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HHE Search Results
1063 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) Pilot Industrial Batteries, Kankakee, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Illinois Department of Public Health, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Pilot Industrial Batteries (SIC-3691), Kankakee, Illinois. The company employed 41 workers, manufacturing custom lead/acid batteries. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected and analyzed for lead (7439921), arsenic (7440382), and 29 other metals. General air samples for lead analysis were collected in the lunch room and in the changing room adjacen... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Illinois Department of Public Health, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Pilot Industrial Batteries (SIC-3691), Kankakee, Illinois. The company employed 41 workers, manufacturing custom lead/acid batteries. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected and analyzed for lead (7439921), arsenic (7440382), and 29 other metals. General air samples for lead analysis were collected in the lunch room and in the changing room adjacent to the pasting area. Personal breathing zone air concentrations of lead ranged from below 10 to 846 micrograms/cubic meter. One personal breathing zone sample had a time weighted average arsenic concentration of 3.8 micrograms/cubic meter. Blood lead levels ranged from 12 to 66 micrograms/deciliter. The authors conclude that employees were at risk for lead exposure at levels that constitute a health hazard. Half mask respirators did not provide adequate protection in some areas of the facility. The authors recommend measures to reduce exposures, including better use of existing local engineering controls, improved respiratory protection practices, and the establishment of a formal biological monitoring program.
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(1991) Rubbermaid, Inc., Reynolds, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a management representative of Rubbermaid, Inc. (SIC-3089), Reynolds, Indiana, an investigation was undertaken of potential exposures to styrene (100425), formaldehyde (50000), and dust at the facility. The facility employed about 150 workers in the production areas manufacturing thermoset plastic cookware products. The highest potential for exposure to airborne styrene was in the compounding department where styrene containing polyester resins are used. Two short t... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a management representative of Rubbermaid, Inc. (SIC-3089), Reynolds, Indiana, an investigation was undertaken of potential exposures to styrene (100425), formaldehyde (50000), and dust at the facility. The facility employed about 150 workers in the production areas manufacturing thermoset plastic cookware products. The highest potential for exposure to airborne styrene was in the compounding department where styrene containing polyester resins are used. Two short term styrene exposures were measured at 186 and 142 parts per million (ppm), which exceeded the NIOSH and OSHA short term limits of 100ppm. Seven area samples collected in the pressroom for formaldehyde ranged from 0.5 to 1.0ppm. Two and a half hour personal breathing zone samples for total dust showed a 31mg/m3 result. At a second follow up study the airborne styrene concentration peaked at 7.6ppm. The authors conclude that short-term exposures to styrene and full shift exposures to formaldehyde were potentially hazardous to workers. The authors recommend the use of personal protective equipment and ventilation systems to reduce exposures.
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(1991) Schulte Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request from employees of the Schulte Corporation (SIC-3496), Cincinnati, Ohio, an evaluation was undertaken of complaints of chest tightness, itching, metallic taste in the mouth, and discharge of black dust from the noses of workers in the machine shop of the facility. The facility was involved in the manufacturing and shipping of epoxy coated steel wire shelving. Total dust samples taken in the breathing zone of the workers ranged from 0.49 to 4.78mg/m3, well bel... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request from employees of the Schulte Corporation (SIC-3496), Cincinnati, Ohio, an evaluation was undertaken of complaints of chest tightness, itching, metallic taste in the mouth, and discharge of black dust from the noses of workers in the machine shop of the facility. The facility was involved in the manufacturing and shipping of epoxy coated steel wire shelving. Total dust samples taken in the breathing zone of the workers ranged from 0.49 to 4.78mg/m3, well below the permissible limits. Respirable dust samples ranged from 0.05 to 0.43mg/m3. Exposures to nitrogen oxides were well below acceptable limits. Aldehydes were not detected in samples evaluating exposure to two resistance welders. The NIOSH ceiling level of 0.1 part per million for ozone (10028156) was exceeded near welders. Six workers interviewed reported symptoms including black nasal discharge, headaches, sore throat, cough, hoarseness of voice, metallic taste and chest tightness. There was a potential ergonomic problem due to repetitive wrist motion. The authors conclude that a potential hazard from ozone exposure existed. The authors recommend measures to reduce exposures and development of a program for the prevention of cumulative trauma.
