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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
(2017) Occupational brake dust exposures at a hydroelectric dam. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a safety manager at a hydroelectric dam. The manager was concerned about employee exposures to elements (metals and minerals) in brake dust when cleaning the brake and brush housings of hydroelectric turbine generators. While employees cleaned a generator during a scheduled shutdown, we collected air samples, work surface and hand wipes, and brake dust samples for elemental analysis. Airborne exposures to elements were well below their... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a safety manager at a hydroelectric dam. The manager was concerned about employee exposures to elements (metals and minerals) in brake dust when cleaning the brake and brush housings of hydroelectric turbine generators. While employees cleaned a generator during a scheduled shutdown, we collected air samples, work surface and hand wipes, and brake dust samples for elemental analysis. Airborne exposures to elements were well below their most protective occupational exposure limits for all powerhouse employees, regardless of work activity or location within the powerhouse. Sampling results showed that brake dust could escape from the interior of the turbine housing. Elements were detected at low concentrations on hands and work surfaces. Hand cleaning practices, the availability of disposable clothing, and the use of sticky mats helped reduce the migration of contaminants from work areas to non-work areas. We recommended evaluating employee's exposures to elements in the air during brake dust cleaning of the other two generators.
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(2017) Occupational exposures at an insect rearing facility. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a federal agency on behalf of employees at a pink bollworm (moth) rearing facility. Managers and employees were concerned about indoor environmental quality and possible development of respiratory problems and allergies from exposures to chemicals, insects, and insect debris. We collected personal air samples for formaldehyde and inhalable particulate matter, and area air samples for moth scales and other insect debris. We interviewed ... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a federal agency on behalf of employees at a pink bollworm (moth) rearing facility. Managers and employees were concerned about indoor environmental quality and possible development of respiratory problems and allergies from exposures to chemicals, insects, and insect debris. We collected personal air samples for formaldehyde and inhalable particulate matter, and area air samples for moth scales and other insect debris. We interviewed employees about their work, their health, and their concerns, and reviewed health questionnaire results and lung function testing done by a contractor hired by the employer. We also observed engineering controls, ventilation, work practices, and personal protective equipment use. Employees were exposed to multiple allergens and irritants in many areas such as formaldehyde, bleach, insects, insect debris, insect diet ingredients, and latex gloves. Air sampling results showed overexposures to formaldehyde (according to NIOSH criteria) during egg preparation and disinfection. Work procedures and practices could increase the potential for air and skin exposure to formaldehyde. Inhalable particulate matter containing moth scales, insect debris, or insect diet ingredients was not well controlled in the moth pouring, egg production, and tray scraping areas, which indicates that improvements in local exhaust ventilation were needed. Some employees reported health symptoms and had medical evidence suggesting potential allergy, occupational asthma, and lung obstruction. We recommended modifying the ventilation systems to improve capture and removal of inhalable particulates containing allergens and irritants. We also recommended replacing latex gloves with nitrile gloves to eliminate a potential allergen source.
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(2017) Potential hazards during harvesting and processing cannabis at an outdoor organic farm. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a union representative to evaluate potential hazards associated with harvesting and processing cannabis at an outdoor organic farm. We evaluated ergonomic, chemical, and microbial hazards and conducted medical interviews with employees about their health concerns. Although employees did not report any work-related health problems, we identified some exposures and conditions that could affect employee health. If hand trimming tasks are ... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a union representative to evaluate potential hazards associated with harvesting and processing cannabis at an outdoor organic farm. We evaluated ergonomic, chemical, and microbial hazards and conducted medical interviews with employees about their health concerns. Although employees did not report any work-related health problems, we identified some exposures and conditions that could affect employee health. If hand trimming tasks are performed for longer periods than we observed, the repetitive hand motions would create a risk for hand and wrist musculoskeletal disorders. Tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component in cannabis, was detected on all surface wipe samples collected (cannabis processing areas and on hand trimming scissor blades). This indicates the potential for dermal and ingestion exposures. However, the health implications from occupational exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol are unknown. Air samples indicated that Botrytis cinerea, a plant pathogen, was the main fungal species, while actinobacteria, common soil bacteria, was the most frequently identified bacterial phyla. Airborne exposure to actinobacteria and fungus like Botrytis cinerea can increase the risk of allergic and respiratory symptoms. Air samples for endotoxins were all below the occupational exposure limit. We also found that employees used latex gloves, which can cause allergic reactions. Glove use was required for some tasks. NIOSH investigators recommended (1) changing procedures and improving tools to reduce the potential for musculoskeletal disorders, (2) developing a cleaning schedule for work and tool surfaces, (3) training employees on tool cleaning, lubrication, sharpening, and maintenance, and (4) wearing nonlatex gloves when handling cannabis, cannabis products, or equipment that contacts cannabis.
