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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
(1988) Bestop, Inc., Longmont, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of Bestop, Inc. (SIC- 3714), Longmont, Colorado, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous conditions at this facility due to exposure to urethane polyester powder coating, painted on automotive metal accessory parts using an electrostatic spray application method. The painted metal parts were conveyed through a 375 to 395 degree-F curing oven. Finished metal accessories were conveyed to a packaging area. Painters spent half of their shifts doing t... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of Bestop, Inc. (SIC- 3714), Longmont, Colorado, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous conditions at this facility due to exposure to urethane polyester powder coating, painted on automotive metal accessory parts using an electrostatic spray application method. The painted metal parts were conveyed through a 375 to 395 degree-F curing oven. Finished metal accessories were conveyed to a packaging area. Painters spent half of their shifts doing the actual painting and the other half placing parts on the conveyor prior to painting or removing them from the conveyor and packaging them. Full shift personal breathing zone and area air samples indicated the range for nuisance dust to be 1.42 to 12.21mg/m3 and 0.09 to 1.27mg/m3, respectively. Airborne concentrations of caprolactam (105602) dust, caprolactam vapor, and isocyanates were all below existing criteria. The complaints and symptoms of the workers included eye irritation, skin irritation, and respiratory system difficulties, related to the excessive amounts of nuisance dust. The author concludes that at the time of the survey, there was a health hazard from exposure to nuisance dust. The author recommends specific measures be taken to reduce worker exposures to nuisance dust. Recommendations concern respiratory use, use of cooling air, possible heat stress, personal protective clothing, personal hygiene, equipment inspection, and medical surveillance.
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(1988) C F and I Steel Corporation, Pueblo, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at C-F-and-I Steel Company (SIC-3313), Pueblo, Colorado. The company produced steel in electric arc furnaces. Workers in the vicinity of the electric arc furnace had complained of bad odors and tastes, and respiratory irritation. Breathing zone and general room air samples were tested for sulfur-dioxide (7446095), arsenic (7440382), cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), total particulate, and crystal... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at C-F-and-I Steel Company (SIC-3313), Pueblo, Colorado. The company produced steel in electric arc furnaces. Workers in the vicinity of the electric arc furnace had complained of bad odors and tastes, and respiratory irritation. Breathing zone and general room air samples were tested for sulfur-dioxide (7446095), arsenic (7440382), cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), total particulate, and crystalline silica (quartz (14808607) and cristobalite (14464461)). Seven general area sample measurements ranged from 0.2 to 1.7mg/m3 for sulfur-dioxide. One breathing zone sample registered 0.78mg/m3. Arsenic was found in one sample at a level of 0.02mg/m3. Cadmium was found in one of 11 samples at 0.006mg/m3. Lead was present in all 11 samples ranging from 0.004 to 0.3mg/m3. Total dust measurements were 14 and 12mg/m3. Respirable dust samples contained 1.5 and 1.4mg/m3 respirable dust; free silica samples were 0.5 and 0.2mg/m3 (quartz). The author concludes that a potential health hazard existed from exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead, and crystalline silica. The author recommends that specific improvements be made in respiratory protection, and that workers be notified when sulfur compounds are being added to the steel.
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(1988) Camp Bird Ventures, Ouray, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Camp Bird Ventures (SIC-1041), Ouray, Colorado, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions with particular attention given to lead (7439921) exposures. Camp Bird Ventures was engaged in underground mining for gold and silver; fire assays were performed on ore samples. Two employees had been found to have excessive blood lead levels. Personal protective equipment worn by employees engaged in fire assay work in the furnace and storage rooms includ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Camp Bird Ventures (SIC-1041), Ouray, Colorado, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions with particular attention given to lead (7439921) exposures. Camp Bird Ventures was engaged in underground mining for gold and silver; fire assays were performed on ore samples. Two employees had been found to have excessive blood lead levels. Personal protective equipment worn by employees engaged in fire assay work in the furnace and storage rooms included disposable full body suits, boot covers, and half face respirators. One worker had a full beard, which would interfere with the respirator seal and another had a torn protective suit, which would allow entry of lead dust. Time weighted average (8 hour) lead concentrations in personal air samples were 113 and 40 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3) for the assayer and scale operator, respectively. The OSHA permissible exposure limit for lead was 50microg/m3 as an 8 hour time weighted average. Area air concentrations of lead were 100microg/m3 in the furnace room, 58microg/m3 in the storage room, and 46microg/m3 in the office. The author concludes that a potential health hazard existed from employee exposure to lead in the fire assay operations. The author makes recommendations concerning air monitoring, mechanical ventilation, respiratory protection, personal protective clothing hygiene facilities and practices, housekeeping, and medical monitoring.
