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HHE Search Results
474 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
(2006) United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park Durham, North Carolina. (Click to open report) From September 6 through September 9, 2005, investigators from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, performed a site visit at the Environmental Protection Agency facility at Research Triangle Park in Durham, North Carolina. This evaluation was conducted in response to a request from EPA management for a NIOSH health hazard evaluation regarding a history of particulate exposure and staff health effects in the laboratory areas ... (Click to show more)From September 6 through September 9, 2005, investigators from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, performed a site visit at the Environmental Protection Agency facility at Research Triangle Park in Durham, North Carolina. This evaluation was conducted in response to a request from EPA management for a NIOSH health hazard evaluation regarding a history of particulate exposure and staff health effects in the laboratory areas of the facility. Laboratory staff became aware of excessive indoor particulate levels starting in 2003. Some EPA researchers measured PM2.5 (particulate smaller than 2.5 microns) levels and noted instances where indoor concentrations were higher than outdoor concentrations. Staff in many laboratories started to note a rapid buildup of white dust on surfaces which would quickly recur after cleaning. High efficiency particulate filters in bio-safety cabinets in many laboratories had to be changed out after several months use when normally they would be expected to last several years. Electrical components of several laboratory devices were found to be damaged and to have evidence of corrosion and accumulated particulate. Investigations by EPA/RTP facilities staff revealed that the humidification system in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units was causing a buildup of sodium and chloride deposits on the cooling coils and was a potential source of the laboratory particulate. An additional issue contributing to the particulate problem was periodic malfunctioning of ventilation-system controls which would cause transient increased airflows in laboratory areas. Such malfunctions were associated with increased deposition of visible particulate matter on surfaces. These events were referred to as "dumps" by EPA staff. In 2004, a number of laboratory staff in Buildings A and B developed acute health symptoms in laboratories where a dump had just occurred. The symptoms reported by these individuals included cough, shortness of breath, chest pain with inhalation, chest tightness, sore throat, and eye irritation. Some individuals had persistent symptoms for many days prior to eventual resolution, and some had symptoms recur when they tried to return to their usual laboratories. One individual reported receiving a diagnosis of asthma due to the particulate exposure. Despite attempts by EPA/RTP facilities staff to address the particulate problem, employees continued to detect excess particulate in laboratory areas and to experience respiratory symptoms. Results of limited air sampling and observations by NIOSH staff during the site visit suggest that particulate accumulation in the ventilation system air handling units, coupled with periodic loss of control of laboratory airflows by the system, is a likely source of excess particulate in laboratory areas. Other sources of laboratory particulate may include ceiling tiles, floor cleaning activities, and soil and construction activities outside the facility. The ongoing replacement of the cooling coils in the HVAC units, along with utilization of reverse osmosis and a water softener to treat the water for the humidification system, may correct the ventilation system particulate problem. However, the fact that the humidifier atomizer heads will still be relatively close to the cooling coils may cause particulate buildup on the coils to recur. In confidential interviews with 17 employees who requested interviews with NIOSH staff, employees reported health effects they experienced in, or attributed to, the EPA/RTP facility (mostly laboratory areas). The most common reports were of upper and lower respiratory symptoms and eye irritation. These symptoms may represent primarily irritant responses. Whether or not particulate exposures in the laboratories caused or exacerbated asthma in some employees could not be determined from the information available. Particulate accumulation on, and corrosion of, the cooling coils in the HVAC units has likely led to increased amount of visible particulate and PM2.5 in the laboratory areas of the EPA/RTP facility. The particulate may be responsible for the irritant-type symptoms that some employees have experienced while in their laboratories and/or adjacent offices. Symptoms were severe in instances where employees were exposed in relation to a particulate "dump" that resulted from a ventilation-system airflow malfunction. The ongoing replacement of the cooling coils reportedly will take several months to complete. This should decrease the amount of particulate that enters the laboratory areas from the ventilation system and may lead to resolution of employee symptoms. This report contains recommendations for steps that EPA/RTP facilities and health and safety staff should follow to prevent and minimize particulate from the ventilation system and other sources, and to protect employees that may continue to be adversely affected until the particulate problem is eliminated.
