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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
(2013) Employee exposure to lead and other chemicals at a police department. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program evaluated employees' exposure to lead when working in the parking garage adjacent to the firing range of a police department. Lead was found on surfaces inside the parking garage; the firing range was identified as the main source of this contamination. Investigators determined that the firing range did not meet all of the ventilation design elements recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. When investigators interviewed... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program evaluated employees' exposure to lead when working in the parking garage adjacent to the firing range of a police department. Lead was found on surfaces inside the parking garage; the firing range was identified as the main source of this contamination. Investigators determined that the firing range did not meet all of the ventilation design elements recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. When investigators interviewed employees they found that most employees reported health symptoms that they felt were related to or made worse by the workplace. One employee who reported headache, tiredness, and leg weakness and pain had a higher than normal blood lead level. A lack of ventilation in the property room where illicit drugs were stored was also of concern. Illicit drugs were found on some surfaces in the property room. Employees were also concerned about water intrusion and mold growth on the ceiling tiles in offices, but investigators did not find visual of water intrusion or mold growth. HHE Program investigators recommended that the firing range be redesigned to meet all recommended design elements or that another firing range be used. Officers should be provided with non-lead bullets and lead-free primer. If bullets or primer containing lead are used then investigators recommended collecting air samples. The results of this sampling will help determine which elements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration lead standard need to be followed. Investigators also recommended that surfaces contaminated with lead or illicit drugs be properly cleaned. Change-out schedules for the air filters in the local exhaust ventilation systems and vacuum cleaners should be established and followed. HHE Program investigators recommended that employees wear nitrile gloves when cleaning guns, handling spent cartridge cases, and when working in the firing range or parking garage. Even when gloves are worn, hands should be cleaned with soap and water or with lead-decontamination wipes after firing weapons or doing other work that could result in exposure to lead. Investigators also recommended the use of nitrile gloves when employees handle illicit drug evidence or perform criminology procedures.
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(2013) Exposures to lead and other metals at an aircraft repair and flight school facility. (Click to open report) The health hazard evaluation (HHE) Program evaluated concerns about lead exposure at an aircraft repair and flight school facility. Single-engine aircraft at the facility use leaded aviation fuel which generates lead-containing particulates as a combustion byproduct. No one at the facility reported work-related symptoms. Lead was detected in blood samples collected from all facility personnel. The hangar area had the highest surface concentrations of lead; lead was also found on the steering whe... (Click to show more)The health hazard evaluation (HHE) Program evaluated concerns about lead exposure at an aircraft repair and flight school facility. Single-engine aircraft at the facility use leaded aviation fuel which generates lead-containing particulates as a combustion byproduct. No one at the facility reported work-related symptoms. Lead was detected in blood samples collected from all facility personnel. The hangar area had the highest surface concentrations of lead; lead was also found on the steering wheel of an employee's car. All airborne concentrations of lead and other elements measured over a work shift were low. Airborne lead concentrations approached the occupational exposure limit for a short-term exposure when spark plugs were being sandblasted. There was no routine cleaning schedule in place for the hangar and a leaf blower was reportedly used to clear dust from surfaces. Lead dust was found on toys and a baby walker in the work area. Investigators also found that chemicals were improperly labeled and stored. HHE Program investigators recommended that the employer develop a respiratory protection program and require employees to use a respirator when sandblasting spark plugs. Wet cleaning methods, instead of dry cleaning methods, should be used to clean the hangar. Chemicals should be properly labeled and stored in closed containers within safety cabinets. The employer should provide employees with disposable shoe covers and on-site laundering for work clothes to reduce the potential for take-home lead contamination. Investigators also advised that children not be allowed in work areas. Employees were encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly before eating and drinking, before and after putting on gloves, and before leaving the facility.
