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HHE Search Results
1058 HHE reports were found based on your search terms. Reports are listed in order of year published with the most recently published reports listed first.
Year Published and Title
(1993) Iron Workers Union, Local 372, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Iron Workers Local 72 (SIC-1791) in Cincinnati, Ohio, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions arising from the cutting of epoxy coated steel reinforcing rod used in the construction of concrete structures. Workers were also concerned about possible exposures occurring during recoating of steel with a two part epoxy resin paint. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected during cutting procedures conducted with ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Iron Workers Local 72 (SIC-1791) in Cincinnati, Ohio, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions arising from the cutting of epoxy coated steel reinforcing rod used in the construction of concrete structures. Workers were also concerned about possible exposures occurring during recoating of steel with a two part epoxy resin paint. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected during cutting procedures conducted with either a cutting torch or a cut off saw, and analyzed for total particulates, metals, oxides of nitrogen, aldehydes, 4,4-methylene-dianiline (101779), volatile organic compounds and carbon-monoxide (630080). Sampling for methyl- isobutyl-ketone (141797), xylene (1330207), and 2-butoxyethanol (111762) was conducted during the patch kit operations. The authors conclude that no exposures related to the epoxy resin coating or the patch kit were detected which would be of concern. Over exposures were documented to total particulates and various metals including iron (7439896), nickel (7440020), copper (7440508), titanium (7440326), and arsenic (7440382). These exposures most likely came from the reinforcing rod and the cutting wheel. The authors recommend that measures be taken to reduce these exposures while cutting either coated or uncoated steel.
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(1993) JMS Southeast, Inc., Statesville, North Carolina. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential employee request, an investigation was begun of worker exposures to airborne contaminants and the effectiveness of the ventilation system at JMS Southeast, Inc. (SIC- 3823), Statesville, North Carolina. The company employed 42 workers, including 17 directly involved in manufacturing temperature measurement devices for industrial applications. Processes evaluated at this site during the on site visit included tungsten inert gas welding (TIG), metal grinding, buffing ... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential employee request, an investigation was begun of worker exposures to airborne contaminants and the effectiveness of the ventilation system at JMS Southeast, Inc. (SIC- 3823), Statesville, North Carolina. The company employed 42 workers, including 17 directly involved in manufacturing temperature measurement devices for industrial applications. Processes evaluated at this site during the on site visit included tungsten inert gas welding (TIG), metal grinding, buffing and sanding, brazing and soldering, and degreasing. Observations included sporadic adherence to the use of personal protective equipment and the lack of a formal safety program. Shop vacuums were used to ventilate the grinders and tubing cutters and did not appear to effectively contain the dusts after collection. Air sampling results indicated that contaminant levels were below NIOSH recommended exposure limits. Low concentrations of metals, both fumes and dust, were detected at several workstations. The author concludes that workers were not exposed to airborne contaminants above recommended limits at the time of the survey. The shop vacuums used as local exhaust systems were not intended for this use. The author recommends specific measures to improve the level of safety and health, including ventilation and employee training.
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(1993) Morton Salt Company, Grande Saline, Texas. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, exposures to asbestos (1332214) and diesel emissions at the Morton Salt Company (SIC-1479), Grande Saline, Texas were evaluated. A walk through survey, and medical and environmental evaluations were conducted at the mine and mill. Airborne particulate samples were collected and subsequently analyzed for solvent soluble portions. Six samples had concentrations of particulates ranging from 0.1 to 0.17mg/m3. Three samples of su... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, exposures to asbestos (1332214) and diesel emissions at the Morton Salt Company (SIC-1479), Grande Saline, Texas were evaluated. A walk through survey, and medical and environmental evaluations were conducted at the mine and mill. Airborne particulate samples were collected and subsequently analyzed for solvent soluble portions. Six samples had concentrations of particulates ranging from 0.1 to 0.17mg/m3. Three samples of sub micron size particulates ranged from 0.20 to 0.27mg/m3. Seven full shift personal nitrogen-dioxide (10102440) samples ranged from 0.47 to 1.4 parts per million (ppm) with a mean exposure of 0.8ppm. Airborne asbestos was not detected in 15 airborne samples collected in the mill area. The prevalence of chronic cough and chronic phlegm were not significant when compared with a group of nonexposed blue collar workers. Three cases of mild restriction of lung volume were noted. Of the 47 chest X-rays taken, one employee had a median reading of 1/1. This same individual also showed moderate obstruction upon pulmonary function testing. The authors conclude that there was a potential hazard from exposure to diesel exhaust and nitrogen- dioxide. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce these occupational exposures.