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(2005) Good Humor-Breyers Ice Cream, Hagerstown, Maryland. (Click to open report) On March 2, 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from the United Steelworkers of America, Local 9386, in Hagerstown, Maryland. The HHE request indicated that workers at Good Humor-Breyers Ice Cream (GHB) were concerned with a variety of health and safety issues, including awkward and unadjustable equipment located in the hand packing areas and the use of potentially irritating chemicals such as food grade ... (Click to show more)On March 2, 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from the United Steelworkers of America, Local 9386, in Hagerstown, Maryland. The HHE request indicated that workers at Good Humor-Breyers Ice Cream (GHB) were concerned with a variety of health and safety issues, including awkward and unadjustable equipment located in the hand packing areas and the use of potentially irritating chemicals such as food grade silicone lubricants, hot melt adhesives, and cleaning and sanitizing agents. During April 28-30, 2004, NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit at GHB. The NIOSH team included an ergonomics specialist, an epidemiologist, and an industrial hygienist. The evaluation consisted of an opening conference attended by the manager of Human Resources, the plant Safety Facilitator, the GHB corporate safety manager, the president of the United Steel Workers of America, Local 9386, the lead member of the Freezer department, and several employees. Following this meeting, we conducted a plant walk-through, interviewed 20 workers, and observed some of the work tasks specified in the HHE request. The closing conference took place on April 30, 2004. The ergonomics evaluation indicated that some jobs, e.g., hand packing, were highly repetitive, and at times workers were required to reach too high and too far, placing them at risk for upper extremity musculoskeletal injuries. Workers lifting bulk containers of waste ice cream risked musculoskeletal injuries to the low back. Confidential interviews with 20 workers and our observations indicated several hazards. Wet and sloped floors presented slip and fall hazards to workers. Some chemicals irritated workers' eyes and lungs, while other workers were at risk for acute injuries from boxes falling from overhead conveyors. Improperly installed safety harnesses presented a risk of acute injury to workers who unloaded trucks. For the years 2002-2003, and the first three months of 2004, there were 82 injury and illness entries on the OSHA 300 log, 38 (46%) for musculoskeletal injury. Based on observations, OSHA log review, employee interviews, and evaluation of job tasks during this HHE, NIOSH investigators conclude that workers at GHB are at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, upper extremity, and back from repetitive production tasks and lifting. Irritating chemicals, falling boxes, and improperly installed safety equipment present risk for acute injury. This report contains recommendations to reduce the risk of injury to workers.
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(2005) Ikens Hardwood Floor Services, Madison, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) In May 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from management at Ikens Hardwood Floor Services, Madison, Wisconsin. The request concerned potential lead and wood dust exposures during wood floor refinishing. The floor service company had previously evaluated 41various floor finishes for lead content; among these, 15% exceeded the federal action level for lead-based paint (0.5% lead by weight). NIOSH investigators conducte... (Click to show more)In May 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from management at Ikens Hardwood Floor Services, Madison, Wisconsin. The request concerned potential lead and wood dust exposures during wood floor refinishing. The floor service company had previously evaluated 41various floor finishes for lead content; among these, 15% exceeded the federal action level for lead-based paint (0.5% lead by weight). NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit in June 2000 at a single-family home in Madison, Wisconsin, where Ikens Hardwood Floor Services was refinishing hardwood floors. General area and personal breathing-zone (PBZ) air samples were collected for lead and wood dust during floor refinishing, and settled dust samples were measured for lead content. Four in situ (in place) surface measurements were taken to measure the lead content in the varnish on floors. Results from the short-term task-based PBZ air samples ranged from 1.5 to 25 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) and were below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for lead of 50 ug/m3. However, worker exposures during buffing approached the OSHA Action Limit for lead of 30 ug/m3, assuming that buffing would be performed over an 8-hour work day. Tasks with the greatest potential to produce lead exposures were buffing and final sanding combined with buffing. All of the wood dust exposures measured during rough sanding, rough edging, final sanding/buffing, and buffing tasks exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 1 milligram per cubic meter (mg/m3) for wood dust, if extrapolated to full shift. All of the settled dust collected on the floors of rooms during refinishing, but prior to final finishing, had lead concentrations exceeding U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) federal clearance guidelines for residential floor areas (0.43 milligrams per square meter [mg/m2]). NIOSH investigators conclude that a health hazard exists during buffing and sanding hardwood floors. Workers are exposed to wood dust above the NIOSH REL, and lead exposures approach the OSHA Action Level for lead. Surface dust samples contained levels of lead which exceed federal clearance standards for residential areas. This suggests a potential health hazard to small children in the home during refinishing, and after if the floors are not cleaned. Recommendations for using engineering and administrative controls and wearing respiratory protection during refinishing activities are included in the Recommendations section of this report.
