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HHE Search Results
1060 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
(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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(1990) Gates Energy Products, Inc., Gainesville, Florida. (Click to open report) In response to a request from OSHA, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to nickel (7440020) and cadmium (7440439) dusts at the Gates Energy Products, Inc. (SIC-3691), Gainesville, Florida. The company manufactured a variety of rechargeable nickel/cadmium cells and batteries for industrial and consumer applications. The plate making areas had approximately 350 production workers and 60 maintenance workers. During a survey in February of 1989, nine of 39 cadmium exposed workers ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from OSHA, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to nickel (7440020) and cadmium (7440439) dusts at the Gates Energy Products, Inc. (SIC-3691), Gainesville, Florida. The company manufactured a variety of rechargeable nickel/cadmium cells and batteries for industrial and consumer applications. The plate making areas had approximately 350 production workers and 60 maintenance workers. During a survey in February of 1989, nine of 39 cadmium exposed workers had urine cadmium levels greater than 10 micrograms/gram (microg/g) creatinine. In the survey conducted in October of 1989, 13 of 47 workers in the low and 21 of 49 in the high cumulative airborne cadmium exposure groups had urine cadmium levels greater than 10microg/g creatinine. No consistent differences in urine proteins were observed between the cadmium exposed and nonexposed groups in this analysis of either the February or October 1989 medical surveys. Cumulative airborne cadmium levels did not have a significant relationship with any measure of renal function used in the study. The authors conclude that a significant risk of overexposure to cadmium dust did exist at this facility and that subclinical effects such as significant increases in mean levels of urinary tubular enzymes alanine-aminopeptidase and N-acetyl- glucosaminidase are apparent in cadmium exposed workers with urine cadmium levels above 10microg/g of creatinine compared to those below this level. The authors recommend specific environmental and medical monitoring measures.
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(1990) General Foods, Post Division, Modesto, California. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an employee at the General Foods Company Post Division, located in Modesto, California, a visit was made to the facility to investigate complaints of dirty air, lack of ventilation, and symptoms of headache, fatigue and respiratory illness at the site. The facility employed about 150 hourly workers and 20 salaried employees. There were four production lines, one for Kool Aid dry beverage mix, and three for breakfast cereals. Two operators in the cereal blending and ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an employee at the General Foods Company Post Division, located in Modesto, California, a visit was made to the facility to investigate complaints of dirty air, lack of ventilation, and symptoms of headache, fatigue and respiratory illness at the site. The facility employed about 150 hourly workers and 20 salaried employees. There were four production lines, one for Kool Aid dry beverage mix, and three for breakfast cereals. Two operators in the cereal blending and milling area had total dust exposures of 0.38 and 1.7mg/m3, well below the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Value of 10mg/m3. The Helper who was working the Kool Aid processing line had quite a high exposure at 49.3mg/m3 during the rework operation. This was a dusty operation where the ventilation appeared to be inadequate. The operator at the Mixing Station for Kool Aid Pre Mix wore a dust respirator during the batch preparation, where the dust exposure was 6.1mg/m3. The authors conclude that the Kool Aid line was quite dusty, and the rework stations were sources of high short term exposures to dust. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce exposures, and improve ventilation. The facility should develop a comprehensive respirator program.
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(1990) Harrisburg Steam Generation Facility, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the City of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at the Harrisburg Steam Generation Facility (HSGF) (SIC-4953) concerning possible exposure to fly ash, combustion products and asbestos (1332214). This facility was a waste to energy site where municipal refuse was incinerated at approximately 1400 degrees-F. The steam generated was either sold directly or converted to electricity via an on site turbine. Employees used hard hats, safety s... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the City of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at the Harrisburg Steam Generation Facility (HSGF) (SIC-4953) concerning possible exposure to fly ash, combustion products and asbestos (1332214). This facility was a waste to energy site where municipal refuse was incinerated at approximately 1400 degrees-F. The steam generated was either sold directly or converted to electricity via an on site turbine. Employees used hard hats, safety shoes and glasses, work clothes and single use disposable dust and mist respirators. There was a potential for exposure to fly ash for employees working in the boiler and basement areas. Total particulate exposures ranged from 5 to 11mg/m3 for laborers. The concentration of lead (7439921) exceeded the standards set by OSHA permissible exposure level of Amosite (12172735) and chrysotile (12001295) asbestos were identified in bulk samples of insulation and asbestos taken from a settled dust sample in the boiler area. Surface wipe samples indicated the possibility of hand to mouth contact with fly ash, particularly in the break and locker rooms. The author concludes that there is a need for reducing worker exposure to fly ash particulate. The author recommends engineering and work practice controls to reduce particulate exposures, increased cleaning and maintenance activities; and further evaluation of asbestos contamination at the facility.
