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HHE Search Results
62 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
(1997) Los Angeles County Department of Coroner, Los Angeles, California. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the office of the Los Angeles County Department of the Coroner (SIC-9221), Los Angeles, California, an evaluation was conducted of a pneumatic reciprocating saw equipped with local exhaust ventilation used for cranial openings during forensic autopsies and examinations. The pneumatic saw was compared to an electrically driven saw. Airborne particulates were collected and spectral measurements of noise were made during six autopsies. Particulate air samples were coll... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the office of the Los Angeles County Department of the Coroner (SIC-9221), Los Angeles, California, an evaluation was conducted of a pneumatic reciprocating saw equipped with local exhaust ventilation used for cranial openings during forensic autopsies and examinations. The pneumatic saw was compared to an electrically driven saw. Airborne particulates were collected and spectral measurements of noise were made during six autopsies. Particulate air samples were collected for microscopic analysis for bone and tissue fragments. The use of local exhaust ventilation significantly reduced the aerosols produced by the reciprocating saws. No short term, high concentrations of particulates were noted during autopsies utilizing the local exhaust ventilation system. The noise measurements indicated that they did not exceed noise occupational exposure limits. While levels approached 95 decibels during a 15 second period, the short amount of time which the physician or technician were subjected to the noise lowered the time weighted average exposure below all evaluation criteria. The authors recommend that the vacuum recovery system should be mechanically integrated with the activation of the reciprocating saw, eliminating the possibility of operator error.
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(1997) OshKosh B'Gosh, Byrdstown, Tennessee. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Division of Tuberculosis Elimination (DTBE) and the National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHSTP), an investigation was begun into the ventilation system at OshKosh B'Gosh (SIC-2361), Byrdstown, Tennessee after an employee was diagnosed with cavitary tuberculosis. The company had about 263 workers at the time of the study, including 238 sewers and 25 staff personnel, seven of whom worked directly in the warehouse. An epidemiologic evaluation had docum... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Division of Tuberculosis Elimination (DTBE) and the National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHSTP), an investigation was begun into the ventilation system at OshKosh B'Gosh (SIC-2361), Byrdstown, Tennessee after an employee was diagnosed with cavitary tuberculosis. The company had about 263 workers at the time of the study, including 238 sewers and 25 staff personnel, seven of whom worked directly in the warehouse. An epidemiologic evaluation had documented positive skin tests among 75% of the workers. An initial evaluation measured air flow rates and air movement. A more detailed ventilation assessment was made to document conditions likely to occur during the period that an employee with tuberculosis at the site was infectious. This necessitated using a tracer gas evaluation to quantify the extent and speed of contaminant dispersion and contaminant removal rate. The tracer gas evaluation showed an excellent air mixing and a low air change rate. The authors conclude that ventilation conditions were favorable for tuberculosis transmission; bacteria would be able to spread quickly and uniformly throughout the facility, and remain suspended for hours before being removed from the air. The authors recommend that improvements be made in the general ventilation.
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(1996) University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, University Hospital, Newark, New Jersey. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management at the University Hospital, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (SIC-4119), Newark, New Jersey, an evaluation was made of a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration system in an ambulance and of two portable HEPA filtration units used in the hospital. Using the supplemental HEPA filtration system cleared particles faster than the ambulance without the supplemental system. Effective air change rates ranged from about 43 to 46 air ch... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management at the University Hospital, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (SIC-4119), Newark, New Jersey, an evaluation was made of a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration system in an ambulance and of two portable HEPA filtration units used in the hospital. Using the supplemental HEPA filtration system cleared particles faster than the ambulance without the supplemental system. Effective air change rates ranged from about 43 to 46 air changes per hour in the HEPA equipped ambulance, and from 26 to 32 in the non HEPA equipped ambulance. Particle clearance was also improved by the use of the rear vent fan in conjunction with the provision of outside air through the vehicles and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Use of the vent fan with the provision of outside air through the vehicles main HVAC improved aerosol clearance in any ambulance and reduces the potential risk of tuberculosis (TB) transmission. The authors recommend that respiratory protection be used by workers during transport of known or suspected infectious TB patients and that the performance of regular preventive maintenance and leak testing be performed on the HEPA unit.