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(2005) Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), National Firearms Unit (NFU), Altoona, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) On March 17, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) National Firearms Unit (NFU) in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The request resulted in several site visits over the course of more than 2 years to conduct lead and noise exposure assessments during training and qualification rounds at the facility. During these surveys, NIOSH investigators sampled fo... (Click to show more)On March 17, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) National Firearms Unit (NFU) in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The request resulted in several site visits over the course of more than 2 years to conduct lead and noise exposure assessments during training and qualification rounds at the facility. During these surveys, NIOSH investigators sampled for lead and noise and found excessive levels of both. An inadequate ventilation system and certain design characteristics of the range were found to be contributing factors to the lead exposure. Recommendations were made for ventilation and design improvements, and for noise exposure reduction. Over several site visits conducted at the facility, NIOSH investigators concluded that health hazards existed at the times of the evaluations. The facility has since taken several steps to mitigate these hazards, including implementing of many of the recommendations proposed by the NIOSH investigators. Recommendations in the final interim letter have not yet been implemented due to lack of funding. However, NFU management has expressed a desire to continue working with NIOSH investigators before implementing any new controls should funding become available. The contents of this document present no new information; rather, it is a compilation of the letters and reports already sent individually to INS NFU management over the course of the investigation.
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(2005) Indian River Memorial Hospital, Center for Emotional and Behavioral Health, Vero Beach, Florida. (Click to open report) On April 26 and 27, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a site visit at the Indian River Memorial Hospital's Center for Emotional and Behavioral Health (CEBH). This visit was conducted as part of a health hazard evaluation requested by Teamsters Local Union 769 on behalf of its members who work at CEBH. This was the second request for an evaluation since February 2004. The first request concerned respiratory symptoms and illnesses, including asthma... (Click to show more)On April 26 and 27, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a site visit at the Indian River Memorial Hospital's Center for Emotional and Behavioral Health (CEBH). This visit was conducted as part of a health hazard evaluation requested by Teamsters Local Union 769 on behalf of its members who work at CEBH. This was the second request for an evaluation since February 2004. The first request concerned respiratory symptoms and illnesses, including asthma, that workers felt could be related to possible mold contamination in the ventilation system, ceilings, walls, and rugs due to roof leaks. In April 2004, NIOSH provided management with written recommendations and best practice guidelines for addressing and preventing indoor environmental quality problems due to water incursion (See Appendix). Teamsters Local Union 769 made a second request for a NIOSH evaluation of CEBH in March 2005 due to continued worker reports of building-related respiratory symptoms and asthma, and concerns that areas of potential mold contamination in the building had not been adequately addressed. While the roof was replaced in the spring of 2004, two hurricanes during the summer of 2004 led to additional water incursion into the building. The April 2005 site visit by NIOSH staff involved all sections of the building and included several offices, staff lounges, patient rooms, patient lounges, the gymnasium, and the cafeteria. A Q-trak indoor air quality monitor (TSI, Inc., Shoreview, MN) was used to measure temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels at several locations. The ceiling plenum space (i.e. area above the ceiling tiles) was examined at several locations in hallways, offices, lounges, and the cafeteria. The ceilings in patient rooms did not have removable ceiling tiles. The walkthrough also included the roof deck, where the inside of two heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units (one original to the building, one a newer unit) was examined, as well as the exterior of the building and grounds. Overall the CEBH facility appeared to be clean and well maintained. Carbon dioxide concentration and temperature measurements throughout the facility were within the limits recommended by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). At several locations, relative humidity exceeded the upper limit of 60% recommended by ASHRAE. NIOSH staff did not detect any odors that might indicate water-damaged materials and/or mold growth. In the areas of the building that NIOSH staff inspected, there was no visible evidence of moisture-damaged building materials or mold growth. However, no wall finishes were removed as part of this evaluation and no invasive examinations of wall cavities were performed. Limited inspection of the ventilation ducts revealed a lining material that appeared to be breaking down. This may be responsible for the dirty appearance of ventilation supply diffusers and returns that workers have reported in the past. The CEBH building has a history of water incursion from roof leaks over many months in 2003 and 2004 as well as through hall windows and the ventilation system attributed to damage from hurricanes in the summer of 2004. During and after this time period, workers reported experiencing eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and the onset of asthma (or exacerbation of preexisting asthma). An inspection of the facility by NIOSH staff found the building to be predominantly clean and well maintained. Issues identified that should be addressed in order to minimize potential effects on health include: (1) deteriorating ventilation duct lining, and (2) moisture-damaged walls that have been painted and/or covered with another material such as fiberglass reinforced panels. CEBH management should follow the recommendations in this report in order to address these and other issues that could impact indoor air quality and potentially lead to health effects in workers.
