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HHE Search Results
479 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
(1988) St. Francis-St. George Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a concern regarding lead (7439921) exposure among health care workers using lead containing steam sterilization indicators, an evaluation was made of exposures at the St. Francis- St. George Hospital (SIC-8062), Cincinnati, Ohio. Steam sterilization indicators used at the hospital (Surgicot indicator strips and tape and Tomac test records) contained appreciable amounts of lead which might be released by contact or during sterilization procedures. Personal breathing zone, area air,... (Click to show more)In response to a concern regarding lead (7439921) exposure among health care workers using lead containing steam sterilization indicators, an evaluation was made of exposures at the St. Francis- St. George Hospital (SIC-8062), Cincinnati, Ohio. Steam sterilization indicators used at the hospital (Surgicot indicator strips and tape and Tomac test records) contained appreciable amounts of lead which might be released by contact or during sterilization procedures. Personal breathing zone, area air, and surface wipe samples were taken and analyzed for lead content. No lead was detected in ten personal and general area air samples at a limit of 1.6 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3), well below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (50microg/m3). Only one of 29 wipe samples from surfaces directly or indirectly contacted by indicators (including four from workers' fingers) was positive for lead. There was no evidence of elevated body burdens of lead in blood samples from nine technicians analyzed for lead and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin. The author concludes that, if the same lead containing indicators are continued in use, no corrective action is needed. If other lead containing steam sterilization indicators are put into service, testing should be done to determine if they pose a lead hazard to workers using them.
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(1988) United States Air Force Reserve, Portland, Oregon. (Click for full summary) In response to a request from the United States Air Force Reserve, 939 ARRG, Portland, Oregon, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions in a lead (7439921) acid battery shop. The smell of sulfuric-acid (7664939) was noticeable on entering the shop. As many as ten lead acid batteries were serviced and charged in the shop on a daily basis. The shop had a ventilation supply duct located directly above the battery charging units. The employee working in the shop was provided with a ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United States Air Force Reserve, 939 ARRG, Portland, Oregon, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions in a lead (7439921) acid battery shop. The smell of sulfuric-acid (7664939) was noticeable on entering the shop. As many as ten lead acid batteries were serviced and charged in the shop on a daily basis. The shop had a ventilation supply duct located directly above the battery charging units. The employee working in the shop was provided with a rubber apron, gloves, and safety goggles. Personal air samples were collected near the breathing zone of the battery charger operator. Area air samples were collected at different locations in the battery charging area. Sampling indicated levels of sulfuric-acid which were far below the environmental criteria at the time of this survey. Even though the design of the ventilation system was such that it caused the contaminants generated during battery charging to pass directly across the breathing zone, the dilution effect caused the concentration to be reduced below acceptable levels. The author concludes that no health hazard existed, but continued attention should be directed toward the safe work practices in the battery shop.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report HETA-88-255-0000.
(1987) Artistic Awards, Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Artistic Awards Co. (SIC-3499), Colorado Springs, Colorado, a study was made of possible exposure to lead (7439921) during lead medallion production. An elevated blood lead level had been found in one worker with symptoms of weakness and fatigue. Personal breathing zone air samples obtained from the areas of casting and engraving showed levels of 7.3 to 8.0 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). Samples collected during grinding and buffing of lead medallions indicated... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Artistic Awards Co. (SIC-3499), Colorado Springs, Colorado, a study was made of possible exposure to lead (7439921) during lead medallion production. An elevated blood lead level had been found in one worker with symptoms of weakness and fatigue. Personal breathing zone air samples obtained from the areas of casting and engraving showed levels of 7.3 to 8.0 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). Samples collected during grinding and buffing of lead medallions indicated lead concentration in the breathing zone of 1300 to 1900microg/m3. Each of four grinding and buffing stations was fitted with a well enclosed ventilation hood. At one station, the ductwork was clogged with buffing wheel material and ducts at the other three stations were disconnected inside the cabinets. Excessive levels of lead in the air resulted from a lack of local exhaust ventilation in this area. Workers in this room wore half face respirators; however, the respirator which was worn by the worker who had the elevated blood lead level failed to pass a fit test. After improvements had been made, the ventilation system was observed to be very effective. Lead exposures during buffing and grinding operations had been reduced to below the limit of detection, 6microg/m3. The author concludes that one worker has been overexposed to lead due to a poorly fitted respirator, and possibly to ingestion of lead deposited on food or drinks.
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(1987) Bondar-Clegg, Lakewood, Colorado, Sparks, Nevada. (Click to open report) In response to requests from management of Bondar-Clegg (SIC-7397) located in Lakewood, Colorado and Sparks, Nevada, evaluations were made of exposure to lead (7439921) in two fire assay laboratories. Breathing zone and general room air concentrations of lead were measured at each facility. All eight samples taken at Lakewood exceeded the evaluation criteria of 0.05mg/m3 with the range being from 0.1 to 0.6mg/m3. Of 14 samples taken at Sparks, nine exceeded the criteria, ranging from 0.01 to 0.4... (Click to show more)In response to requests from management of Bondar-Clegg (SIC-7397) located in Lakewood, Colorado and Sparks, Nevada, evaluations were made of exposure to lead (7439921) in two fire assay laboratories. Breathing zone and general room air concentrations of lead were measured at each facility. All eight samples taken at Lakewood exceeded the evaluation criteria of 0.05mg/m3 with the range being from 0.1 to 0.6mg/m3. Of 14 samples taken at Sparks, nine exceeded the criteria, ranging from 0.01 to 0.49mg/m3. Improvements were needed in the exhaust ventilation systems at each location. Medical evaluations of ten employees at Sparks showed blood lead levels within the OSHA regulatory limits. However, three workers were over 40 micrograms/deciliter, the limit for returning to a job that involves lead exposure. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed from over exposure to lead at these facilities. The authors recommend improvements in the ventilation system and an upgraded respirator program. All workers should be advised of the toxic properties of lead exposure. Workers in the assay department should shower and change clothes and shoes at the end of the day to prevent lead contamination from entering the home. Personal hygiene should be improved. Medical monitoring of workers should continue.
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(1987) Dale Electronics, Incorporated, Norfolk, Nebraska. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of Dale Electronics, Incorporated (SIC-3676), Norfolk, Nebraska, an evaluation was made of exposure to butyl-cellosolve (111762), epichlorohydrin (106898), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), antimony (7440360), and total particulates for workers in an electronic resistor manufacturing process. No exposure to butyl-cellosolve was detected among liquid coaters and no epichlorohydrin was detected in the process area air samples. No exposure to nickel ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of Dale Electronics, Incorporated (SIC-3676), Norfolk, Nebraska, an evaluation was made of exposure to butyl-cellosolve (111762), epichlorohydrin (106898), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), antimony (7440360), and total particulates for workers in an electronic resistor manufacturing process. No exposure to butyl-cellosolve was detected among liquid coaters and no epichlorohydrin was detected in the process area air samples. No exposure to nickel or chromium was detected among mechanical grinding spirallers. One laser spiraller was exposed to 8 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) of nickel and 8microg/m3 chromium. Trace amounts of nickel were noted in the breathing zones of one plating lab worker and one calibrator. Total particulate exposures ranged from 0.1 to 0.9mg/m3. The author concludes that there were no known overexposures to contaminants at this facility. The author recommends that the exhaust ducts and fan be checked to find the cause for decreased mixing room ventilation system performance noted at the time of the study. Mixing room workers should ensure that all materials are handled as closely as possible to the local exhaust hoods. Standard written operation procedures for use of respirators should be developed.
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(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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