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(1988) City of Ames Municipal Power Plant, Ames, Iowa. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of the Municipal Power Facility (SIC-4931), Ames, Iowa and the International Union of Electrical Workers Local 234, an evaluation was made of possible health hazards at this work site. Concerns were specifically expressed about the handling and burning of refuse derived fuel (RDF), asbestos (1332214) insulation, coal dust, fly ash, hot working environments, polychlorinated-biphenyl (1336363) (PCB) present in grounding transformers, and on site chemica... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of the Municipal Power Facility (SIC-4931), Ames, Iowa and the International Union of Electrical Workers Local 234, an evaluation was made of possible health hazards at this work site. Concerns were specifically expressed about the handling and burning of refuse derived fuel (RDF), asbestos (1332214) insulation, coal dust, fly ash, hot working environments, polychlorinated-biphenyl (1336363) (PCB) present in grounding transformers, and on site chemical usage and storage. RDF was composed primarily of the shredded combustible part of municipal solid waste. A survey of the facility indicated that potential hazards did exist from noise, heat, asbestos, coal dust, and crystalline silica (14808607). The only documented case of over exposure was to coal dust in the coal yard. Metal exposure was very low or non detectable. The author concludes that hazards existed due to heat levels, noise, potential asbestos exposure, and elevated coal dust and silica exposures. The author recommends work schedule modifications to reduce heat stress, improved storage methods for chemicals, improvements in the respiratory protection program, a hearing conservation program, monitoring workers for trace metal exposures, asbestos cleanup or monitoring, employee education regarding possible hazards, and medical surveillance.
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(1988) Community Savings Association, Finleyville, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Finleyville Branch of the Community Savings Association (SIC-6036), located in Finleyville, Pennsylvania. Employees had been sensitized to a fungus and were experiencing nausea, headache, fatigue, sinus congestion and difficulty in breathing even after action to control the fungus had been taken. The first allergic reaction was noted in October o... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Finleyville Branch of the Community Savings Association (SIC-6036), located in Finleyville, Pennsylvania. Employees had been sensitized to a fungus and were experiencing nausea, headache, fatigue, sinus congestion and difficulty in breathing even after action to control the fungus had been taken. The first allergic reaction was noted in October of 1986 with four more cases developing by December 5 of that same year. During early February of 1987 the wall in the storeroom was scraped, cleaned, and painted with a fungal resistant paint. On March 16 the office was closed early due to three full time employees suffering the aforementioned symptoms plus dermatological symptoms of an allergic reaction. Additional control efforts were likewise unsuccessful. Analysis indicated that exposure to microorganisms and an inadequate supply of fresh air were likely the causes of the symptoms experienced by these workers. No evidence of any pulmonary damage among the exposed workers was found. The authors recommend that the ventilation, heating, and air conditioning unit be operated according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air- Conditioning Engineers, Incorporated (ASHRAE) standards; that relative humidity should range between 20 to 50 percent; that the storeroom wall be maintained free of microbial growth; and that files in open boxes be cleaned and placed in enclosed cabinets to reduce further contamination.
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(1988) Duro Bag Manufacturing Company, Richwood, Kentucky. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Duro Bag Manufacturing Company (SIC-2643), Richwood, Kentucky, an investigation was made of the occurrence of skin rashes and hair loss at the facility. Products included shopping bags, grocery bags, millinary and notion bags and wrapping paper in the Paper Division. In the Plastics Division products included various sizes of plastic bags shaped from thin sheets of polyethylene. Water based inks were used on paper bags and solvent based inks were used on plastic... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Duro Bag Manufacturing Company (SIC-2643), Richwood, Kentucky, an investigation was made of the occurrence of skin rashes and hair loss at the facility. Products included shopping bags, grocery bags, millinary and notion bags and wrapping paper in the Paper Division. In the Plastics Division products included various sizes of plastic bags shaped from thin sheets of polyethylene. Water based inks were used on paper bags and solvent based inks were used on plastic bags. Bags were glued using a water based mixture. A questionnaire was completed by 215 of 245 hourly production workers. Sixty one of those responding indicated a skin rash in the period since January 1, 1986. Hair loss had been noticed by 12 employees. Significantly elevated relative risks were noted among bag catchers of the plastic division for skin rashes on arms and hands. Increases in skin rashes of the head and neck area occurred among bag catchers, collator tenders, and adjuster supervisors in grocery bag production areas. Dust levels were below current standards. The authors conclude that the cause of the skin rashes probably is exposure to chemicals used to clean machine parts. The authors recommend specific changes to reduce the occurrence of contact dermatitis, including use of personal protective equipment, good personal hygiene, ventilation systems, dust control, proper humidity for work areas, regular use of skin moisturizers, and proper use of respirators.