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(2005) Liberty Central School District, Liberty, New York. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received Health Hazard Evaluation requests for the Elementary, Middle, and High Schools in Liberty, New York. The request from the Liberty Faculty Association for the Elementary School listed teacher health concerns including allergy, sinus problems, asthma, respiratory problems, rashes, numbness, and headaches. The exposure concern was "poor air quality" with mold and paint odors listed as specific concerns. The request for the M... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received Health Hazard Evaluation requests for the Elementary, Middle, and High Schools in Liberty, New York. The request from the Liberty Faculty Association for the Elementary School listed teacher health concerns including allergy, sinus problems, asthma, respiratory problems, rashes, numbness, and headaches. The exposure concern was "poor air quality" with mold and paint odors listed as specific concerns. The request for the Middle and High Schools was submitted by the Superintendent of Liberty Central School District upon learning about the Elementary School request. Health concerns listed for the Middle and High Schools were respiratory or allergic reactions to possible mold exposure. The exposure concerns were mold and indoor moisture. We conducted walkthroughs of each school using our semi-quantitative assessment sheet, a worksheet for a standardized observational assessment of occupied rooms. We modified our existing worksheet to allow us to record values from moisture meter measurements of building components and real-time measurements of room temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration. The semiquantitative assessment approach allowed us to document areas of water damage, humidity, or other problems in each school as a means to provide a focus for recommendations made to the school administration. We also compared our observational findings to the equipment measurements and found that at least for some rooms, higher observational scores did relate to elevated temperature or relative humidity. Water damage and possible mold was found in each school, although the Middle School had more visible water damage than the Elementary or High Schools. Some window caulking had failed in the Middle and High Schools, allowing water to enter the classrooms through the window. There was an on-going water infiltration problem in the Middle School library and some classrooms, as evidenced by the containers on the windowsills used to capture rainwater. We found two areas of visible mold in the Middle School: on a mural in the lobby and in a stairwell near exit 6 (next to the cafeteria). We recommended removal of the mural and cleaning of the stairwell using the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene guidance for mold remediation. The Elementary School has no mechanical ventilation in the main portions of the building. The windows are the only means of ventilation. The modular units had unit ventilators. Teachers report that they open windows during the winter due to the heat and odors in the classrooms. Teachers also report that diesel exhaust enters the classrooms on the side of the building where buses load and unload the students. Some water stains and possible mold were found in the third floor hallway. Steam pipe leaks were reported to have occurred in several areas of the building. The modular units, especially the corridor, had odors while we were there. The corridor outside the restrooms smelled of urine. Frozen pipes under the modular units have burst according to teachers, leading to water incursion in the building. The High School had stained ceiling tiles in many classrooms, condensation on many of the curtain wall windows, and some leaky windows. Some of the Plexiglas storm windows were failing as the plastic holding the Plexiglas in place was becoming brittle and breaking on some windows. At least one room had Plexiglas that was hanging from the window. The library had rusty, and possibly moldy, window blinds. The rust appeared to be caused by the blinds sitting in water or staying wet for long periods. We noticed other blinds in various rooms with rust and possible mold, although not to the extent of the library's blinds. During our walkthroughs, we spoke to teachers in the Elementary and Middle schools who reported migraines, watery eyes, sore throats, and cough that they attributed to being in their school. Damp buildings have been associated with risk of nose and throat symptoms, cough, wheeze, asthma symptoms in sensitized persons, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis for building occupants. Some evidence suggests that exposures in damp indoor environments are associated with shortness of breath and development of asthma. We documented dampness in all schools of the Liberty Central School District with the Middle School having both water leaks and visible mold. The finding of dampness in the school buildings calls for action by the school administration to correct the water incursion and to remediate the impacted building materials or furnishings. Employees experiencing health symptoms that they feel are related to the building should seek the care of a physician and should report their concerns to the school administration. Implementing the EPA program, "Tools for Schools", is recommended as a means to protect and maintain indoor environmental quality. Teachers in Liberty Central School District reported health conditions that they attributed to the school. NIOSH conducted a walkthrough of the three schools in the Liberty Central School District. We found evidence of water leaks and dampness in all schools with the Middle School having both active leaks and visible mold. The finding of dampness in the Liberty Schools calls for action by the school administration. Employees with health concerns related to the building should seek the care of a physician and should report their concerns to the school administration.