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(1993) Morton Salt Company, Weeks Island, Louisiana. Revised. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, an investigation was made of exposures to asbestos (1332214) and diesel emissions at the Morton Salt Company (SIC-1479), Weeks Island, Louisiana. A walk through survey, and medical and environmental evaluations were conducted at the mine and mill. Diesel equipment was used in the mine. Sub micron particulate exposures ranged from 0.31 to 1.32mg/m3. The most significant source of particulates was diesel exhaust. None of the 2... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, an investigation was made of exposures to asbestos (1332214) and diesel emissions at the Morton Salt Company (SIC-1479), Weeks Island, Louisiana. A walk through survey, and medical and environmental evaluations were conducted at the mine and mill. Diesel equipment was used in the mine. Sub micron particulate exposures ranged from 0.31 to 1.32mg/m3. The most significant source of particulates was diesel exhaust. None of the 20 personal breathing zone or area air samples collected in the mill exceeded limits for asbestos. An increased prevalence of chronic cough and phlegm was reported by workers. Chronic symptoms were reported by underground workers in all smoking categories, but only by those surface workers who also smoked. More complaints of eye irritation and tearing of the eyes were noted in underground workers, consistent with diesel byproduct exposure. Pulmonary function studies indicated that four workers had mild obstructive lung disease and one had moderate obstructive lung disease. Three workers with mild restriction of lung volume were also noted. None of the 61 chest films taken was positive for pneumoconiosis. The authors conclude that a potential hazard existed from exposure to diesel exhaust. The authors recommend that occupational exposures to workplace contaminants be reduced. A follow up medical questionnaire survey should be conducted after the implementation of exposure controls.
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(1993) New York Telephone Company, White Plains, New York. (Click to open report) In response to a request from employees of the New York Telephone Company (SIC-3661) Central Office facility in White Plains, New York, a study was conducted on possible exposures to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and chemicals as well as indoor air quality in response to a concern about a perceived high incidence of cancer among employees working on the third floor of the building. Air and dust samples were collected and analyzed for trace metal content, temperature, relative humidity, and carbo... (Click to show more)In response to a request from employees of the New York Telephone Company (SIC-3661) Central Office facility in White Plains, New York, a study was conducted on possible exposures to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and chemicals as well as indoor air quality in response to a concern about a perceived high incidence of cancer among employees working on the third floor of the building. Air and dust samples were collected and analyzed for trace metal content, temperature, relative humidity, and carbon-dioxide levels; the presence of EMFs and ionizing radiation was evaluated as well. In addition employees were given medical evaluations. All EMF measurements were within the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists occupational exposure standards. Adequate ventilation and very low levels of chemical exposures were seen. Humidity exceeded recommended levels in several areas. Radioactive vacuum tubes had previously been in widespread use at this facility. The authors conclude that exposures to trace levels of chemical contaminants should not be in excess of occupational standards. Electrical shock potential existed. Electric and magnetic fields did not exceed occupational standards. The role of ionizing radiation from vacuum tubes previously in use must be considered in any study of cancer among telephone company central office employees.
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(1993) Norfolk Southern Railway Company. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Virginia Department of Health, a study was made of silica (14808607) exposures for workers on the Norfolk Southern Railroad (SIC-4011). A private physician had reported that one of his patients seemed to have severe pneumoconiosis, probably silicosis. This patient had been a railroad maintenance of way employee for the company for about 20 years as a track laborer. Environmental sampling was conducted during track maintenance activities by Timber and Surfacing G... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Virginia Department of Health, a study was made of silica (14808607) exposures for workers on the Norfolk Southern Railroad (SIC-4011). A private physician had reported that one of his patients seemed to have severe pneumoconiosis, probably silicosis. This patient had been a railroad maintenance of way employee for the company for about 20 years as a track laborer. Environmental sampling was conducted during track maintenance activities by Timber and Surfacing Gangs at three sites. Of the 50 personal breathing zone and 21 area samples collected for respirable dust and crystalline silica, 27 of the personal and ten of the area samples equalled or exceeded the NIOSH recommended limit for respirable quartz of 0.05mg/m3. A medical survey of 32 track maintenance workers found no evidence of pneumoconiosis or adverse respiratory health effects. The overall prevalence of chronic cough was 31% and for chronic phlegm and shortness of breath, 25% each. The authors conclude that Timber and Surfacing Gang workers were being overexposed to crystalline silica. There was a potential for excessive crystalline silica exposure for track maintenance workers. The authors recommend measures to reduce exposure and for medical surveillance.
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(1993) Ohio University, Athens, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Ohio University Athens, Ohio, concerning worker exposures and cleaning effectiveness during a lead based paint cleaning pilot program conducted by a lead abatement contractor (SIC-1799), three cleaning methods were evaluated. The pilot program involved testing the three methods in unoccupied buildings contaminated with deteriorated lead (7439921) based paint. A visit was made to the site to observe work practices, and conduct air, surface, and bulk sampling for lead... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Ohio University Athens, Ohio, concerning worker exposures and cleaning effectiveness during a lead based paint cleaning pilot program conducted by a lead abatement contractor (SIC-1799), three cleaning methods were evaluated. The pilot program involved testing the three methods in unoccupied buildings contaminated with deteriorated lead (7439921) based paint. A visit was made to the site to observe work practices, and conduct air, surface, and bulk sampling for lead. The three cleaning methods included dry scraping followed by broom sweeping, wet scraping followed by high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtered vacuuming, and wet scraping followed by HEPA vacuuming with a HEPA filtered air filtration device placed in the room to exhaust room air to the outside. Six workers cleaned 18 rooms in 1 day. Sampling for lead was conducted before, during and after cleaning. The authors conclude that workers were potentially overexposed to lead during the three methods. The wet HEPA method was the best for controlling lead exposures. Even using this method, lead exposures during cleaning reached 50 micrograms/cubic meter. The cleaning effectiveness of the three methods was not significantly different. The authors recommend that the contractor furnish workers with NIOSH approved HEPA filter respirators, protective clothing, a clean change area, handwashing facilities, and job specific hazard training.