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(2013) Followback evaluation of lead and noise exposures at an indoor firing range. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program received a request to re-evaluate an indoor firing range for lead and noise exposure during firearms qualifications. In the initial evaluation in 2009, we measured airborne lead exposures among instructors, shooters, and technicians above occupational exposure limits. HHE investigators recommended the employer redesign the ventilation system to reduce lead exposures at the range and were later informed that changes had been made. HHE investigators retur... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program received a request to re-evaluate an indoor firing range for lead and noise exposure during firearms qualifications. In the initial evaluation in 2009, we measured airborne lead exposures among instructors, shooters, and technicians above occupational exposure limits. HHE investigators recommended the employer redesign the ventilation system to reduce lead exposures at the range and were later informed that changes had been made. HHE investigators returned in 2012 to reassess lead and noise exposure and to evaluate the redesigned range ventilation system. We collected air samples, surface vacuum, and surface wipe samples for lead throughout the complex and measured airflow in the firing range. Surface wipes were also used to qualitatively evaluate the presence of lead on skin, clothing, and shoes. Low levels of lead in the air were found in the firing range and firearms cleaning area. High levels of lead were detected in the air while the hazardous materials technician vacuumed behind the bullet trap. Instructors' and shooters' exposure to airborne lead was below occupational exposure limits. Surface wipe and vacuum samples detected lead throughout the complex. Most of the wipe samples collected on the hands, shoes, and pants of the instructors, shooters, and the hazardous material technician were above the limit of visual identification. Measured airflow along the firing line met NIOSH recommendations. HHE investigators recommended that the employer remove all carpets and rugs, clean the floors with an explosion-proof vacuum cleaner, and improve general housekeeping practices throughout the facility. The employer was encouraged to provide instructors and technicians with annual training and educational materials regarding lead and noise exposure. Investigators recommended the employer provide lockers for employees to change from their personal clothing into work clothing. Employees were encouraged to wear dual hearing protection; to shower prior to leaving the facility each day; and to not eat, drink, chew gum or use tobacco in the firearms cleaning area and firing range. All were encouraged to wear shoe covers while in the range and use lead removal wipes to wash their hands and faces before eating, drinking, or contact with others.
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(2013) Potential employee exposures during crime and death investigations at a county coroner's office. (Click to open report) The HHE Program evaluated employees' exposures during crime and death investigations at a coroner's office. Investigators observed work practices and procedures and interviewed employees about their work and health. Investigators sampled the air for formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, airborne particles, and ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate. Samples were taken during autopsy procedures, tissue prepping and processing, and fingerprint fuming operations. Investigators also sampled for lead in the air a... (Click to show more)The HHE Program evaluated employees' exposures during crime and death investigations at a coroner's office. Investigators observed work practices and procedures and interviewed employees about their work and health. Investigators sampled the air for formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, airborne particles, and ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate. Samples were taken during autopsy procedures, tissue prepping and processing, and fingerprint fuming operations. Investigators also sampled for lead in the air and on surfaces in the firearms section and sampled for residual drug particles in the air and on surfaces in the drug evidence laboratory. The ventilation system was also assessed. Investigators found that some exposures to formaldehyde in the autopsy suite were above the recommended ceiling limits and that the number of air changes per hour was below the recommended level. Airborne drug particles were found in samples taken during drug analyses and on the surfaces in the drug evidence laboratory. In the firearms section, air did not flow from the shooter towards the target as recommended and lead contamination was found on surfaces in the firing room. Investigators determined that airborne concentrations of lead may be a health hazard to firearm investigators involved in multiple weapons testing sessions in one shift. For the autopsy suite, HHE Program investigators recommended increasing room exhaust, installing downdraft tables, removing items blocking exhaust fans, using local exhaust ventilation attachments when doing cranial autopsies, and opening containers of formaldehyde only when needed. For the drug evidence laboratory, they recommended using a high-efficiency particulate air filtered hood for procedures that produce airborne drug particles and improving housekeeping. To reduce lead exposures, they recommended modifying the supply and exhaust ventilation in the firing room to provide a laminar flow of air from the shooter towards the bullet trap and using a high-efficiency particulate air filtered vacuum or wet mopping methods to clean the firing range. Throughout the facility, they identified the need for employees to wash their hands with warm water and soap after completing work activities.
