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HHE Search Results
1062 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
(1998) Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc., Distribution Products Division, Urbana, Ohio. (Click to open report) In March 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW) Local 1740. The request identified mouth sores, nose bleeds, blisters in the eyes, rashes, and throat irritation as potentially being associated with the manufacturing of circuit breaker cases in the plastic department at Siemens Energy and Automation plant in Urbana, Ohio. The material of concern wa... (Click to show more)In March 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW) Local 1740. The request identified mouth sores, nose bleeds, blisters in the eyes, rashes, and throat irritation as potentially being associated with the manufacturing of circuit breaker cases in the plastic department at Siemens Energy and Automation plant in Urbana, Ohio. The material of concern was identified as a bulk molding compound containing styrene and vinyl toluene-based plastic resin. This request was followed by a similar management request in May 1997. NIOSH investigators performed an initial site visit at the Siemens facility on August 20-22, 1997. During the initial site visit, employee interviews were conducted, a questionnaire was administered to plastics department employees, the manufacturing process and work practices were observed, company records were reviewed, and air samples were collected for vinyl toluene, styrene, metals, particle characterization, and volatile organic compounds. Subsequent head space analysis of heated raw process materials revealed the presence of formaldehyde. A follow-up site visit was performed on January 15-16, 1998, to collect air samples for formaldehyde vapor, formaldehyde on dust, and inhalable dust.
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(1998) United States Postal Service, Omaha, Nebraska. (Click to open report) In October 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the National States Post Office Mail Processing and Distribution Center, Omaha, Nebraska. A NPMU representative requested an evaluation of worker exposure to paper dust, mold spores, and ink mist/dust in the first and second floors of the mail processing plant and the basement of a warehouse annex. In the request, the NPMU listed concerns regarding inhalation ... (Click to show more)In October 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the National States Post Office Mail Processing and Distribution Center, Omaha, Nebraska. A NPMU representative requested an evaluation of worker exposure to paper dust, mold spores, and ink mist/dust in the first and second floors of the mail processing plant and the basement of a warehouse annex. In the request, the NPMU listed concerns regarding inhalation and skin exposure resulting in adult-onset cases, recurrent sinus and respiratory infections, allergy treatments for paper dust and mold, lung infections, and recurrent dermatitis. On December 9-12, 1997, NIOSH investigators performed a walkthrough survey of the worksite and met with NPMU and US Postal Service representatives to discuss health issues related to worker exposure to paper dust, mold spores, and ink dust/mist. Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) of products used in the mail processing and warehouse areas were reviewed.
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(1998) Victoria Vogue, Inc., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In February 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from a group of employees at Victoria Vogue, Inc. in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The HHE request concerned employee health complaints that include skin rash, eye irritation, and difficulty breathing that were believed to be caused by occupational exposure to cotton dust during the production of velour materials and cosmetic powder puffs. Employees ... (Click to show more)In February 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from a group of employees at Victoria Vogue, Inc. in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The HHE request concerned employee health complaints that include skin rash, eye irritation, and difficulty breathing that were believed to be caused by occupational exposure to cotton dust during the production of velour materials and cosmetic powder puffs. Employees were also concerned about poor lighting while operating machinery in the Automatics department. On August 4-5, 1997, a site visit was made by NIOSH investigators to conduct an industrial hygiene survey that included exposure monitoring on workers for cotton dust, a lighting survey to determine adequate illumination at workstations, and a general safety inspection of the weaving operation. A symptoms questionnaire was distributed to each employee to obtain baseline information and the prevalence of their health complaints.
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(1997) Alcatel Telecommunications Cable, Roanoke, Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request from an employee, a health hazard evaluation was begun at Alcatel Telecommunications Cable (SIC- 3357), Roanoke, Virginia. The employee expressed concerns over potential exposures during the operation of the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) process and when cleaning and cutting quartz glass tubes. A walk through tour was conducted to observe work practices and potential exposure risks, and to interview informally the employees on site. Personal breathing zone... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request from an employee, a health hazard evaluation was begun at Alcatel Telecommunications Cable (SIC- 3357), Roanoke, Virginia. The employee expressed concerns over potential exposures during the operation of the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) process and when cleaning and cutting quartz glass tubes. A walk through tour was conducted to observe work practices and potential exposure risks, and to interview informally the employees on site. Personal breathing zone samples were also collected. Results from sampling found only trace amounts of airborne fused silica. The airborne silica collected was identified as mostly amorphous-fused-silica (60676860). The highest personal exposure was 0.217mg/m3. No crystalline silica was found. Optical examination of material taken from the saw waste receptacle found only amorphous-silica and aluminum-oxide (1344281). Very few of the workers had specific health complaints, but may voiced lingering concern about the potential for silica exposure. The author concludes that workers were not at risk from silica exposures during routine manufacture of optical fiber cable. During cleanup or maintenance work, there was a potential for exposure to fused silica. Recommendations were offered concerning local exhaust ventilation and the transport of CVD glass bubblers containing phosphorus-oxychloride (10025873).
