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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
(1999) R. H. Sheppard Company, Inc. Hanover, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to an employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) received on May 29, 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a site visit at the R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc., facility in Hanover, Pennsylvania. The request asked NIOSH to determine if reported worker health problems were associated with exposure to contaminants in plant No. 1 and Department No. 109, at this automotive power steering unit manufacturer. The reported health problems include... (Click to show more)In response to an employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) received on May 29, 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a site visit at the R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc., facility in Hanover, Pennsylvania. The request asked NIOSH to determine if reported worker health problems were associated with exposure to contaminants in plant No. 1 and Department No. 109, at this automotive power steering unit manufacturer. The reported health problems included allergic reactions, respiratory infections, and skin and eye irritation. Potential exposures identified in the request included metalworking fluids (MWFs), naptha, and metal dust from grinding. Inadequate ventilation was also noted as a concern.
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(1999) San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, San Francisco, California. (Click to open report) In August 1996, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, San Francisco, California to evaluate the Parks Department's composting operation. Their request indicated that one of the three employees assigned to the composting site had experienced respiratory problems, nausea, shortness of breath, and muscle soreness. In addition, NIOSH was also asked to... (Click to show more)In August 1996, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, San Francisco, California to evaluate the Parks Department's composting operation. Their request indicated that one of the three employees assigned to the composting site had experienced respiratory problems, nausea, shortness of breath, and muscle soreness. In addition, NIOSH was also asked to evaluate the effectiveness of the enclosed cabs on the heavy equipment used at the compost site. On September 4, 1996, two NIOSH Industrial Hygienists conducted a site visit to the composting site and conducted limited air samples during simulated turning operations. The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department operates a small composting operation which is located adjacent to the San Francisco Zoo. The material which is composted at this site consists of leaf, and green waste which is mixed with manure from the zoo. The green waste is collected at the city's parks and is trucked to the composting site. The zoo manure (zoo-doo) from herbivores is collected and also trucked to the site for mixing with green waste. During the surveys conducted at these composting sites, work area air samples were collected for total dusts and bioaerosols. Samples were collected during simulated operations at the compost site. Total sampling times for the samples collected were approximately two hours, and therefore, do not reflect an eight-hour time weighted concentration. Air samples were collected at locations upwind and downwind of the site, and inside and outside of the cabs of the chipper and front-end loader. Total bacteria concentrations measured inside and outside the chipper cab were 9250 and 6.06 x106 colony forming units per cubic meter of air (CFU/m3), respectively. Fungi concentrations were 9.7 x 103 CFU/m3 inside the cab and 6.8x 105 CFU/m3 outside the cab. The total dust concentration inside the cab of the loader was 0.68 milligram per cubic meter of air (mg/m3) compared to 6.69 mg/m3 outside the cab. Bacteria concentrations inside and outside the loader cab were 2.6 x 104 and 3.5 x 106 CFU/m3, respectively. Fungi concentration were lower inside the loader cab as compared to outside the cab, but not as pronounced as that seen for total dust and bacteria. Fungal concentrations inside and outside were 3.2 x 104 CFU/m3 and 4.6 x 104 CFU/m3, respectively. The results from this health hazard evaluation have shown that the enclosed machinery cabs can reduce exposures. However, these controls will be ineffective if the cab windows or doors are opened during operation. Acceptable levels of airborne microorganisms have not been established. Lack of standardized exposure assessment techniques, inability to quantitate non-viable organisms, and inter-individual variability in response have confounded efforts to set such standards. To reduce this potential hazard it is important to reduce worker exposures using either engineering controls or a combination of engineering controls and respiratory protection. The results from this health hazard evaluation indicate that enclosed machinery cabs on the equipment at the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department sites reduce exposures to airborne fungi and bacteria. Microorganisms play such an important role in composting. Acceptable levels of airborne microorganisms have not been established. Lack of standardized exposure assessment techniques, inability to measure non-viable organisms, and inter-individual variability in response have confounded efforts to set such standards. To reduce this potential hazard it is important to minimize worker exposures using either engineering controls or a combination of engineering controls and respiratory protection.
