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HHE Search Results
477 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
(2014) Lead exposure at a firing range and gun store. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request for an evaluation from employees of a firing range and gun store. Employees were concerned about lead exposure and reported being diagnosed with lead poisoning and being medically removed from the workplace by an occupational physician. We visited the facility in December 2013 to interview employees, assess lead exposures, and evaluate ventilation system performance. In February 2014, we provided a summary of the environmental sampling resu... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request for an evaluation from employees of a firing range and gun store. Employees were concerned about lead exposure and reported being diagnosed with lead poisoning and being medically removed from the workplace by an occupational physician. We visited the facility in December 2013 to interview employees, assess lead exposures, and evaluate ventilation system performance. In February 2014, we provided a summary of the environmental sampling results to the employer and employee representatives and personal sampling results were sent to each employee who participated in the evaluation. Employees generally spent most of their work day at the sales counter in the showroom or in the office. They occasionally entered the ranges to assist shooters who were experiencing difficulty or to supervise league shooting. On Saturdays, employees performed a deep cleaning of the firing ranges. Each range had a separate single-pass ventilation system that supplied outside air to the range and exhausted the air directly outdoors without recirculation. The areas of the facility other than the range were served by two recirculation ventilation systems. All employees had elevated blood lead levels, defined as greater than or equal to 10 µg/dL, when tested by the employer in November 2013. Employee BLLs ranged from 19.9-40.7 µg/dL. No employees had undergone the medical surveillance required by Cal/OSHA. Air sampling results for lead were below the Cal/OSHA permissible exposure limit of 50 µg/m3. We found lead on all tested surfaces in the range and in the showroom. Employees also had lead on their hands and shoes as they left work to go home. The ventilation system had numerous deficiencies, and lead contaminated air circulated throughout the building. Multiple openings between the ranges and the wall separating them from the showroom allowed lead dust to migrate to the air handling units that serve the showroom and office/classroom area. We recommended the employer (1) switch to lead-free ammunition, (2) remove all employees with blood lead levels of 20 µg/dL or higher from exposure to lead until their two blood lead levels taken a month apart drop below 15 µg/dL, (3) hire a ventilation engineer to modify or redesign the ventilation systems, (4) remove lead contamination from the showroom, and (5) follow the Cal/OSHA medical surveillance requirements. We recommended employees (1) talk to their doctor about their exposure to lead at work, (2) not eat, drink, or smoke inside the facility, (3) wash their hands with a lead-removing soap before leaving the facility, and (4) change their clothes and shoes before leaving work to decrease the amount of lead transferred to their car or home.
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(2014) Occupational exposures at an electronic scrap recycling facility. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a health and safety manager at an electronic scrap recycling facility. The employer was concerned about workplace exposures, including lead and cadmium. Computers, monitors, hard drives, televisions, printers, light bulbs, and other e-scrap were recycled and processed at this facility. The recycling operations included cathode ray tube (CRT) processing (demanufacturing and glass breaking operations, and electronic sorting, demanufactur... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a health and safety manager at an electronic scrap recycling facility. The employer was concerned about workplace exposures, including lead and cadmium. Computers, monitors, hard drives, televisions, printers, light bulbs, and other e-scrap were recycled and processed at this facility. The recycling operations included cathode ray tube (CRT) processing (demanufacturing and glass breaking operations, and electronic sorting, demanufacturing, shredding, and bailing operations for all other electronics. We made multiple visits between 2012 and 2013 to evaluate employee exposures to workplace contaminants. We collected air samples for metals, dust, and crystalline silica; surface wipe samples for metals; and blood and urine samples for metals. We also did employee medical interviews; reviewed the facility's health and safety monitoring plans; and evaluated noise, engineering controls, and ergonomics in the work areas. We measured an overexposure to lead during shredder sorting and overexposures to cadmium on two employees during CRT buffing and grinding. We measured overexposures to noise on employees during CRT buffing and grinding, shredder sorting, forklift driving, and baling. We found metal contamination on surfaces throughout the facility; potentially contaminated air was recirculated back into the production area. We found lead on the clothing and skin of employees and on work surfaces. Blood lead levels ranged up to 13.7 micrograms per deciliter of blood. Two employees were above 10; a level of 10 or above is considered elevated. We noted the potential for taking lead and other contaminants outside of the workplace. Employees were exposed to ergonomic risk factors including extreme working postures, forceful exertions, and repetitive motions. Our recommendations to the employer included (1) following the OSHA lead and cadmium standards, (2) starting a medical monitoring program for all employees exposed to lead, (3) starting a hearing conservation program, (4) requiring respirator use in CRT buffing and grinding and shredder operations, (5) using wet methods or a vacuum with a high efficiency air filter instead of sweeping, and (6) designing work tasks and workstations to reduce bending, lifting, and other postures that do not allow employees to work efficiently and comfortably. We recommended the employees (1) provide and discuss this report with their doctor and discuss blood lead tests for their children and other family members, (2) wear required personal protective equipment, and (3) take a shower at the end of the shift and avoid wearing work clothing or shoes home.
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(2013) Chemotherapy drug evaluation at a veterinary teaching hospital - Michigan. (Click to open report) In February 2010, NIOSH received a confidential employee HHE request concerning exposure to chemotherapy drugs at a university veterinary teaching hospital (veterinary hospital) in Michigan. Employees were concerned that exposure to chemotherapy drugs may cause adverse health effects such as reproductive problems and hair loss. We visited the veterinary hospital in September 2010 and observed work practices and workplace conditions. We talked with employees about their health and workplace conce... (Click to show more)In February 2010, NIOSH received a confidential employee HHE request concerning exposure to chemotherapy drugs at a university veterinary teaching hospital (veterinary hospital) in Michigan. Employees were concerned that exposure to chemotherapy drugs may cause adverse health effects such as reproductive problems and hair loss. We visited the veterinary hospital in September 2010 and observed work practices and workplace conditions. We talked with employees about their health and workplace concerns related to chemotherapy drugs. We collected surface wipe and air samples for the chemotherapy drugs cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and doxorubicin. We gave a presentation on the occupational risks associated with chemotherapy and other hazardous drugs to the employer, employees, and students. We also met with university officials responsible for the veterinary hospital's occupational health and safety program. Cyclophosphamide was detected in 4 of 44 surface wipe samples, ranging from ND (< 5 ng/100 cm2) to 240 ng/100 cm2. All detectable levels of cyclophosphamide were found in the chemotherapy drug preparation room and administration area. Ifosfamide was detected in 2 of 44 surface wipe samples, ranging from ND (< 2 ng/100 cm2) to 37 ng/100 cm2. We detected neither cyclophosphamide nor ifosfamide in the air samples. Doxorubicin was not detected (LOD = 7 ng/sample) in any of the surface wipe or air samples, but we believe the recovery of doxorubicin from these samples may have been poor because of the length of time the samples were stored frozen before analysis. Most employees we talked with were not satisfied with the health and safety program, particularly in the areas of training, supervisor communication, and required re-use of disposable PPE. A few employees reported that they did not always wear appropriate PPE when administering chemotherapy drugs. Three employees reported health effects (headache, nausea, and abnormal menstruation) that have been associated with chemotherapy exposure in prior studies, but that also have a variety of other etiologies. No employees reported hair loss at the time of our evaluation. We were unable to determine if the health effects reported by employees were work related. However, similar effects have been reported with occupational exposure to chemotherapy drugs in other studies. We have provided recommendations that may reduce chemotherapy drug exposure, address employee concerns about their workplace health and safety program, and lead to more consistent work practices and personal protective equipment use.
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(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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