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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
(1991) Tully Sculpting, Niwot, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a sculptor regarding the possible hazards of exposure to silica (7631869) during stone sculpting, a hazard evaluation was undertaken at his studio. The artist was primarily engaged in sculpturing fountains made from granite. Generally the work was done outside on the lawn either at the sculptor's house or at a rented location depending on the size of the stones to be worked. Air samples were collected while as many stone working tools as possible were used. Sound le... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a sculptor regarding the possible hazards of exposure to silica (7631869) during stone sculpting, a hazard evaluation was undertaken at his studio. The artist was primarily engaged in sculpturing fountains made from granite. Generally the work was done outside on the lawn either at the sculptor's house or at a rented location depending on the size of the stones to be worked. Air samples were collected while as many stone working tools as possible were used. Sound levels were also determined. The total dust samples ranged from 0.2 to 1.2mg/m3 while the respirable dust levels ranged from less than 0.1 to nondetectable to 0.6mg/m3. No measurable levels were noted of respirable quartz, or total or respirable cristobalite (14464461). The highest exposure levels occurred during grinding of stone surfaces with no engineering controls. The short duration of the exposures did not result in any exposures over the time weighted average standards, but could have if the duration lasted 1.5 hours. Noise levels averaged 102 to 104 decibels-A when the stone saw and grinder were in operation. The worker had appropriate hearing protection.
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(1991) U.S. Customs Service, World Trade Center, New York, New York. (Click to open report) In response to a request, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to lead (7439921) and noise at the U.S. Customs Service (SIC-9221) firing range at the World Trade Center, New York, New York. The range was located in the basement of the Center and consisted of nine shooting booths. Each qualifying session consisted of 60 rounds fired in 10 to 12 minutes by each of nine shooters. The qualifying session was preceded by a 50 round practice session. During the survey the typical fire... (Click to show more)In response to a request, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to lead (7439921) and noise at the U.S. Customs Service (SIC-9221) firing range at the World Trade Center, New York, New York. The range was located in the basement of the Center and consisted of nine shooting booths. Each qualifying session consisted of 60 rounds fired in 10 to 12 minutes by each of nine shooters. The qualifying session was preceded by a 50 round practice session. During the survey the typical firearm used was a .357 Magnum with .38 ammunition. The ammunition was copper jacketed. Total exposure time was 70 minutes. Shooters in the center booths had lead exposures below the limit of detection of 7 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). Shooters in booths 1 and 6 were exposed to lead at 21 and 23microg/m3. The range officer was exposed to 13microg/m3. All exposures were below the OSHA 8 hour Permissible Exposure Limit of 50microg/m3. Noise level measurements were inconclusive. All employees wore double hearing protection consisting of ear insert plugs and ear muffs. The author concludes that a potential health hazard did not exist from exposure to inorganic lead.
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(1991) West Virginia University Pottery Shop, Morgantown, West Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the West Virginia University, Office of Environmental Health and Safety, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the University Pottery Shop (SIC-3269), Morgantown, West Virginia. The Shop provided classes for university students. The purpose for the evaluation was to consider silica (14808607) exposure during clay mixing operations. There was no local exhaust ventilation provided for the control of dusts generated during either the wei... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the West Virginia University, Office of Environmental Health and Safety, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the University Pottery Shop (SIC-3269), Morgantown, West Virginia. The Shop provided classes for university students. The purpose for the evaluation was to consider silica (14808607) exposure during clay mixing operations. There was no local exhaust ventilation provided for the control of dusts generated during either the weighing or mixing of the dry ingredients. Only one of the collected samples showed quantifiable levels of quartz. The sample concentration of respirable quartz was 169.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Exposure to respirable dust, however, was considerable for short durations. The author concludes that a potential health hazard existed at the Pottery Shop. The author recommends that, due to the crystalline silica content of the clay and related products used in the pottery shop, and the potential for high dust exposure, a dust control system should be installed in the mixing room.
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(1990) A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company, Decatur, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Allied Industrial Workers of America International Union, an evaluation was conducted at Staley Company (SIC-2046), Decatur, Illinois to investigate emissions from the waste water treatment facility and exposures to asbestos (1332214). This company processed 160,000 bushels/day of corn into starch and syrup products. Twenty one of 66 employees who completed a health questionnaire had experienced some symptoms due to waste treatment facility emissions. However, n... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Allied Industrial Workers of America International Union, an evaluation was conducted at Staley Company (SIC-2046), Decatur, Illinois to investigate emissions from the waste water treatment facility and exposures to asbestos (1332214). This company processed 160,000 bushels/day of corn into starch and syrup products. Twenty one of 66 employees who completed a health questionnaire had experienced some symptoms due to waste treatment facility emissions. However, no detectable emissions likely to cause these symptoms were detected in the waste treatment facility. Area and personal breathing zone samples for propylene- oxide (75569) were collected in the starch processing areas and registered as much as 2400 parts per million (ppm) in a 55 minute sampling period due to a fracture in a glycerol seal on the reactor vessel. After repair of the seal, concentrations ranged from 7.4ppm down to nondetectable. Area air samples and personal breathing zone samples indicated an excessive exposure to vinyl-acetate (108054) in the starch vinyl-acetate processing building. The asbestos screening program at this site was in compliance with NIOSH and OSHA recommendations. The authors recommend improvements in employee work practices and the respiratory protection. Engineering controls are also suggested.