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(1999) Shaw Industries, Stevenson, Alabama. (Click to open report) On December 5, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from employees of Shaw Industries (Shaw), located in Stevenson, Alabama, to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) of exposures occurring in the Twisting department. Employees in the Twisting department reported skin and respiratory irritation, gastrointestinal effects, sinus infection, and nervous system effects which they believed to be work-related. The request was accompan... (Click to show more)On December 5, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from employees of Shaw Industries (Shaw), located in Stevenson, Alabama, to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) of exposures occurring in the Twisting department. Employees in the Twisting department reported skin and respiratory irritation, gastrointestinal effects, sinus infection, and nervous system effects which they believed to be work-related. The request was accompanied by a letter indicating that employees were specifically concerned about exposure to Stantex (trademark) 418 (a lubricating oil), dust, and fibers generated when Wellman (a polyester polymer (PET)) fiber is twisted.
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(1999) U.S. Silica Company, Mill Creek Plant, Mill Creek, Oklahoma. (Click to open report) In July 1991, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for technical assistance from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to estimate the prevalence of silicosis among active and retired miners at U.S. Silica Company's Mill Creek plant, in Mill Creek, Oklahoma. Current and former workers with one year or greater cumulative tenure since 1970 in the grinding area of the mill or in areas downstream (by material processing) of the grinding pro... (Click to show more)In July 1991, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for technical assistance from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to estimate the prevalence of silicosis among active and retired miners at U.S. Silica Company's Mill Creek plant, in Mill Creek, Oklahoma. Current and former workers with one year or greater cumulative tenure since 1970 in the grinding area of the mill or in areas downstream (by material processing) of the grinding process represented the population of primary interest. On August 10-12, 1993, a medical evaluation of current workers was conducted. Former workers were tested on August 13-14, 1993. The medical evaluation included a questionnaire, spirometry, and a single view posterior-anterior (PA) chest x-ray. Chest x-rays were independently classified according to the 1980 International Labour Office (ILO) system by three NIOSH-certified B readers who were unaware of the participant's age, occupation, occupational exposure, smoking history, or any identifying information. For the purposes of this evaluation, silicosis was defined on the basis of a chest x-ray with median small opacity profusion classification of category 1/0 or greater. Twenty-nine (57%) of 51 current workers and 20 (33%) of 61 former workers who met the study criterion participated in the NIOSH medical evaluation. Of these 49, five (10%) had a chest x-ray consistent with silicosis. The highest median ILO profusion category was 22. One of the five had a chest x-ray consistent with progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), with "B" size large opacities as classified by all three readers. Four (9%) of the 46 participants who performed spirometry had abnormal patterns; three exhibited an obstructive lung pattern and one exhibited a combined restrictive and obstructive pattern. An abnormal spirometry pattern was present in one of the five participants with a positive chest x-ray. U.S. Silica's medical monitoring includes all of the screening tests recommended by the National Industrial Sand Association (VISA) as well as those recommended by NIOSH for workers exposed to ground silica. NISA's current guidelines also recommend multiple ''readings of all chest x-rays with a small opacity profusion classification of I/0 or greater and 5-10% of those chest x-rays classified as 0/1 based on a single reading. Of the company records we reviewed, company chest x-rays initially classified as negative (0/0 and 0/1) were not routinely sent for additional readings. Since 1990, the company reportedly sent chest x-rays initially classified 1/0 or greater by a single reader for additional classifications. Five (10%) of the 49 survey participants who met the study criterion were found to have chest x-ray findings consistent with silicosis. These results are consistent with patterns of crystalline silica dust exposure at this facility. There were no cases of silicosis among current workers with 10 or less years of tenure; however, because of the long latency usually associated with chronic silicosis, this finding is not sufficient to conclude that current crystalline silica dust exposure levels are without adverse effect, The company medical monitoring practice of obtaining additional B reader classifications of those chest x-rays initially classified 1/0 or greater will produce an estimated prevalence no higher than and possibly lower than that obtained with a single reading, and those workers with a positive chest x-ray whose chest x-rays are initially read as 0/0 or 0/1 will not be identified. Recommendations are presented in this report and include obtaining at least two readings of all chest x-rays regardless of the initial small opacity profusion classification, increasing the frequency of medical monitoring regardless of examinations (TB) and modification of the baseline and routine examinations to include skin testing for tuberculosis (TB).