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(1997) American Tripoli, Inc., Seneca, Missouri. (Click to open report) In response to a request for technical assistance from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, an investigation was made into the prevalence of silicosis among active and retired miners at American Tripoli, Inc. (SIC-1446), Seneca, Missouri. A medical evaluation of current workers and former workers was conducted. American Tripoli began operating in 1971. At the time of the study 17 workers were employed at the facility, ten of whom worked in the grinding area of the mill or in areas downstre... (Click to show more)In response to a request for technical assistance from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, an investigation was made into the prevalence of silicosis among active and retired miners at American Tripoli, Inc. (SIC-1446), Seneca, Missouri. A medical evaluation of current workers and former workers was conducted. American Tripoli began operating in 1971. At the time of the study 17 workers were employed at the facility, ten of whom worked in the grinding area of the mill or in areas downstream of the grinding process. Nine of 11 eligible current workers and nine of 28 former workers participated in the study. There was one current worker with a chest X-ray consistent with silicosis, and one case of silicosis in a former worker. Both cases were employed at American Tripoli for over 15 years, and both reported employment at other dusty jobs. Pulmonary function testing revealed that two of 16 participants who performed spirometry had abnormal patterns, both being obstructive. The author concludes that the cases of silicosis can be, at least in part, attributed to exposure at this facility. The author recommends modifications in the preplacement examination and annual medical monitoring offered by the company.
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(1997) Center to Protect Workers' Rights, Washington, D.C. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Center to Protect Workers' Rights in Washington, D.C. (SIC-1742), an investigation was begun into exposure to total and respirable particulates, possibly containing silica (14808607), being generated from drywall finishing during the renovation of the building. Personal breathing zone samples were collected on two drywall finishers. Eight months later, additional samples were collected from eight drywall finishers. A medical evaluation was performed assessing wo... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Center to Protect Workers' Rights in Washington, D.C. (SIC-1742), an investigation was begun into exposure to total and respirable particulates, possibly containing silica (14808607), being generated from drywall finishing during the renovation of the building. Personal breathing zone samples were collected on two drywall finishers. Eight months later, additional samples were collected from eight drywall finishers. A medical evaluation was performed assessing workers' health symptoms. Six different off the shelf dry wall joint compounds were also examined. Concentrations of total and respirable dust levels exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limits of 15mg/m3 total dust and 5mg/m3 respirable dust. Silica was present, but only at trace levels. None of the six bulk samples of joint compounds contained asbestos, three contained minor silica and perlite contents, and two contained minor quantities of gypsum and talc with one containing a minor quantity of clay. The most common nonmusculoskeletal symptoms reported during the 12 months of the study were phlegm production, cough, shortness of breath, and eye irritation. The most frequent musculoskeletal symptoms were pain, stiffness, or numbness in the elbows/forearms, back and hands/wrists. The authors recommend the use of engineering controls, wet finishing techniques, and personal protective equipment to limit exposures to dusts created during dry wall finishing operations.
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(1997) Centre Foundry & Machine Company, Wheeling, West Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at Centre Foundry and Machine Company (SIC-3321), Wheeling, West Virginia. The company employed 52 workers in the manufacture of grey iron castings used in steel production. All seven personal breathing zone (PBZ) samples taken were over the limit for respirable silica (14808607). Several also exceeded the limits for iron (7439896) and manganese (7439965). One carbon- monoxide (630080) sample exceeded the limit of 35... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at Centre Foundry and Machine Company (SIC-3321), Wheeling, West Virginia. The company employed 52 workers in the manufacture of grey iron castings used in steel production. All seven personal breathing zone (PBZ) samples taken were over the limit for respirable silica (14808607). Several also exceeded the limits for iron (7439896) and manganese (7439965). One carbon- monoxide (630080) sample exceeded the limit of 35 parts per million (ppm). Air concentrations of resorcinol (108463), furfuryl-alcohol (98000), aluminum (7429905), barium (7440393), chromium (7440473), magnesium (7439954), nickel (7440020), phosphorus (7723140), titanium (7440326), and zinc (7440666) were below the respective limits. Levels of p-toluene-sulfonic-acid (104154) ranged from 29 to 125 micrograms/cubic meter. Discussions with workers did not reveal any major health concerns. Some potential safety and health hazards were identified during the walk through inspection such as the use of compressed air to clean loose sand from castings and cluttered walk ways. The author concludes that workers were overexposed to respirable silica, iron, manganese, and carbon- monoxide. Use of respirators would be expected to reduce exposures to silica, iron, and manganese to below exposure limits. The author recommends specific measures to reduce these exposures.