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(2017) Ventilation and employee exposures to lead at an indoor firing range. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from an employer representative at an indoor firing range. The request concerned potential employee exposure to lead during routine tasks and range cleaning activities. Other concerns included the performance of the ventilation system and whether lead was migrating from the range to other areas of the building. We conducted a walk-through survey of the range to speak with employees and observe their work practices and personal protective eq... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from an employer representative at an indoor firing range. The request concerned potential employee exposure to lead during routine tasks and range cleaning activities. Other concerns included the performance of the ventilation system and whether lead was migrating from the range to other areas of the building. We conducted a walk-through survey of the range to speak with employees and observe their work practices and personal protective equipment use. We collected full-shift personal and area air samples for lead, and reviewed the company's health and safety policy documents. We also collected employee hand wipe samples for lead before and after weekly range cleaning, and at the end of the work shift. No employees were overexposed to airborne lead. However, we did find lead on surfaces and employees' hands. The ventilation system performance met NIOSH guidelines. The company adhered to the OSHA lead standard and the type and availability of personal protective equipment was appropriate for the work performed by employees. We recommended increasing the use of a lead removal solution for surface and floor cleaning and lead removal hand wipes to reduce the possible spread of lead contamination. We also recommended using a lead-certified laundry service or providing a dedicated onsite, washer and dryer to clean employee uniforms and to help prevent take-home exposures.
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(2016) Crystalline silica exposure during fabrication of natural and engineered stone countertops. (Click to open report) The Texas Department of State Health Services asked the Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program for help. They asked us to evaluate silica exposure in a manufacturing plant. The plant makes natural and engineered stone countertops. We measured employees' exposures to crystalline silica. We evaluated ventilation systems and personal protective equipment use. Employees used wet methods to help control dust. We found respirable crystalline silica in the air. Concentrations ranged from nondetectable ... (Click to show more)The Texas Department of State Health Services asked the Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program for help. They asked us to evaluate silica exposure in a manufacturing plant. The plant makes natural and engineered stone countertops. We measured employees' exposures to crystalline silica. We evaluated ventilation systems and personal protective equipment use. Employees used wet methods to help control dust. We found respirable crystalline silica in the air. Concentrations ranged from nondetectable to 140 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3). Respirable dust concentrations ranged from nondetectable to 380 ug/m3. The percentage of quartz in these samples ranged from less than 1% to 52%. We found overexposures to crystalline silica despite the use of wet methods. None of the work processes used local exhaust ventilation. We saw some employees incorrectly using respirators, safety glasses, and ear plugs. The company did not have an employee medical surveillance program for silica. HHE Program investigators recommended using a combination of local exhaust ventilation and wet methods to control dust.
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(2016) Indoor environmental quality and health concerns in a public university. (Click to open report) University managers requested help to address employee concerns about mold in a campus building. We evaluated the building ventilation systems. We checked for moisture, water damage, and mold. We measured carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity. We saw no widespread mold or water damage. Relative humidity levels in some areas were above 65%. These levels can help microorganisms and dust mites grow. The building had unit ventilators and window air-conditioners, not a central ventilatio... (Click to show more)University managers requested help to address employee concerns about mold in a campus building. We evaluated the building ventilation systems. We checked for moisture, water damage, and mold. We measured carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity. We saw no widespread mold or water damage. Relative humidity levels in some areas were above 65%. These levels can help microorganisms and dust mites grow. The building had unit ventilators and window air-conditioners, not a central ventilation system. None of the unit ventilators brought in outdoor air. We interviewed employees about their health. They reported some respiratory symptoms associated with damp buildings and inadequate ventilation. These symptoms are also common in the general population. Employees also reported hives, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and hair loss. These conditions were not related to working in the building. HHE Program investigators recommended improving building ventilation and stopping environmental sampling.
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(2016) 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) 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) 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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(2016) Styrene and dust exposures and health effects during fiberglass-reinforced wind turbine blade manufacturing. (Click to open report) Managers at plant making wind turbine blades asked us to assess exposures to styrene and dust. We also evaluated employees' visual and respiratory health. Employees doing cut and trim tasks were exposed to styrene above exposure limits. Employees doing these tasks inside the blade also exceeded the OSHA limit for dust even though they used powered hand tools with local exhaust ventilation. Employees overexposed to airborne styrene or dust wore respiratory protection. Other plant employees did no... (Click to show more)Managers at plant making wind turbine blades asked us to assess exposures to styrene and dust. We also evaluated employees' visual and respiratory health. Employees doing cut and trim tasks were exposed to styrene above exposure limits. Employees doing these tasks inside the blade also exceeded the OSHA limit for dust even though they used powered hand tools with local exhaust ventilation. Employees overexposed to airborne styrene or dust wore respiratory protection. Other plant employees did not always wear respirators when needed. In some cases, respirators were not stored away from contamination. Urinary styrene metabolites were lower than exposure limits. Employees had more color blindness than expected. Contrast vision problems were related to current and long-term styrene exposure. Employees exposed to higher levels of styrene had more breathing problems than expected. We recommended changes to the blade manufacturing process to reduce styrene exposures. For annual employee medical exams, we recommended vision testing and spirometry.
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