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(1995) Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an employee, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Jackson Memorial Hospital (SIC-8062), Miami, Florida. Concern was expressed regarding exposure to tuberculosis hazards, ventilation systems, exposure to aerosolized pentamidine-isethionate (140647) (AP) and to Mycobacterium-tuberculosis, and potential exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation from UV lamps which had been purchased but not activated. Employees who worked on wards... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an employee, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Jackson Memorial Hospital (SIC-8062), Miami, Florida. Concern was expressed regarding exposure to tuberculosis hazards, ventilation systems, exposure to aerosolized pentamidine-isethionate (140647) (AP) and to Mycobacterium-tuberculosis, and potential exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation from UV lamps which had been purchased but not activated. Employees who worked on wards with infectious tuberculosis patients had a higher 4 year rate of conversion on the tuberculin skin test than other workers, 14.5% versus 1.4%. Significantly higher rates of TST conversion were noted for exposed workers for 1989, 1990, and 1991, but not for 1992. Nurses had an 18.2% conversion rate and ward clerks, 15.6%. No greater symptom prevalence was found among workers who administered AP treatments. Similarly, their TST conversion was no different from other workers. The ventilation system in the urgent care clinic was found to be inadequate for the isolation of patients. Ultraviolet radiation from installed UV lamps exceeded the NIOSH recommended levels for 8 hour exposures. The authors recommend specific measures which pertain to each of these potential hazards.
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(1995) Johnson Brothers Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a management request from Johnson Brothers Company (SIC-1721), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, an investigation was begun into possible health hazards at steel plate sandblasting and painting operations. The company employed about 20 workers in the surface preparation and painting of steel plate water tanks at sites throughout the country. Environmental sampling was perform at two sites in Pennsylvania. Workers were noted to be overexposed to crystalline silica (14808607) during tank in... (Click to show more)In response to a management request from Johnson Brothers Company (SIC-1721), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, an investigation was begun into possible health hazards at steel plate sandblasting and painting operations. The company employed about 20 workers in the surface preparation and painting of steel plate water tanks at sites throughout the country. Environmental sampling was perform at two sites in Pennsylvania. Workers were noted to be overexposed to crystalline silica (14808607) during tank interior sandblasting and shoveling operations at the Pike County site. Airborne concentrations of respirable silica during blasting exceeded the recommended exposure limit (REL) from NIOSH by a factor of 300 to 540. An abrasive blasting hood with an assigned protection factor (APF) of only 25 was used. During sand shoveling operations the REL was exceeded by a factor of 94 while the respirator with an APF of only 10 was used. Deficiencies were noted in the respiratory protection and hearing conservation programs at the site. Eleven of the 13 employees at these sites participated in the medical evaluation. Three had abnormal spirometry test results, and an obstructive pattern of abnormalities. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed at the time of the survey due to exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The authors recommend that effective respiratory protection, hearing conservation, and medical surveillance programs be implemented, and a less toxic abrasive blasting material be used.
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(1995) Southcentral Regional Public Health Laboratory, Anchorage, Alaska. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management at the Southcentral Regional Public Health Laboratory (SIC-8071), Anchorage, Alaska, an investigation was begun into possible exposure to Mycobacterium- tuberculosis (Mtb) in the laboratory from handling incoming samples, from the preparation of acid fast bacilli (AFNB) smears, and from culturing sputum or other clinical specimens potentially containing Mtb. The facility did not have a written tuberculin skin testing (TST) surveillance program. A potentia... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management at the Southcentral Regional Public Health Laboratory (SIC-8071), Anchorage, Alaska, an investigation was begun into possible exposure to Mycobacterium- tuberculosis (Mtb) in the laboratory from handling incoming samples, from the preparation of acid fast bacilli (AFNB) smears, and from culturing sputum or other clinical specimens potentially containing Mtb. The facility did not have a written tuberculin skin testing (TST) surveillance program. A potential for dissemination of Mtb was noted in the ventilation system and the design of the building. Exhaust ductwork was disconnected and opened to the return air plenum. Ceiling tiles were present throughout the containment laboratory as opposed to a hard surfaced ceiling as recommended. Deficiencies were also noted in the work practices and procedures. The author concludes that a potential health hazard exists for workers at the facility due to deficiencies in the design of the laboratory and operation of the ventilation system, and the lack of appropriate respiratory protection. The author recommends that specific measures be taken to correct identified deficiencies and to meet minimum guidelines for biosafety in microbiological laboratories.
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(1995) U.S. Marshals Service, Los Angeles, California. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management at the United States Marshals Service (USMS) (SIC-9221), Los Angeles, California, a study was made of possible occupational exposures to tuberculosis in individuals involved in the handling of prisoners. The USMS employed about 107 workers including deputy US Marshals and related operational personnel, guards, and administrative personnel. Seven positive tuberculin skin test (TST) reactions were reported among the USMS staff from January to April of 1... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management at the United States Marshals Service (USMS) (SIC-9221), Los Angeles, California, a study was made of possible occupational exposures to tuberculosis in individuals involved in the handling of prisoners. The USMS employed about 107 workers including deputy US Marshals and related operational personnel, guards, and administrative personnel. Seven positive tuberculin skin test (TST) reactions were reported among the USMS staff from January to April of 1994. No known exposure occurred among the employees to tuberculosis (TB). Of 107 USMS employees, 69 (65%) had been tested with TST between January and June of 1994. All 16 indoor measurements of carbon-dioxide (124389) ranged from 425 to 850 parts per million (ppm). Temperature ranged from 74 to 78 degrees-F and relative humidity from 49 to 59%. Pooled standing water was noted in some of the condensate pans and evidence of water leakage was found on the ceiling tiles under the heating, ventilation and air conditioning units. No particulate filters were present in the HVAC units, nor was there a place to install filters. The authors conclude that USMS employees may have an increased risk of occupationally acquired TB infection. The authors recommend that measures be taken, including TB education and surveillance programs, and improvements in the work environment, particularly the ventilation systems.