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(2013) Vibration exposure for interment technicians. (Click to open report) The HHE Program evaluated concerns about injuries to an interment crew at a cemetery. Investigators spoke with employees about their health and safety concerns and measured the distance employees had to reach to operate equipment controls. Most operators' feet did not touch the foot controls when their back was against the backrest of the dumper, causing a larger portion of the forces from vehicle vibration to be absorbed through the seat and into the buttocks, pelvis, and torso. Whole body vibr... (Click to show more)The HHE Program evaluated concerns about injuries to an interment crew at a cemetery. Investigators spoke with employees about their health and safety concerns and measured the distance employees had to reach to operate equipment controls. Most operators' feet did not touch the foot controls when their back was against the backrest of the dumper, causing a larger portion of the forces from vehicle vibration to be absorbed through the seat and into the buttocks, pelvis, and torso. Whole body vibration measurements were taken during operation of a 10-ton power tip dumper and backhoe. Investigators also compared whole body vibration exposures during different driving speeds and loading conditions and found that higher speeds on the dumper produced more whole body vibration. Interment employees were exposed to whole body vibration due to the configuration of the dumper and the condition of the roadways and soil shed area. Investigators concluded that operating the dumper caused more whole body vibration than operating the backhoe. HHE Program investigators recommended that the employer restrict driving speeds of the dumper and backhoe by either installing a governor device on the equipment or by establishing a speed policy for employees. Roadways should be improved and maintained regularly and the unpaved soil shed area and access roadways leading to the area should be graded more often. Investigators also recommended rotating employees through tasks on the dumper and backhoe more frequently.
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(2013) Zoonotic disease and exposures in persons working with marine mammals. (Click to open report) The HHE Program evaluated potential exposure of employees and volunteers to zoonotic diseases at a marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center. Zoonotic diseases are those that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Investigators with the HHE Program observed work practices and personal protective equipment use and found that some practices may lead to a higher risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases. Employees and volunteers were given a survey and blood tests to look for evidence of past ... (Click to show more)The HHE Program evaluated potential exposure of employees and volunteers to zoonotic diseases at a marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center. Zoonotic diseases are those that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Investigators with the HHE Program observed work practices and personal protective equipment use and found that some practices may lead to a higher risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases. Employees and volunteers were given a survey and blood tests to look for evidence of past infection. Among the 213 participants, little evidence was found of past infection with the organisms that cause leptospirosis, brucellosis, or Q fever. Air, surface, and bulk dust samples were collected for C. burnetti, the bacterium that causes Q fever; all but one of 130 samples was negative. A ventilation assessment showed that the biological safety cabinet in the laboratory did not have enough airflow so investigators recommended that the employer have this cabinet certified yearly and ensure that it meets minimum flow requirements. Investigators also found that when the harbor seal area ventilation system was turned on air flowed from the intensive care unit to other areas of the building. Investigators recommended that harbor seal pups not be housed in the intensive care unit if they are suspected of having Q fever. Instead they should be housed outside and isolated from other harbor seal pups. Investigators recommended that the carpet in the triage building be removed and replaced with a nonporous surface. Investigators noted that some employees and volunteers were not wearing the correct personal protective equipment and recommended that the employer provide initial training and refresher training for all employees and volunteers on hand washing, proper personal protective equipment use, and the risk of infection. Employees were encouraged to (1) wash their hands after exposure to animals or animal areas even if they were wearing gloves, (2) not wear personal protective equipment in areas where people eat or drink, (3) report signs of possible zoonotic infection to their supervisor, and (4) to tell their healthcare provider about their duties and exposures to marine mammals. The employer was encouraged to post signs about hand washing.
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(2012) Ergonomic evaluation of surfacing and finishing tasks during eyeglass manufacturing - Minnesota. (Click to open report) In June 2010, NIOSH received an HHE request from managers to evaluate potential ergonomic hazards and MSDs among employees at three eyeglass manufacturing facilities in Minnesota. The request concerned employees working in the surfacing and finishing departments. We visited the three facilities on November 16-19, 2010. We observed work processes and practices and assessed workplace conditions. We videotaped surfacing and finishing tasks. We also measured workstation heights and reach distances. ... (Click to show more)In June 2010, NIOSH received an HHE request from managers to evaluate potential ergonomic hazards and MSDs among employees at three eyeglass manufacturing facilities in Minnesota. The request concerned employees working in the surfacing and finishing departments. We visited the three facilities on November 16-19, 2010. We observed work processes and practices and assessed workplace conditions. We videotaped surfacing and finishing tasks. We also measured workstation heights and reach distances. We talked with employees privately to discuss concerns about the workplace and their health. We also reviewed medical records related to MSDs. We found that employees were exposed to a combination of risk factors for developing WMSDs, including awkward postures, forceful exertions, and repetitive motions. Of 60 interviewed employees, 45 reported having current or past MSD symptoms. Review of 19 employees' medical records found that most medically documented WMSDs involved the wrists, shoulders, hands, and back. Three employees had undergone surgery and three (one of whom had undergone surgery) were put on permanent work restrictions. Comparison of OSHA Form 300 Logs of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses showed higher rates of injury and illness at this facility than at other eyeglass manufacturing facilities in the United States in 2007-2009, but by 2010, all but one facility's rates had declined to near the national industry average. On the basis of employee interviews and OSHA Logs, the most commonly reported MSDs were wrist, shoulder, hand, and back disorders. We provided the facility with recommendations for reducing the risk of WMSDs. By designing work areas to have a working height of 27"-62" and rotating employees to different job tasks after every break, managers can reduce the risk of WMSDs. Training employees to recognize and avoid risk factors that can lead to musculoskeletal problems and encouraging employees to report work-related musculoskeletal discomfort can also reduce employees' risk of injury.