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(1990) A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company, Houlton, Maine. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the American Federation of Grain Millers, a study was made of exposures to propylene-oxide (75569), starch dust, phosphorus-oxychloride (10025873), and the potential explosion hazard from starch dust at the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company (SIC-2046), Houlton, Maine. The facility was a food starch speciality factory with imported tapioca as the main raw material. The site employed 44 hourly and seven salaried and clerical full time persons. Propylene-oxide air conc... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the American Federation of Grain Millers, a study was made of exposures to propylene-oxide (75569), starch dust, phosphorus-oxychloride (10025873), and the potential explosion hazard from starch dust at the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company (SIC-2046), Houlton, Maine. The facility was a food starch speciality factory with imported tapioca as the main raw material. The site employed 44 hourly and seven salaried and clerical full time persons. Propylene-oxide air concentrations ranged from less than 0.1 to 6.0 parts per million (ppm) in 89 samples collected in the reactor room and other areas of the site. Twenty six personal breathing zone samples were collected from two operators and a laboratory technician on two work shifts over 3 consecutive days. The operators had 8 hour time weighted average exposures ranging from 0.1 to 0.7ppm. The highest short term exposure was 1.9ppm for 77 minutes. The laboratory technician had exposures from less than 12.51mg/m3; the OSHA permissible exposure limit for nuisance dust was 10mg/m3. In many locations starch dust was seen on the surfaces as well as in the air. The author concludes that detectable levels of propylene-oxide were present in the reactor room and other areas of the facility; exposure should be reduced to the lowest feasible concentration. The starch dust is a potential fire and explosion hazard. The author recommends that starch dust emissions into the work area should be reduced to the lowest feasible level.
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(1990) A.W. Cash Valve Manufacturing Corp., Decatur, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Allied Industrial Workers of America, an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the A.W. Cash Valve Manufacturing Corp. (SIC- 3491), Decatur, Illinois. The company manufactured precision valves, including those for cryogenic uses with oxygen. Stainless steel and brass castings were manufactured to their final form by a variety of machine processes including milling, drilling, lathe operations, and tapping on many types of machin... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Allied Industrial Workers of America, an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the A.W. Cash Valve Manufacturing Corp. (SIC- 3491), Decatur, Illinois. The company manufactured precision valves, including those for cryogenic uses with oxygen. Stainless steel and brass castings were manufactured to their final form by a variety of machine processes including milling, drilling, lathe operations, and tapping on many types of machines with both wet and dry methods. There was potential employee exposure to lead (7439921) with the five general area air samples ranging from 32 to 120 micrograms per cubic meter. The results for Freon-113 (76131) and trichloroethylene (7631869) were all below allowable limits. Crystalline silica (14808607) was not detected. The authors conclude that although the results of blood lead levels and erythrocyte protoporphyrin studies did not demonstrate excessive lead exposure, the dry machining processes present a potential for lead exposure. The authors recommend measures to limit the potential lead exposure from the dry machine processes.
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(1990) Accuride Corporation, Henderson, Kentucky. (Click to open report) In response to a request, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Accuride Corporation (SIC-3714), Henderson, Kentucky. Concern was voiced about employees suffering possible nerve and tendon deterioration of the hand, wrist and elbow and low back sprains/strains. Potential exposure hazards for arc and MIG welders were also evaluated. The facility manufactured steel wheels for large trucks and buses, and employed 560 workers. An industrial hygiene survey indicated t... (Click to show more)In response to a request, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Accuride Corporation (SIC-3714), Henderson, Kentucky. Concern was voiced about employees suffering possible nerve and tendon deterioration of the hand, wrist and elbow and low back sprains/strains. Potential exposure hazards for arc and MIG welders were also evaluated. The facility manufactured steel wheels for large trucks and buses, and employed 560 workers. An industrial hygiene survey indicated that production workers were not exposed to excessive concentrations of welding fumes, grinding dusts, or volatile organic compounds during the time of sampling. The musculoskeletal injury rate was much higher than expected for this industry. An ergonomic analysis of certain job tasks was conducted. The authors conclude that some tasks exceeded the NIOSH action limit or the maximum permissible limit recommended for manual lifting. The authors recommend redesigning certain tasks at the unload paint line, disc cell trim, and load wash line.