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(1995) U.S. Marshals Service, Miami, Florida. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the United States Marshals Service (SIC-9221) (USMS), Miami, Florida. Specific concerns were voiced regarding the 11 positive tuberculin skin test (TST) reactions among USMS staff occurring from January to April of 1994. Federal prisoners were taken from federal institutions and contract facilities by USMS and escorted by bus to the USMS facility where they were held for up to 8 hou... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the United States Marshals Service (SIC-9221) (USMS), Miami, Florida. Specific concerns were voiced regarding the 11 positive tuberculin skin test (TST) reactions among USMS staff occurring from January to April of 1994. Federal prisoners were taken from federal institutions and contract facilities by USMS and escorted by bus to the USMS facility where they were held for up to 8 hours a day, being taken to and from the court room for appearances and later transported back to their holding facilities or prison. USMS staff also accompanied prisoners after sentencing to their prisons or to medical facilities when they were ill. Of 63 USMS workers with direct contact with prisoners, 46 received a TST between May of 1993 and February of 1995. A positive response was obtained in seven of these workers; none had a documented prior nonreactive TST. Three reported contact with a TST positive prisoner during his stay at the facility. Deficiencies were noted in the amount of outdoor air delivered to the facility through the current ventilation system. The authors conclude that the available data are not sufficient to assess the prevalence of tuberculosis infection or tuberculosis transmission in this group. The authors recommend that improvements be made in the TST surveillance program and in the environmental air quality at the worksite.
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(1994) Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association, Anchorage, Alaska. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management at the Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association (SIC-8361), Anchorage, Alaska, an evaluation was conducted of the potential for Mycobacterium-tuberculosis transmission in a residential facility. Two duplexes were being renovated to provide housing for homeless human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected persons. A walk through survey was conducted of one of the two duplexes. Architectural drawings and patient acceptance criteria were also reviewed. A room was ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management at the Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association (SIC-8361), Anchorage, Alaska, an evaluation was conducted of the potential for Mycobacterium-tuberculosis transmission in a residential facility. Two duplexes were being renovated to provide housing for homeless human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected persons. A walk through survey was conducted of one of the two duplexes. Architectural drawings and patient acceptance criteria were also reviewed. A room was selected for use in separating a suspected infectious individual from other residents, temporarily. Although the facility has a written protocol for acceptance of clients, it did not have a written tuberculosis control program covering the early identification of infected workers, including volunteers. The facility did not have a personal respiratory protection program. The authors conclude that a hazard exists for workers who will be exposed to individuals with infectious tuberculosis in the facility, due to deficiencies in the ventilation system and the lack of appropriate respiratory protection. The author recommend that administrative and engineering controls, as well as the use of appropriate respiratory protection, be used to reduce the risk of M-tuberculosis transmission in the facility, as well as during the transport of potentially infectious individuals.
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(1994) Essex County Division of Welfare, Newark, New Jersey. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Communication Workers of America, District 1, an investigation was begun into the potential risk of tuberculosis transmission at the Essex County Division of Welfare (SIC-9441), Newark, New Jersey. Clients of the Division included members of groups considered to be at high risk for tuberculosis, including the homeless and low income populations. Newark had a rate of 68.3 tuberculosis cases per 100,000 persons. An environmental inspection was made at the Food Sta... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Communication Workers of America, District 1, an investigation was begun into the potential risk of tuberculosis transmission at the Essex County Division of Welfare (SIC-9441), Newark, New Jersey. Clients of the Division included members of groups considered to be at high risk for tuberculosis, including the homeless and low income populations. Newark had a rate of 68.3 tuberculosis cases per 100,000 persons. An environmental inspection was made at the Food Stamp Office, which included an inspection of the ventilation systems and measurements of carbon-dioxide (124389) concentrations at various times throughout the day. The ventilation system did not supply a sufficient quantity of outdoor air. The medical evaluation included confidential interviews with 18 workers. The results of a voluntary tuberculosis screening were reviewed. The authors conclude that Division of Welfare employees may be at risk for tuberculosis infection because clients are considered a high risk group for active tuberculosis. The authors recommend that an employee tuberculosis education and screening program be instituted for employees of the Division of Welfare. Improvements to the ventilation system in the Food Stamp Office should be made.
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