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(2012) Exposure to radon progeny during closure of inactive uranium mines - Colorado. (Click to open report) In June 2011, NIOSH received an HHE request from managers of a federal agency in Colorado. NIOSH was asked to evaluate employees' exposure to ionizing radiation hazards during construction of various types of closures at abandoned uranium mines. The primary health concern at these sites involved inhalation of naturally occurring short-lived radon progeny (i.e., polonium-218, lead-214, bismuth-214, and polonium-214) at mine entrances (adits). Also of concern, but to a lesser extent, was exposure ... (Click to show more)In June 2011, NIOSH received an HHE request from managers of a federal agency in Colorado. NIOSH was asked to evaluate employees' exposure to ionizing radiation hazards during construction of various types of closures at abandoned uranium mines. The primary health concern at these sites involved inhalation of naturally occurring short-lived radon progeny (i.e., polonium-218, lead-214, bismuth-214, and polonium-214) at mine entrances (adits). Also of concern, but to a lesser extent, was exposure to gamma radiation emitted from mine waste and nearby geological formations. On September 12-15, 2011, we visited several abandoned mines on Wedding Bell Mountain in southwest Colorado and the Vanadium Queen mine in Utah. We observed the construction of a native stone and mortar closure on Wedding Bell Mountain. We also conducted continuous monitoring of radon progeny at several mine openings at Wedding Bell Mountain and at the Vanadium Queen mine. We reviewed the state inactive mine reclamation program's pre-bid radon monitoring protocol. Monitoring results and onsite observations suggest that employee exposures to radon during mine closure activities are generally low. However, radon concentrations at mine openings are greatly affected by changing environmental conditions such as wind velocity, moisture, and barometric pressure. Results of NIOSH exposure monitoring did not exceed the average pre-bid PAEC values obtained during previous monitoring by state inactive mine reclamation program staff. Nevertheless, PAEC results from the CWLMs varied widely over the sampling period because of constant fluctuations in ventilation patterns. Given this variability, it is unlikely that shortterm sampling, as conducted by state inactive mine reclamation program staff, is sufficient to derive long-term average concentrations that form the basis of protective actions. Control measures are needed in some instances to keep exposures as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). Gamma radiation is likely to be measureable at the surface of waste rock piles near mine adits. Occupancy to these areas should be limited to minimize exposures to radon. The use of simple engineering controls (e.g., barriers, ventilation), along with the use of respiratory protection when needed, are recommended to keep radon exposures ALARA.