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(1999) United States Postal Service Mail Processing and Distribution Center, Tampa, Florida. (Click to open report) In August 1998 the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO (APWU) to conduct a health hazard evaluation at the Tampa Mail Processing and Distribution Center (TMPDC), Tampa, Florida. The request listed exposures to paper dust, bathroom cleaning chemicals, and rust / dust in the ventilation system as potential health hazards by inhalation, skin exposure, and ingestio... (Click to show more)In August 1998 the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO (APWU) to conduct a health hazard evaluation at the Tampa Mail Processing and Distribution Center (TMPDC), Tampa, Florida. The request listed exposures to paper dust, bathroom cleaning chemicals, and rust / dust in the ventilation system as potential health hazards by inhalation, skin exposure, and ingestion. Health effects resulting from these exposures were listed as chronic respiratory conditions and skin conditions including rashes and hives. On October 6 - 7, 1998, NIOSH investigators performed a walkthrough survey of the worksite and met with APWU and US Postal Service representatives to discuss worker exposure to dusts including paper dust and dusts associated with the operation of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. NIOSH investigators monitored real-time aerosol concentrations before and after "blowout" of paper dust from a mail sorting machine (delivery point bar code sorter) and collected 10 particle size selective area air samples. The investigators inspected 27 HVAC systems. Workers were notified by public address that NIOSH investigators were available to discuss respiratory symptoms. On November 11 - 13, 1998, NIOSH investigators returned to obtain three personal respirable dust samples from maintenance workers performing "blowout" of paper dust. A total of 12 airborne spore samples were collected and analyzed for fungal structure counts and fungal identification among plant (10), office (1) and outdoor (1) areas. Four area air samples were collected in the center of both the first (2) and third (2) floors for mite and roach antigen. Three bulk floor dust samples were collected for roach antigen in the first (2) and third (1) floors. Bulk dust samples were collected from each of 12 HVAC systems which service the first (7) and third (3) floors and the office area (2). The bulk samples were analyzed for viable fungi and mite antigen. Bulk drain pan water was collected from the same 12 HVAC systems for endotoxin analysis. A total of 12 airborne dust samples were collected and analyzed for endotoxin among plant (10), office (1) and outdoor areas (1). Of the 56 workers who discussed respiratory symptoms with NIOSH investigators during the walkthrough in October, 38 workers were contacted by telephone for follow-up interviews with a questionnaire in December 1998. Respiratory symptoms and worker job descriptions were obtained during the interviews. Nearly all interviewed workers reported that they experienced nasal symptoms: irritated, stuffy, or runny nose (97%); and sinus fullness or post nasal drip (89%). Seventy-nine percent (79%) reported eye problems; 74% reported irritated throat; 66% had headaches, and about 60% reported cough. Sixty-eight percent (68%) reported flu-like symptoms [fevers, aches, tiredness]; 34% reported wheezing, 39% were bothered by tightness in the chest, and 35% reported that they were short of breath more than once a week while at work. Of the 27 HVAC systems inspected, 21 had internal components that were in need of cleaning or adjustment to address problems ranging from dusty coils, slime within drain pans and coils, poor drain pan drainage, filter blow-by, dusty surfaces, and accumulation of dust in drain pans. Bulk dust was collected from each of 12 HVAC units for mite antigen analysis. Ten units were free from dust mite antigen, two which service the first floor were positive for antigen at a concentration associated with mite sensitization. Bulk floor dust collected in the areas adjacent to the cafeteria and lunch rooms on the first and third floors were negative for roach antigen. Mite antigen was not detected in airborne dust from the first floor, but was detected in airborne dust from the third floor. The concentration of mite antigen in the airborne dust exceeded the level associated with an allergic response in mite-sensitized individuals. No roach antigen was detected in the airborne dust samples. The average concentration of viable fungi per gram of bulk dust collected from 3 air handlers servicing the 3 rd floor was 15 times greater than average concentrations of fungi in bulk dust collected from air handlers that service the office and 1 st floor areas. Bulk dust samples from three air handlers that service the third floor