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HHE Search Results
52 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
(2016) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of law enforcement agents' potential exposures during a raid of a clandestine "spice" lab. (Click to open report) A law enforcement agency requested a health hazard evaluation to look at exposures to synthetic cannabinoids and other compounds during raids of clandestine labs. There was also concern about exposures when they processed evidence at their office. We tested urine, air, and surfaces for AB-PINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid. We also tested for mitragynine, a plant material with opium-like effects in humans. We sampled during the raid and in the office during evidence processing. We spoke with agents... (Click to show more)A law enforcement agency requested a health hazard evaluation to look at exposures to synthetic cannabinoids and other compounds during raids of clandestine labs. There was also concern about exposures when they processed evidence at their office. We tested urine, air, and surfaces for AB-PINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid. We also tested for mitragynine, a plant material with opium-like effects in humans. We sampled during the raid and in the office during evidence processing. We spoke with agents about their work and work-related symptoms. We looked at their use of personal protective equipment. We checked the office ventilation system to see if it was designed for evidence handling and processing. We found AB-PINACA, its breakdown products, or mitragynine in the urine of six of nine agents after the raid. These compounds were not present in any urine samples before the raid. One surface wipe sample from the lab had a detectable amount of AB-PINACA. No airborne AB-PINACA or mitragynine was found. Gloves and protective clothing were not used at all time when needed. This practice could lead to exposure to contaminants or spread of contamination. Hand washing supplies were not provided for agents in the field. The office ventilation system was not designed to contain or control contaminants. We determined that agents are at risk for dermal exposure and ingestion of synthetic cannabinoids and other contaminants.
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(2016) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of Legionnaires' disease risk and other health hazards at an offset printing company. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation from employees at a commercial offset printing company. Employees described a malfunction in one of the company's air compressors on December 1, 2014 that released a mist into the air. A week after this event, one employee was diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease. NIOSH made a site visit to the facility in April 2015. During this visit, NIOSH staff informally interviewed 11 wo... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation from employees at a commercial offset printing company. Employees described a malfunction in one of the company's air compressors on December 1, 2014 that released a mist into the air. A week after this event, one employee was diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease. NIOSH made a site visit to the facility in April 2015. During this visit, NIOSH staff informally interviewed 11 workers, toured the facility, and collected 20 samples for Legionella bacteria testing. Bulk liquid samples and swab samples were taken from several sites throughout the facility including the air compressor, printing presses, hot water tank, and employee restrooms. All bulk fluid and swab samples were negative for the presence of Legionella bacteria. As we did not evaluate all potential sources of Legionella in the facility, we recommend that the company develop an understanding of their building's water system, including identifying areas of water stagnation and low-flow. Interviewed employees reported no health problems during the compressor malfunction or in the days following the event. We reviewed repair records for the air compressor; however, we could not determine if the compressor malfunction was related to the one diagnosed case of Legionnaires' disease. We recommend that the company develop and implement a maintenance plan for the air compressors and printing presses which may include regular heat and flush or hyper-chlorination of water lines and condensation drains. During our tour of the facility, we observed many work areas and tasks with the potential for worker exposure to hazardous chemicals. There were many open containers of solvents and chemicals. Other than hearing protection, we did not see employees wearing personal protective equipment. We observed employees with bare hands in contact with chemicals and solvents while mixing inks and reaching into chemical tanks. We saw some hazard communication in different languages. However, pictures were not used in all hazard communication materials and not all hazard communication materials were in languages understood by all workers. We recommend proper storage, containment, and disposal of solvents and chemicals. Additionally, we advise that the facility provide personal protective equipment to all employees and provide education on when personal protective equipment is required. This includes a written respiratory protection plan for employees that meets all regulatory requirements. Signage should be provided in additional languages to communicate hazards to employees that do not speak English. We could not determine if the air compressor malfunction was related to the single case of Legionnaires' disease. However, employees at this facility were potentially exposed to a number of chemicals and solvents. Although some controls were in place to reduce exposure to chemicals, we noted opportunities for exposure during our site visit that can be addressed through enhanced engineering controls, modified work practices, and improved use of personal protective equipment.
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(2016) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of metal exposure at a nanoparticle research and development company. (Click to open report) Employees at a research and development company using nanomaterials requested a health hazard evaluation. The company used a metal alloy for several months without knowing it contained beryllium. They stopped using the alloy and found the potential for beryllium exposure to be low. Employees were still concerned about exposure to beryllium and other metals so we sampled the workplace air and surfaces. We interviewed current and former employees about their health and possible work-related medica... (Click to show more)Employees at a research and development company using nanomaterials requested a health hazard evaluation. The company used a metal alloy for several months without knowing it contained beryllium. They stopped using the alloy and found the potential for beryllium exposure to be low. Employees were still concerned about exposure to beryllium and other metals so we sampled the workplace air and surfaces. We interviewed current and former employees about their health and possible work-related medical conditions. We tested employee's blood for beryllium sensitization. Surface wipe samples in production and nonproduction areas found various metals including beryllium. Beryllium was not one of the metals found in air samples. We identified no medical problems consistent with chronic beryllium disease. None of the tested employees were sensitized to beryllium. HHE Program investigators determined that a health hazard from beryllium exposure did not exist at this facility.