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(1997) Clinch River Power Plant, Cleveland, Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, an investigation was begun into possible exposures during rebuilding of coal fired boilers at the Clinch River Power Plant (SIC-4911), Cleveland, Virginia. During the sampling period, boilermakers removed secondary inlet and secondary outlet boiler elements and removed and replaced portions of the steel boiler casting, exposing them to fly ash and fumes from air arc gouging, welding, and torch cutting. ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, an investigation was begun into possible exposures during rebuilding of coal fired boilers at the Clinch River Power Plant (SIC-4911), Cleveland, Virginia. During the sampling period, boilermakers removed secondary inlet and secondary outlet boiler elements and removed and replaced portions of the steel boiler casting, exposing them to fly ash and fumes from air arc gouging, welding, and torch cutting. Laborers maintained the walkways and prepared work areas using sweeping and vacuuming techniques, primarily exposing them to fly ash. The highest personal breathing zone (PBZ) air sample concentrations of arsenic (7440382), beryllium (7440406), cadmium (7440439), nickel (7440020), lead (7439921), and respirable dust occurred when boilermakers performed job tasks inside the boiler and outside the boiler on the steel boiler casing. Air arc gouging, welding, oxyacetylene torch cutting, or grinding on or near the scale greatly increased the potential for the generation of airborne particles. Cristobalite (14464461) was found in one PBZ sample at 0.03mg/m3. The author concludes that there appears to be a potential for a health hazard at job sites where similar activities take place. The author recommends lowering worker exposures through the use of engineering controls and improvements in housekeeping procedures.
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(1997) Dana Corporation, Spicer Axle Division, Fort Wayne, Indiana. (Click to open report) In June 1995, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the United Paperworkers International Union, Local 7903, to investigate (1) worker exposures to respiratory and dermatologic hazards from inhalation and contact with fungi- and bacteria-contaminated synthetic metal--working fluids (MWFs), oil mist, and grinding dust in the machining areas, and (2) ergonomic hazards at the Dana Corporation, Spicer Axle Division fa... (Click to show more)In June 1995, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the United Paperworkers International Union, Local 7903, to investigate (1) worker exposures to respiratory and dermatologic hazards from inhalation and contact with fungi- and bacteria-contaminated synthetic metal--working fluids (MWFs), oil mist, and grinding dust in the machining areas, and (2) ergonomic hazards at the Dana Corporation, Spicer Axle Division facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In response to this request, an initial site visit was conducted on August 22-23, 1995, and a second site visit was conducted on June 19-20, 1996, to evaluate environmental exposures. A walk-through investigation of the north building, which contains the assembly area, was completed. An inspection of the make-up air units on the roof that served the south building was conducted, and the cleaning and performance of some of the SMOG HOG air cleaning devices was observed.
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(1997) Federal Express, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request from employees at the Federal Express Call Center (SIC-4513), Cincinnati, Ohio, an investigation was begun into indoor environmental quality at the facility. The concerns included a lack of ventilation; an unclean work area; exposures to dust, mold, and contaminants; illnesses of unknown origin; chronic upper respiratory problems; above average absenteeism; low employee morale; and a hostile work environment. Employees who were interviewed spoke of runny nos... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request from employees at the Federal Express Call Center (SIC-4513), Cincinnati, Ohio, an investigation was begun into indoor environmental quality at the facility. The concerns included a lack of ventilation; an unclean work area; exposures to dust, mold, and contaminants; illnesses of unknown origin; chronic upper respiratory problems; above average absenteeism; low employee morale; and a hostile work environment. Employees who were interviewed spoke of runny nose, stuffy nose/sinus congestion, dry throat, eye irritation, fatigue, and sleepiness. Several also reported pain or numbness in the shoulder, neck, hands, or wrist. One recently had undergone surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. A number of employees reported that they experienced symptoms of stress as a result of excessive work pressure and mandatory overtime. Carbon-dioxide (124389) levels, temperature, and relative humidity were all within acceptable ranges, and the carbon-dioxide concentration did not increase throughout the day, suggesting that the ventilation system was providing good air circulation and introducing enough outside air into the work area. In the roof top air handling unit there was visible mold growth and fine dust. Recommendations were made to improve the situation, but no specific hazards were noted.
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