were dominated by Tritirachium (80 - 86%) and Acremonium (69 - 93%). Of the bulk dust samples collected from seven air handlers that service the first floor, one was dominated by Exophalia (92 - 93%), five by Cladosporium (30 - 99%) and Penicillium (10 - 43%), and one by Aspergillus niger (21 - 29%) and Penicillium (49 - 53%). Counts of fungal spores in third floor and office samples ranged from 386 to 1157 spores per cubic meter of air (spores/m3 ); first floor counts ranged from 771 to 3470 spores/m3 . These indoor spore counts were below the outdoor concentration of 6169 spores/m3 . Respirable paper dust concentrations measured during five hours of blowout activity by maintenance workers ranged from 0.052 to 0.056 milligrams of dust per cubic meter of air (mg/m3 ). No exposure limits as enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or recommended by NIOSH or the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) were exceeded for paper dust concentrations in air. Endotoxin in bulk fluid samples from 12 air handler drain pans ranged from 0.3 to 2312 endotoxin units per milliliter of water (EU/ml). The drain pan fluid in air handler 37 (which services the third floor) was 2312 EU/ml, about 5.6 times the next highest concentration. Endotoxin concentrations in airborne dust samples in third floor, first floor, and office areas averaged 4.4, 6.5, and 5.6 endotoxin units per cubic meter of air (EU/m3 ) respectively. These endotoxin concentrations were below the outdoor concentration of 8.8 EU/m3. On the basis of environmental data and information gathered from employee interviews, NIOSH investigators did not find clear evidence that employee symptoms were caused by exposure to microbial contaminants or paper dust. Recommendations are made to control the accumulation of paper dust, improve the operation and cleaning of HVAC systems, and provide respiratory protection from paper and non-specific dusts if exposures initiate or aggravate respiratory conditions. Recommendations for respirator selection are presented in this report. In addition, the presence of airborne mite antigen indicates that dust containing this antigen was aerosolized. The concentration of the mite antigen in the airborne dust was high enough that it should be considered as a potential factor for triggering symptoms in employees with dust mite sensitivity.
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(1998) Active Industries, Inc., Clifton Park, New York. (Click to open report) In May 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from an employee of Active Industries, Clifton Park, New York. The HHE request stated that employees in the Specialized Machine Operations (SMO) area were experiencing sore throats, rashes, eye irritation, and upper respiratory congestion. The request indicated that the source of the health problems was mica, fiberglass, and Kevlar (trademark) dust, released during the... (Click to show more)In May 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from an employee of Active Industries, Clifton Park, New York. The HHE request stated that employees in the Specialized Machine Operations (SMO) area were experiencing sore throats, rashes, eye irritation, and upper respiratory congestion. The request indicated that the source of the health problems was mica, fiberglass, and Kevlar (trademark) dust, released during the manufacture of electrical insulation products. On November 11 - 12 1997, a NIOSH investigator conducted a site visit which included an opening conference, records review, walk-through inspection, informal discussions with employees, and air sampling.
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(1998) ADI Systems, Inc., Salina, Kansas. (Click to open report) In March, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from toner cartridge recycling workers for a safety and health hazard evaluation at ADI Systems, Inc. ADI Systems, Inc., in Salina, Kansas, recycles laser printer toner cartridges and printer ribbons. In response to this request, NIOSH investigators performed a walkthrough survey on April 25 and 26 1997. Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) of products used by cartridge recycling work... (Click to show more)In March, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from toner cartridge recycling workers for a safety and health hazard evaluation at ADI Systems, Inc. ADI Systems, Inc., in Salina, Kansas, recycles laser printer toner cartridges and printer ribbons. In response to this request, NIOSH investigators performed a walkthrough survey on April 25 and 26 1997. Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) of products used by cartridge recycling workers were reviewed, toner dust filtration units were inspected, occupational safety and health program records were reviewed, and personal interviews of current and former employees were conducted.