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(1993) Olympic Packaging Inc., Madison, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Paperworkers International Union, Local 1202, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Olympic Packaging facility (SIC- 2657) located in Madison, Wisconsin. The request concerned exposure to chemicals and starch dust used at the site, and respiratory symptoms experienced by the workers. The company manufactured printed cartons for consumer goods, employing about 200 persons over three shifts. Workers reported symptoms i... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Paperworkers International Union, Local 1202, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Olympic Packaging facility (SIC- 2657) located in Madison, Wisconsin. The request concerned exposure to chemicals and starch dust used at the site, and respiratory symptoms experienced by the workers. The company manufactured printed cartons for consumer goods, employing about 200 persons over three shifts. Workers reported symptoms including dry or irritated eyes, stuffy nose, sinus congestion, dry or irritated throat, cough and dry skin. Air sampling indicated that individual chemical concentrations were significantly below the allowed limits. However, there was the potential for over exposure to organic solvents in the rotogravure department on days when the press persons spent a major portion of the workshift in this room. Several safety hazards were identified, including inadequate eye and skin protection, and failure to meet the OSHA requirements for respiratory protection and hazard communication programs. The authors conclude that workers were exposed to potentially hazardous concentrations of organic solvents in the rotogravure department. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce worker exposures.
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(1993) Saint Bernard Police Department, Saint Bernard, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management at the Saint Bernard Police Department (SIC-9221), Saint Bernard, Ohio, an investigation was begun into exposures to lead (7439921) during hand gun firing exercises. The Department employed a staff of approximately 17 officers. Each month the firing range was used by four or five officers for 1 to 2 hours. The firing range occupied 2,500 square feet of the lower level of the building. The personal breathing zone (PBZ) measurements for lead exposure ranged... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management at the Saint Bernard Police Department (SIC-9221), Saint Bernard, Ohio, an investigation was begun into exposures to lead (7439921) during hand gun firing exercises. The Department employed a staff of approximately 17 officers. Each month the firing range was used by four or five officers for 1 to 2 hours. The firing range occupied 2,500 square feet of the lower level of the building. The personal breathing zone (PBZ) measurements for lead exposure ranged from 36 to 48 micrograms of lead per cubic meter (microg/m3), based on the actual sampling time of 72 minutes. PBZ measurements for three officers ranged from 5 to 7microg/m3. All tests indicated the lead exposure levels were below the permissible limits. Thirteen general area air samples ranged from none detected to 845microg/m3. Peak sound pressure levels measured were as high as 160 decibels (dB), which did exceed the OSHA peak exposure criteria of 140dB. The authors conclude that there were no overexposures to airborne lead at the time of the evaluation. The authors recommend that personal hygiene practices be improved, that the firing range be properly maintained, and that hearing protection devices be maintained in good working order.
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(1993) Silver Mountain Enterprises, Montrose, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Safety Coordinator of Silver Mountain Enterprises (SIC-2499), an investigation was begun into possible wood dust and noise exposures at their manufacturing facility in Montrose, Colorado. Handicapped individuals were employed at the woodshop manufacturing wood surveyor's stakes. Short term wood dust exposures ranged from 0.2 to 4.1mg/m3. The calculated time weighted average exposures were all below the OSHA and NIOSH exposure limits. The highest exposures from n... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Safety Coordinator of Silver Mountain Enterprises (SIC-2499), an investigation was begun into possible wood dust and noise exposures at their manufacturing facility in Montrose, Colorado. Handicapped individuals were employed at the woodshop manufacturing wood surveyor's stakes. Short term wood dust exposures ranged from 0.2 to 4.1mg/m3. The calculated time weighted average exposures were all below the OSHA and NIOSH exposure limits. The highest exposures from normal operations were seen from workers on the two table saws. The highest consistent task samples were found during clean up operations. Workers used brooms to dry sweep the floors and brush off machine surfaces. Personal noise dosimetry equipment indicated that average exposures over several time periods ranged from 79.8 to 93 decibels-A. The table saw operators had the highest general exposures, with equivalent exposures in the 85 to 93 decibel-A range. A partial hearing conservation program was in effect. The author concludes that a potential health hazard existed from overexposure to noise. The author recommends that a complete hearing conservation program be established.
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