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(1990) Hitachi Magnetics Corporation, Edmore, Michigan. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an employee at the Hitachi Magnetics Corporation (SIC-3499), Edmore, Michigan, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to cobalt (7440484), nickel (7440020), silica (14808607), and asbestos (1332214). The current workforce consisted of 416 hourly workers and 115 salaried employees. The facility produced permanent magnets using five production processes: sintered ALNICO; cast ALNICO; Hicorex Rare Earth Iron; Ceramic (Ferrite Magnets); and Lodex. Six re... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an employee at the Hitachi Magnetics Corporation (SIC-3499), Edmore, Michigan, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to cobalt (7440484), nickel (7440020), silica (14808607), and asbestos (1332214). The current workforce consisted of 416 hourly workers and 115 salaried employees. The facility produced permanent magnets using five production processes: sintered ALNICO; cast ALNICO; Hicorex Rare Earth Iron; Ceramic (Ferrite Magnets); and Lodex. Six reported episodes of respiratory conditions were noted which was more than ten times the number expected for such industries. The incidence of skin disorders was likewise ten times that expected for this industry. Respirable crystalline silica was identified in dust samples collected at eight of the 18 jobs studied. Exposures in three jobs (sand mixer, furnace operator and a machine molder) were above the OSHA permissible exposure limit and all eight jobs exceeded the ACGIH threshold limit value for crystalline silica exposures of 0.1mg/m3. On each shift the post shift creatinine corrected mean urine cobalt concentrations were higher than preshift values. The authors conclude that a hazard existed from exposure to airborne cobalt, nickel and silica. The authors' recommendations pertaining to respiratory protection and the reduction of exposures are included.
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(1990) Johnson Junior High School, Laramie County School District Number 1, Cheyenne, Wyoming. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Superintendent of Schools in the Laramie County School District Number 1, an investigation was made of possible hazardous exposures to workers at the Johnson Junior High School (SIC-8211), Cheyenne, Wyoming. Teachers began reporting problems in the school shortly after they occupied the building in 1983. The most common problems included runny nose, hoarseness to the point of losing the voice, upper respiratory problems, and eye irritation. Airborne fiberglass (... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Superintendent of Schools in the Laramie County School District Number 1, an investigation was made of possible hazardous exposures to workers at the Johnson Junior High School (SIC-8211), Cheyenne, Wyoming. Teachers began reporting problems in the school shortly after they occupied the building in 1983. The most common problems included runny nose, hoarseness to the point of losing the voice, upper respiratory problems, and eye irritation. Airborne fiberglass (14808607) concentrations were not high, but fiberglass dust was visible on surfaces. The ventilation system was found to be supplying sufficient quantities of air, except in one room. Air in the halls in the new wing was too cold. An inspection of the ventilation system revealed that there was a general deterioration of the fiberglass lining inside the ducts. Emissions generated from the metals shop were not being adequately vented as illustrated by high formaldehyde (50000) levels, smoke emission and odors. Storage of chemicals in the Technical Arts Room lacked proper ventilation to control volatile solvent emissions into the area. The authors recommend that the fiberglass lined ducts should be replaced, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system should be adjusted, water damaged ceiling tiles should be replaced, local exhaust ventilation should be installed in the Metals Shop, and the school system should develop a Hazard Communication Program.
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(1990) National RX Services, Incorporated, Las Vegas, Nevada. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a representative of the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at National RX Services, Las Vegas, Nevada. The company was engaged in the mail order pharmaceutical business. Workers were involved in clerical, coding, and data entry operations, and filling prescriptions. Workers had reported headaches, coughs, allergy symptoms and chest tightness. Workers were interviewed concerning symptoms, a... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a representative of the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at National RX Services, Las Vegas, Nevada. The company was engaged in the mail order pharmaceutical business. Workers were involved in clerical, coding, and data entry operations, and filling prescriptions. Workers had reported headaches, coughs, allergy symptoms and chest tightness. Workers were interviewed concerning symptoms, and an evaluation of the ventilation system was conducted; air samples were collected to assess air quality within the building. Carbon-dioxide (124389) levels exceeded the NIOSH guideline of 1000 parts per million in some instances. The authors conclude that the lack of outside air may have had a bearing on the health effects experienced by the workers. The authors recommend that efforts be made to ensure that appropriate amounts of outside air are introduced. Care should be taken to reduce employee exposure to the dust generated from these pharmaceutical products, even though there was no indication that the employee complaints were related to these exposures. Drip pans for the cooling coils and the evaporative coolers should be regularly inspected for microbial growth.
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(1990) National Starch and Chemical Company, Island Falls, Maine. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the American Federation of Grain Millers an evaluation was made of exposures to propylene-oxide (75569), starch dust, phosphorus-oxychloride (10025873), epichlorohydrin (106898), and the potential explosion hazard from starch dust at the National Starch and Chemical Company (SIC-2046), Island Falls, Maine. There were three work shifts at this facility employing 69 hourly and 19 salaried employees. Propylene-oxide was a major ingredient in the production of specialit... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the American Federation of Grain Millers an evaluation was made of exposures to propylene-oxide (75569), starch dust, phosphorus-oxychloride (10025873), epichlorohydrin (106898), and the potential explosion hazard from starch dust at the National Starch and Chemical Company (SIC-2046), Island Falls, Maine. There were three work shifts at this facility employing 69 hourly and 19 salaried employees. Propylene-oxide was a major ingredient in the production of speciality tapioca starches. Area propylene-oxide air concentrations ranged from less than 0.1 to 10.7 parts per million (ppm) in 15 samples collected in the reactor room and other areas. Personal breathing zone samples ranged from less than 0.1 to 5.8ppm. The highest personal exposure occurred when an operator did not follow procedures during the pumping of propylene-oxide into a vat. One personal breathing zone sample of epichlorohydrin was 13.2ppm and another was 0.2ppm. Personal breathing zone sample results for starch dust (total nuisance dust) ranged from 3.2 to 18.1mg/m3. Starch was present on surfaces throughout the facility. The author recommends that propylene-oxide concentrations be reduced to the lowest feasible concentration. Airborne and surface starch should be reduced due to the potential fire and explosion hazard.
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