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(2011) Electromagnetic field exposures at a research institution's laboratories and atomic time radio stations - Colorado. (Click to open report) In June 2009, NIOSH received a health hazard evaluation request from a research institution in Colorado. The request concerned sub-RF (below 30 kHz) and RF (30 kHz to 300 GHz) EMF exposures at the institution's laboratories and atomic time radio stations. The radio stations were located at a remote site in Colorado separate from the laboratories. In response to this request, we evaluated the facilities on August 31-September 3, 2009, and August 3-5, 2010. During the first evaluation, magnetic fl... (Click to show more)In June 2009, NIOSH received a health hazard evaluation request from a research institution in Colorado. The request concerned sub-RF (below 30 kHz) and RF (30 kHz to 300 GHz) EMF exposures at the institution's laboratories and atomic time radio stations. The radio stations were located at a remote site in Colorado separate from the laboratories. In response to this request, we evaluated the facilities on August 31-September 3, 2009, and August 3-5, 2010. During the first evaluation, magnetic flux density (B) fields near or above OELs were measured in the magnetic annealing laboratory and superconducting magnet laboratory. Electric (E) field strengths above OELs were measured at the interoperability communications laboratory. Measurements taken at the atomic time radio stations demonstrated a potential for overexposure to RF. However, because the RF meter we used did not span all broadcasted frequencies and potentially perturbed fields, we planned another evaluation of the atomic time radio stations using appropriate instrumentation in 2010. During this second evaluation, we measured E and magnetic (H) field strengths at the atomic time radio stations. E-field strengths exceeded the action levels along the access roads leading to the helix houses within 700 feet of the LF north and south antennas. E- and H-field strengths exceeded the action levels at locations along the access road circling the HF antennas. E- and H-field strengths exceeded OELs within 30 feet of the 10- and 15-MHz antennas. Because EMF field strengths exceeded OELs or action levels in some locations at the research institution, we recommended implementing a comprehensive EMF safety program. This program should be managed by an EMF safety officer. The EMF safety officer should maintain an inventory of EMF sources, conduct annual EMF safety awareness training, audit the EMF safety program annually, and install signage and other controls in areas where field strengths are likely to exceed OELs or action levels. In addition, a system should exist for employees to report EMF exposures incidents and provide feedback to the EMF safety officer.
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(2011) Exposure to toluene, ethanol, and isopropanol at an electronics manufacturer - Ohio. (Click to open report) In January 2009, NIOSH received an HHE request from an electronics manufacturer in Ohio. The request concerned the potential for exposure to toluene and ethanol when gluing and oven curing electrical contacts to electrical shells and exposure to isopropanol when placing rubber inserts and electrical contacts into electrical shells. NIOSH investigators made site visits to the electronics manufacturer facility on February 23, 2009, and June 18, 2009. We walked through the facility and observed wor... (Click to show more)In January 2009, NIOSH received an HHE request from an electronics manufacturer in Ohio. The request concerned the potential for exposure to toluene and ethanol when gluing and oven curing electrical contacts to electrical shells and exposure to isopropanol when placing rubber inserts and electrical contacts into electrical shells. NIOSH investigators made site visits to the electronics manufacturer facility on February 23, 2009, and June 18, 2009. We walked through the facility and observed work processes, practices, and conditions. We spoke with employees about health and workplace concerns and collected air samples. We used colorimetric detection tubes on February 23, 2009, to estimate air concentrations of toluene and ethanol in the gluing and oven curing area. On a return site visit on June 18, 2009, we collected full-shift and short-term air samples for toluene and ethanol in the gluing and oven curing area. We also collected task-based and short-term air samples for isopropanol in the shell dipping area. We evaluated the LEV in the gluing and oven curing area using a thermoanemometer and smoke tubes. Finally, we used colorimetric lead swabs to determine if lead was present on the electrical shells. We detected measurable levels of toluene, ethanol, and isopropanol; however, all samples were less than 6% of applicable OELs. Some skin contact to isopropanol was observed during the shell dipping process. Employees did not wear gloves to protect against skin exposure to these chemicals. LEV systems in the gluing and oven curing area were present but were not working optimally. Lead was not detected on the surface of the electrical shells. Several strategies could be used to minimize exposures and improve effectiveness of the LEV systems in the gluing and oven curing area. When the LEV on either the gluing station or oven is not in use, close the damper to increase the capture efficiency. Redesign the hood types and/or place the hoods closer to contaminants for better capture efficiency. Similarly, for the shell dipping area, an LEV unit could be added to reduce nuisance odors. Gloves should be used if dermal exposure to the glue or shell dipping solution is anticipated. Employees who choose to wear respiratory protection voluntarily during work activities should be provided with Appendix D of the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134). NIOSH investigators evaluated the potential for exposure to chemicals at an electrical connector manufacturer. We found that the air concentrations of toluene, ethanol, and isopropanol were very low, less than 6% of OELs. To reduce toluene and ethanol nuisance odors, we recommend changes to the LEV in the gluing and oven curing area. Additionally, installing LEV in the shell dipping area may reduce isopropanol nuisance odors.
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