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(1998) Avondale Shipyards, New Orleans, Louisiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) received on July 9, 1997, from the Machinist Union, New Orleans Metal Trades Council, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted an initial site visit on August 27, 1997, and a follow-up survey on October 21-23, 1997, at the Avondale Shipyards in Avondale, Louisiana. Dust from sandblasting, welding fumes, contaminants from burning paint, and various solvents associated with fiberglass work were potenti... (Click to show more)In response to a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) received on July 9, 1997, from the Machinist Union, New Orleans Metal Trades Council, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted an initial site visit on August 27, 1997, and a follow-up survey on October 21-23, 1997, at the Avondale Shipyards in Avondale, Louisiana. Dust from sandblasting, welding fumes, contaminants from burning paint, and various solvents associated with fiberglass work were potential exposures listed on the request. Health problems reported in the request included breathing problems and nose bleeds. An interim report describing the actions taken by NIOSH during the initial site visit, and providng preliminary findings and recommendations, was issued on September 23, 1997.
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(1998) Bananas! Gifts, Incorporated, Clarkdale, Arizona. (Click to open report) On April 4, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Bananas! Gifts, Inc. facility in Clarkdale, Arizona. The confident request expressed concern over possible exposure to lacquer solvents, abrasive-blasting materials, and a patina solution (brown or green layer on copper as a result of oxidation). Concern was also expressed over "homemade" heavy machinery, ventilation, and protective clothing. The empl... (Click to show more)On April 4, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Bananas! Gifts, Inc. facility in Clarkdale, Arizona. The confident request expressed concern over possible exposure to lacquer solvents, abrasive-blasting materials, and a patina solution (brown or green layer on copper as a result of oxidation). Concern was also expressed over "homemade" heavy machinery, ventilation, and protective clothing. The employees reported symptoms of rashes, nose sores, and hyperventilation. On November 5 and 6, 1997, NIOSH conducted a site visit at the Bananas! Gifts, Inc. facility. Area and short-term personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples were collected on November 6, 1997. NIOSH investigators collected 6 PBZ and 6 area air samples for metals, 4 PBZ and 3 area air samples for 2-butoxyethanol, 2 PBZ and 2 area air samples for inorganic acids, 3 area air samples for respirable dust, and 2 area air samples for methylene chloride. During the sampling period, employees switched from operation to operation with a working duration ranging from a few minutes to 2-3 hours. The length of time at a specific operation with a working duration ranging from a few minutes to 2-3 hours. The length of time at a specific operation depends mainly upon the customer orders received for a particular item. Therefore, full-shift PBZ air samples were not collected.
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(1998) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Washington, DC. (Click to open report) In April 1996, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), in Falls Church, Virginia, regarding respiratory hazards associated with fire investigations. ATF trains a select number of special agents as fire investigators as part of the ATF arson enforcement program. These special agents work with counterparts in state and local fire departments to investigate the ... (Click to show more)In April 1996, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), in Falls Church, Virginia, regarding respiratory hazards associated with fire investigations. ATF trains a select number of special agents as fire investigators as part of the ATF arson enforcement program. These special agents work with counterparts in state and local fire departments to investigate the origin and cause of fires. ATF special agents and local fire investigators in the northern Virginia jurisdictions were concerned about the potential respiratory health effects from conducting fire scene examinations and the adequacy of their respiratory protection. In response to this request, environmental monitoring was performed during the investigation of two house fires on February 12 and 13, 1997, in metropolitan Washington, D.C., and Prince George's County, Maryland, and three staged fires on June 3, 1997, at the Fort Belvoir military base in Alexandria, Virginia. During these fire scene examinations, environmental samples were collected for total and respirable dust, metals, hydrogen cyanide, inorganic acids, aldehydes including formaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), elemental carbon, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
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