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(2016) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of metalworking fluid exposure and dermatitis among rifle barrel manufacturing employees. (Click to open report) A manager at a rifle barrel manufacturer requested the Health Hazard Evaluation Program evaluate skin irritation and rashes among employees exposed to metalworking fluids. We took personal air samples for metalworking fluid mist and endotoxin. We observed work practices and personal protective equipment use to identify opportunities for dermal exposure. We asked sampled employees to complete a symptom survey after their work shift. We asked all employees to complete a questionnaire about work ex... (Click to show more)A manager at a rifle barrel manufacturer requested the Health Hazard Evaluation Program evaluate skin irritation and rashes among employees exposed to metalworking fluids. We took personal air samples for metalworking fluid mist and endotoxin. We observed work practices and personal protective equipment use to identify opportunities for dermal exposure. We asked sampled employees to complete a symptom survey after their work shift. We asked all employees to complete a questionnaire about work exposures and possible work-related symptoms. Employees had skin exposure to metalworking fluids including oils and coolant, and rust inhibitor. We found a significant association between skin exposure to coolant and work-related dermatitis. Co-exposure to the corrosion inhibitor may have been a contributing factor. Some production employees reported work-related asthma-like symptoms. Employees with work-related respiratory symptoms were exposed to airborne metalworking fluid levels known to cause or worsen respiratory symptoms even though exposures were at or below NIOSH-recommended limits. We found one metalworking fluid mist level at the NIOSH recommended limit. Endotoxin levels were low. We recommended the company provide employees with tools to reduce potential exposure to oil and rust inhibitor. We recommended improving access to and enforcing consistent use of gloves. We also recommended establishing a medical surveillance program for employees exposed to metalworking fluids.
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(2016) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of noise and metal exposure at a security portal manufacturer. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request for an evaluation from a security portal manufacturing company. The employer was concerned about employees' exposure to dust and noise when they sanded and sawed aluminum alloy. We collected samples for respirable aluminum, metals, and noise. We observed the airflow around the sanding downdraft table. Bulk dust samples contained aluminum, chromium, manganese, and nickel. Employees were not overexposed to these metals. We found noise overexp... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request for an evaluation from a security portal manufacturing company. The employer was concerned about employees' exposure to dust and noise when they sanded and sawed aluminum alloy. We collected samples for respirable aluminum, metals, and noise. We observed the airflow around the sanding downdraft table. Bulk dust samples contained aluminum, chromium, manganese, and nickel. Employees were not overexposed to these metals. We found noise overexposures on sanders and the mill/saw operator over an entire 8-hour work shift. Because they rarely saw and sand for a full work shift, their 8-hour TWA exposures would likely be lower than what we measured. Our noise measurements show the saw operator would exceed the NIOSH REL after 2.8 hours and the sanders after about 4.5 hours. The downdraft table was not effective in collecting dust, but improved once the filters were changed. We observed awkward work postures. Awkward postures are a risk factor for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. We recommended engineering controls to reduce noise exposures. We also recommended redesigning tasks to avoid the need for awkward positions.
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(2016) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of occupational exposures to noise and chemicals at an automobile parts manufacturing plant. (Click to open report) The safety administrator at an automobile parts manufacturer submitted a health hazard evaluation request. Employees were concerned about odors in the injection molding and epoxy injection areas. There was also concern about high noise levels in the cutting and injection molding areas. We evaluated exposures to volatile organic compounds including 2-butoxyethanol, isopropyl alcohol, pentane, toluene, and n-butyl glycidyl ether. We also looked at exposures to carbon monoxide and noise. We found l... (Click to show more)The safety administrator at an automobile parts manufacturer submitted a health hazard evaluation request. Employees were concerned about odors in the injection molding and epoxy injection areas. There was also concern about high noise levels in the cutting and injection molding areas. We evaluated exposures to volatile organic compounds including 2-butoxyethanol, isopropyl alcohol, pentane, toluene, and n-butyl glycidyl ether. We also looked at exposures to carbon monoxide and noise. We found low levels of volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide. These levels were well below occupational exposure limits. An injection molding operator was overexposed to noise, but cutting area employees were not. There was no ventilation to control smoke released during the purge of plastic from the injection molding machine. Odors produced while mixing and curing epoxy-coated parts were not controlled. We recommended the company start a hearing conservation program and install local exhaust ventilation to control smoke and odors. We recommended employees use gloves when mixing and handling epoxies and injection molding employees use hearing protection.
