of methylene-chloride detected was 15.7mg/m3. No workers from the grinding room showed blood lead levels above 40 micrograms/deciliter. No evidence of lead toxicity was noted in workers from the blood samples or from discussions held with the workers. The author concludes that a potential health hazard from lead existed at the time of the evaluation. The author recommends that care be taken to reduce lead exposure in the grinding room. No dry grinding or polishing of the leaded glass should be permitted. The down draft ventilation in the grinding stations should be maintained, cleaned, and balanced so that each work station has sufficient capture velocity.
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(1986) Champion International, Frenchtown, Montana. (Click to open report) Possible exposures to crystalline silica, lead (7439921), and total particulates were reviewed at Champion International (SIC-2621), Frenchtown, Montana, in response to a request by the Hellgate Local 885 of the United Paperworkers International Union. The hog fuel and waste fuel boilers were the areas of specific concern at this paper mill. Breathing zone samples collected for nine locations were found to be below the evaluation criteria for crystalline silica and total particulate contents. Re... (Click to show more)Possible exposures to crystalline silica, lead (7439921), and total particulates were reviewed at Champion International (SIC-2621), Frenchtown, Montana, in response to a request by the Hellgate Local 885 of the United Paperworkers International Union. The hog fuel and waste fuel boilers were the areas of specific concern at this paper mill. Breathing zone samples collected for nine locations were found to be below the evaluation criteria for crystalline silica and total particulate contents. Respirable silica was present at 0.02mg/m3 at its highest concentration. Results of the bulk analyses showed that the workers were exposed to material containing only 3.1 percent quartz (14808607) and less than 0.75 percent cristobalite, suggesting no hazard from crystalline silica. Respirable particulate concentrations ranged from 0.2 to 11.0, with a average concentration of 4.12mg/m3. Lead and chromium (7440473) were below the detection limit. A bulk sample of gasket material was 50 to 60 percent chrysotile (12001295) asbestos. The author concludes that a potential health hazard existed from exposure to total dust in the boiler area, and from installation of asbestos gasket material. Workers involved in handling the gasket material should be advised that it is made of asbestos and to take the required safety precautions. The asbestos gasket material should be replaced by some less hazardous material.
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(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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