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(1988) Estherville Foods, Inc., Estherville, Iowa. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the president of Sonstegard Foods, Inc., a study was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions due to exposure to raw egg products at the Estherville Foods, Inc. (SIC-2017), located in Estherville, Iowa. The facility processed raw eggs into powdered whole egg, powdered egg yolk, and liquid egg white. Workers experienced asthma/like symptoms including wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Ambient air concentrations for total protein were less ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the president of Sonstegard Foods, Inc., a study was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions due to exposure to raw egg products at the Estherville Foods, Inc. (SIC-2017), located in Estherville, Iowa. The facility processed raw eggs into powdered whole egg, powdered egg yolk, and liquid egg white. Workers experienced asthma/like symptoms including wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Ambient air concentrations for total protein were less than 1.2mg/m3. Ambient air concentrations of ovalbumin, ovomucoid, and lysozyme were less than 360, 243, and 40 micrograms/cubic meter, respectively. Protein concentration in the sanitizer water from the egg washers increased from 0.27 to 5.6 milligrams/milliliter over the course of a work shift. Immunoglobulin-E mediated occupational asthma from egg protein exposure was determined in ten workers; three had evidence of bronchial lability. A major source of egg protein may be the visible aerosol escaping from the freshly washed eggs. Each wash water was recirculated for the 5 hour production run, and contained contaminants from broken eggs. These mists were also seen to escape into the transfer room. Better control methods at this juncture will reduce exposure levels. The author concludes that a health hazard existed from exposure to airborne egg protein. The author recommends that exposure to egg protein be reduced, and at risk workers be screened.
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(1988) General Electric Carboloy Systems, Detroit, Michigan. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Local 771 of the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the General Electric Carboloy Systems (SIC-3369), Warren, Michigan. At this site 14,000 different tungsten-carbide and steel products were produced. Environmental and medical surveys were conducted in several of the buildings at the work site. The studies indicated a hazard to some employees in building 6 from coba... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Local 771 of the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the General Electric Carboloy Systems (SIC-3369), Warren, Michigan. At this site 14,000 different tungsten-carbide and steel products were produced. Environmental and medical surveys were conducted in several of the buildings at the work site. The studies indicated a hazard to some employees in building 6 from cobalt (7440484) exposures. An automated system was being implemented in this building to perform operations such as powder weighing, milling, screening, and spray drying, in enclosed vessels. These operations were performed manually under local exhaust ventilation. The greatest exposures occurred to individuals who did not wear a particle mask and were determined to be 24.6 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). The authors conclude that a hazard existed from airborne exposure to cobalt. The authors recommend that single use disposable respirators be replaced by half mask or full face respirators; that the respiratory protection program be redesigned; that smoking, eating, and drinking be prohibited when toxic materials are present; and workers be evaluated for early detection of pneumoconiosis.
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(1988) General Electric Company, Evendale, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Association of Machinists, Local Lodge 912 a study was made of possible health hazards at the General Electric Company (SIC-3541), Evendale, Ohio. Workers were exposed to dusts generated during the grinding of tools and other components containing tungsten-carbide. Employee exposure to cobalt (7440484), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), tungsten (7440337), and total and respirable dust levels were evaluated for 15 machinists working in two cutt... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Association of Machinists, Local Lodge 912 a study was made of possible health hazards at the General Electric Company (SIC-3541), Evendale, Ohio. Workers were exposed to dusts generated during the grinding of tools and other components containing tungsten-carbide. Employee exposure to cobalt (7440484), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), tungsten (7440337), and total and respirable dust levels were evaluated for 15 machinists working in two cutting and grinding areas. Concentrations of nickel ranged from nondetectable to 20 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3), time weighted average, which exceeded the NIOSH recommended level of 15microg/m3. Other metals were below permissible levels. A group of 41 individuals participated in a medical study including chest x-ray and determination of blood and urine cobalt concentrations. No evidence of hard metal disease was noted on the 38 x-rays taken. Only two of ten participants had detectable blood cobalt levels. Of 63 urine specimens, 19 showed detectable cobalt. The authors conclude that a potential hazard existed from airborne exposure to nickel in cutter/grinding areas, and that a potential health hazard from cobalt exposure existed in Building 500. The authors recommend the use of appropriate respiratory protection for workers exposed to cobalt or inorganic nickel, and improvements in local exhaust ventilation systems.
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(1988) H.B. Smith Company, Inc., Westfield, Massachusetts. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Local 95, Molders and Allied Workers Union, an evaluation was made of exposures to chemicals at the H.B. Smith Company, Inc. (SIC-3565, SIC-3321), Westfield, Massachusetts, due to concern over symptoms of breathing difficulties experienced by workers. Workers at the foundry were involved in coremaking, mold making, casting, shake out, and knockout operations. Possible exposures to carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO), respirable free silica (14808607), dimethylethylamine (... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Local 95, Molders and Allied Workers Union, an evaluation was made of exposures to chemicals at the H.B. Smith Company, Inc. (SIC-3565, SIC-3321), Westfield, Massachusetts, due to concern over symptoms of breathing difficulties experienced by workers. Workers at the foundry were involved in coremaking, mold making, casting, shake out, and knockout operations. Possible exposures to carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO), respirable free silica (14808607), dimethylethylamine (75649) (DMEA), and acrolein (107028) were determined. Acrolein was not detected. CO levels ranged from 10.4mg/m3. The respirable free silica ranged up to 0.54mg/m3. Pulmonary function tests and x-rays showed no evidence of silicotic lung disease. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed due to worker exposures to respirable free silica, DMEA and CO. The authors recommend measures to reduce worker exposures, including a mandatory personal protective equipment policy, administrative and engineering controls for CO, improvements in ventilation, and periodic medical examinations.
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