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(2016) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of odors and surface residues in a medical research facility. (Click to open report) Medical center employees requested a health hazard evaluation. They were concerned about indoor environmental quality, odors, and a residue on top of shelves. Employees felt that odors were causing nausea, headache, sinus problems, and aggravation of asthma. We evaluated the ventilation system. We collected air samples in the building and on the roof, and bulk samples of residue from shelves in some laboratories. We found supply air intakes on the roof pulling building exhaust air into the build... (Click to show more)Medical center employees requested a health hazard evaluation. They were concerned about indoor environmental quality, odors, and a residue on top of shelves. Employees felt that odors were causing nausea, headache, sinus problems, and aggravation of asthma. We evaluated the ventilation system. We collected air samples in the building and on the roof, and bulk samples of residue from shelves in some laboratories. We found supply air intakes on the roof pulling building exhaust air into the building. In many laboratories, air was moving from the laboratories into the hallway. We found low levels of airborne volatile organic compounds in the building and on the roof. Some of these compounds could be from chemicals used and stored in the laboratories. Other compounds were of unknown origin. HHE Program investigators determined that these findings may be a source of odors. The residue on the shelves was likely from the breakdown of the shelving material itself.
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(2016) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of optical radiation hazards from plasma arc cutting operations. (Click to open report) A steel building materials manufacturer requested an evaluation because of concerns with optical radiation hazards during plasma arc cutting. The company asked for guidance on the appropriate shaded protective eyewear for employees. We assessed the strength of the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light at various distances from the source. We also assessed it at different amperages. We measured optical radiation above safe levels for the unprotected eye. The welding curtain reduced but did not... (Click to show more)A steel building materials manufacturer requested an evaluation because of concerns with optical radiation hazards during plasma arc cutting. The company asked for guidance on the appropriate shaded protective eyewear for employees. We assessed the strength of the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light at various distances from the source. We also assessed it at different amperages. We measured optical radiation above safe levels for the unprotected eye. The welding curtain reduced but did not eliminate the hazard. A small gap between the welding curtain and the steel allowed some optical radiation to be visible at the safe walkway area. Modifying the welding curtain design will reduce the chance that employees and visitors view the plasma arc. We recommended employees use the welding curtain as much as possible. We also recommended employees wear welding eye protection of shades 4, 5, or 8, depending on the plasma arc cutting task and amperages.
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(2016) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of respiratory and indoor environmental quality concerns at a snack foods facility - Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In December 2013, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a confidential health hazard evaluation request from employees at a snack foods manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. The request listed concerns about respiratory illnesses, headaches, nosebleeds, and cancer related to indoor dampness and potential exposure to mold and mildew, seasonings, and asbestos. We evaluated employee health concerns and potential exposures to mold and mildew, seasonings, flavoring chem... (Click to show more)In December 2013, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a confidential health hazard evaluation request from employees at a snack foods manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. The request listed concerns about respiratory illnesses, headaches, nosebleeds, and cancer related to indoor dampness and potential exposure to mold and mildew, seasonings, and asbestos. We evaluated employee health concerns and potential exposures to mold and mildew, seasonings, flavoring chemicals and asbestos among employees at a snack food manufacturing facility. We performed an indoor environmental quality assessment and assessed air levels of seasonings, flavoring chemicals, and dust. We noted water damage from roof and window leaks that promoted dampness and the potential for mold growth in the facility. Our air samples highlighted several areas of the facility with high risk of exposure to irritant seasonings, dust, and flavoring chemicals. We recommend roof and building structure repairs to mitigate further water damage. We also provide several means to reduce potential employee exposure to irritant seasonings, dust, and flavoring chemicals.
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(2016) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of respiratory concerns at a coal and copper slag processing company. (Click to open report) In September 2012, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a management request for a health hazard evaluation at a coal slag processing facility in Illinois. Management submitted the health hazard evaluation request as part of a settlement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspected one of the company's coal processing facilities in 2010 and identified multiple health and safety violations and a s... (Click to show more)In September 2012, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a management request for a health hazard evaluation at a coal slag processing facility in Illinois. Management submitted the health hazard evaluation request as part of a settlement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspected one of the company's coal processing facilities in 2010 and identified multiple health and safety violations and a suspected cluster of pneumoconiosis in four former workers. As part of the settlement, the company requested a health hazard evaluation to determine if cases of pneumoconiosis were present in current workers and assess dust hazards. We evaluated airborne exposures during coal and copper slag processing. We took air samples for the analysis of dust, silica, and metals to investigate respiratory concerns. Overall, copper slag processing produced higher levels of dust, silica, and metals compared to coal slag processing, but both processes posed health risks. We recommend employee exposure monitoring and a formal respiratory protection program.
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