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(1990) Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a joint management/union committee at the Boston Globe (SIC-2711), a health hazard evaluation was conducted at both printing facilities of this company located in Dorchester and Billerica, Massachusetts concerning exposures to solvents and inks, and the occurrence of hematuria, bladder cancer, and respiratory, skin and neuropsychological complaints. Worker exposures to particulate material were quite low for pressmen and other press room employees working on the fir... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a joint management/union committee at the Boston Globe (SIC-2711), a health hazard evaluation was conducted at both printing facilities of this company located in Dorchester and Billerica, Massachusetts concerning exposures to solvents and inks, and the occurrence of hematuria, bladder cancer, and respiratory, skin and neuropsychological complaints. Worker exposures to particulate material were quite low for pressmen and other press room employees working on the first deck. The areas by the folder where paper was cut had the highest particulate concentrations. Particulate samples appeared to consist primarily of paper dust, rather than ink mist. Concentrations of total naphthas were higher in air samples obtained during the make ready shift. The lack of glove use by some workers as well as the use of improper glove materials were deemed important factors in dermal exposures. The author concludes that there was a potential for significant dermal exposure to organic solvents, particularly glycol ethers. The author recommends the use of proper gloves, better techniques for cleaning equipment, institution of a formal respiratory protection program, better attention to personal hygiene and eating habits at the work site, vacuuming to remove dust from the cutters, improvements in the ceiling mounted exhaust system, repairing of some of the available safety equipment, and installation of local exhaust ventilation.
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(1990) Eagle Convex Glass Company, Clarksburg, West Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of Eagle Convex Glass Company (SIC-3231), Clarksburg, West Virginia, an evaluation was made of possible worker exposure to hazardous conditions resulting in occupational pneumoconiosis, hearing loss, and cumulative trauma disorders. The company produced a wide variety of speciality glass products for the automotive, furniture, and major appliance industries, employing 171 workers over three shifts. Hydrofluoric- acid (7664393) concentrations ranging f... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of Eagle Convex Glass Company (SIC-3231), Clarksburg, West Virginia, an evaluation was made of possible worker exposure to hazardous conditions resulting in occupational pneumoconiosis, hearing loss, and cumulative trauma disorders. The company produced a wide variety of speciality glass products for the automotive, furniture, and major appliance industries, employing 171 workers over three shifts. Hydrofluoric- acid (7664393) concentrations ranging from 0.34 to 3.0mg/m3 were measured in the etching department. Analysis of the two solvents used in the decorating department indicated one contained mostly C10 to C11 alkyl substituted benzenes plus naphthalene (91203). The following compounds were also identified: trimethylbenzene (95636), methyl-ethyl-benzene (98828), and indan (496117). Noise levels in excess of the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Level of 85 decibels-A, as a time weighted average, were found in some departments. Respirable dust levels ranged from 0.08 to 0.20mg/m3. Symptoms consistent with hand/wrist, shoulder, and neck cumulative trauma disorders were noted among 20 to 30 percent of the workers in the decorating, processing, mirror and polishing departments. The authors conclude that some workers were potentially exposed to cumulative trauma, acid mists, and noise. The authors recommend specific measures, including work practices, ergonomic changes, a hearing conservation program, and a respiratory protection program.
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(1990) Enseco, Inc., Rocky Mountain Analytical Laboratory, Arvada, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of Enseco, Inc., concerning the Rocky Mountain Analytical Laboratory (SIC-7391) located in Arvada, Colorado, a health hazard evaluation was made regarding possible worker exposures to solvents, including methylene- chloride (75092), hexane (110543), ethyl-ether (60297), acetone (67641), and diazomethane (334883). These chemicals were used in the preparation of soil and water samples for analysis. The Organic Preparation Lab was 6500 square feet in siz... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of Enseco, Inc., concerning the Rocky Mountain Analytical Laboratory (SIC-7391) located in Arvada, Colorado, a health hazard evaluation was made regarding possible worker exposures to solvents, including methylene- chloride (75092), hexane (110543), ethyl-ether (60297), acetone (67641), and diazomethane (334883). These chemicals were used in the preparation of soil and water samples for analysis. The Organic Preparation Lab was 6500 square feet in size and consisted of various areas including soils, water, sample storage, standards preparation and extract handling. The primary operation at the site was the extraction and preparation of soil and water samples for chemical analysis. The time weighted average personal breathing zone samples for methylene-chloride ranged from 0.8 to 8.5 parts per million (ppm). The short term personal samples averaged 33ppm for a ten minute task to 286ppm for a 24 minute job. All hoods were operating within guidelines when the sashes were kept closed to the half way level. The exhaust vent on the flammable solvent cabinet was plugged by lint and dust. The author concludes that a potential health hazard existed from employee exposure to methylene-chloride in excess of 1.0ppm. The author recommends specific measures to lower the methylene-chloride levels and improve overall ventilation in the lab.
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