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(1991) Seville Centrifugal Bronze Inc., Seville, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Ohio Department of Health, an evaluation was made of worker exposure to lead (7439921) at Seville Centrifugal Bronze Inc. (SIC-3366), Seville, Ohio. The company used about 25 different alloys, with lead contents ranging from 0.5 to 8%. At the time of the visit, there were eight production workers and one foreman at the foundry. The company required half mask respirators with high efficiency particulate air filters to be worn in the foundry production area as wel... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Ohio Department of Health, an evaluation was made of worker exposure to lead (7439921) at Seville Centrifugal Bronze Inc. (SIC-3366), Seville, Ohio. The company used about 25 different alloys, with lead contents ranging from 0.5 to 8%. At the time of the visit, there were eight production workers and one foreman at the foundry. The company required half mask respirators with high efficiency particulate air filters to be worn in the foundry production area as well as other safety equipment. Personal breathing zone air concentrations were below the safety limits for several trace elements. However, cadmium (7440439) levels exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of lowest feasible exposure. Lead concentrations ranged from 98 to 230 micrograms/cubic meter and all of the personal breathing zone samples for lead exceeded the recommended limits. The pouring area had no local ventilation controls. The authors conclude that the lead levels constituted a health hazard to the workers. The authors recommend increasing the ventilation capabilities of the system by providing additional local exhaust ventilation during pouring and removal of the slag, use of a vacuum cleaner with high efficiency particulate air filters for cleaning up dust, substitution of a less hazardous mold wash, and separating the eating area from the machining and grinding area.
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(1991) Silver Deer, Boulder, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a representative of Silver Deer, Ltd. (SIC-3231), Boulder, Colorado a study was undertaken of lead (7439921) exposure at the facility. The Silver Deer company employed 65 persons in cutting, grinding and polishing crystal into various art objects. The crystal contained about 32% lead. A NIOSH study conducted in 1984 at this site found a mean air lead exposure of 50 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) and a mean blood lead level of 29 micrograms/deciliter (microg/dl) ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a representative of Silver Deer, Ltd. (SIC-3231), Boulder, Colorado a study was undertaken of lead (7439921) exposure at the facility. The Silver Deer company employed 65 persons in cutting, grinding and polishing crystal into various art objects. The crystal contained about 32% lead. A NIOSH study conducted in 1984 at this site found a mean air lead exposure of 50 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) and a mean blood lead level of 29 micrograms/deciliter (microg/dl) among seven grinding room workers. Local exhaust ventilation was installed after the previous NIOSH study. This study (in 1991) found lead levels in the air from 6.6 to 35.0microg/m3 with a mean of 18microg/m3. The highest exposure was caused when lead crystal was ground on a section of a grinder that had inadequate exhaust ventilation. The mean blood lead level in grinding room workers was 12 microg/dl. These results show a statistically significant decrease in blood lead levels after the installation of local exhaust ventilation. The author concludes that a health hazard was not found at the time of the survey. The author recommends some further improvements in engineering controls and work practices.
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(1991) Social Security Administration, San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the American Federation of Government Employees (EFGE) local 2608, a study was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Social Security Administration, San Juan, Puerto Rico. The request was made in response to employee concerns and health complaints including cold temperatures, dust, asthma, sinus problems and irritation from tobacco smoke. At the time of the study there were about 70 employees occupying portions of two floors of the 18 story offi... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the American Federation of Government Employees (EFGE) local 2608, a study was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Social Security Administration, San Juan, Puerto Rico. The request was made in response to employee concerns and health complaints including cold temperatures, dust, asthma, sinus problems and irritation from tobacco smoke. At the time of the study there were about 70 employees occupying portions of two floors of the 18 story office building. During the study no specific health hazards were identified. However, the results of environmental studies did support employee concerns regarding thermal discomfort. Measurements indicated temperature and humidity combinations falling outside of the accepted limits. High relative humidity was noted on these two floors with humidity ranging from 56 to 71%. The authors conclude that there were no identified health hazards. The authors recommend that efforts be made to correct problems and deficiencies concerning the air distribution system, to restrict smoking to specific areas of the building, to prevent moisture incursion into occupied spaces and within the air handling system, and to clean the particulate build up around the air supply diffusers.
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(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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