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(2005) OmniSource Corporation, Lima, Ohio. (Click to open report) On September 8, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Corporate Director of Safety of the OmniSource Corporation (OmniSource) to conduct a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) at that company's scrap metal (scrap) recycling facility in Lima, Ohio. The request asked NIOSH investigators to assist OmniSource management representatives in determining the need for installing showers for employees whose lead exposures exceeded the Occupational Sa... (Click to show more)On September 8, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Corporate Director of Safety of the OmniSource Corporation (OmniSource) to conduct a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) at that company's scrap metal (scrap) recycling facility in Lima, Ohio. The request asked NIOSH investigators to assist OmniSource management representatives in determining the need for installing showers for employees whose lead exposures exceeded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). Workers identified as having elevated exposures to lead were those who use oxygen/propane torches to cut bulk scrap into smaller pieces using hand-held oxygen/propane torches. NIOSH investigators conducted site visits to the scrap recycling facility on October 14, 2003, and from April 19-22, 2004. During the initial site visit, a NIOSH industrial hygienist and a medical officer spoke with OmniSource management and labor representatives; they also toured the facility and witnessed the torch cutting and scrap processing. During the second site visit, the NIOSH investigators collected full-shift personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples and surface samples from workers' hands and solid surfaces. NIOSH investigators sampled during torch cutting operations to detect the presence of lead and other heavy metals. Ten of the 27 PBZ air samples exceeded the OSHA 8-hour PEL for lead; four samples exceeded the OSHA PEL for cadmium; three samples exceeded the NIOSH 10-hour Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for nickel; and three samples exceeded the OSHA PEL for copper. NIOSH wipe samples detected lead and other heavy metals on workers' hands, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other surfaces. A NIOSH interim report (September 3, 2004) provided OmniSource representatives with a preliminary summary of sample results and recommendations to control exposures. OmniSource employees were exposed to lead, cadmium, nickel, copper, and arsenic above the OSHA PEL and/or NIOSH REL while torch cutting scrap metal. Recommendations include adhering to substance-specific OSHA standards for lead, cadmium, and arsenic, including the requirement for employee showers and other hygiene practices. Other recommendations address the use of local exhaust ventilation during torch cutting operations and the need for PBZ air monitoring for welding gases.
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(2005) Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, Montpelier, Vermont. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request in 1998 from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) to evaluate worker exposures to lead-contaminated dust and the dispersion of dust to surroundings associated with exterior paint removal and surface preparation. The VHCB arranged a demonstration project that included three paint removal/surface preparation methods performed by a Vermont licensed lead abatement contractor. The objective was to determ... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request in 1998 from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) to evaluate worker exposures to lead-contaminated dust and the dispersion of dust to surroundings associated with exterior paint removal and surface preparation. The VHCB arranged a demonstration project that included three paint removal/surface preparation methods performed by a Vermont licensed lead abatement contractor. The objective was to determine which method produced the least amount of dust exposure and dispersion. A NIOSH site visit was made in August 1998; the sampling results were provided to the VHCB in 1999. During the demonstration project workers removed exterior lead-based paint from clapboard siding of a single- family wood-frame house using three methods: dry scraping with manual sanding, wet scraping with manual sanding, and dry scraping with power sanding. NIOSH investigators conducted task-based sampling during four trials per method. Trials took place on different sections of the painted siding. Samples collected during each were for personal breathing zone (PBZ) and area airborne lead (PbA) (both NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods [NMAM] Method 7105), lead in paint, and lead in the dispersed surface dust (PbS). PbS samples were collected using stationary dustfall collectors, each containing a clean unfolded pre-moistened hand wipe (Wash n' Dri) centered in the tray. Eight PbS samples were collected in two rows on the ground at zero, 6, 10, and 20 feet perpendicular to the siding. The mean lead concentration measured in painted surfaces was 18.7% (range for section means 4.8%- 27%). The highest PBZ PbA exposures were measured during dry scraping/power sanding with an improperly functioning (80%-blocked) HEPA vacuum dust collection system: 820 and 1600 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3) as task-based time-weighted averages (TWA) over 1-2 hours. PBZ PbA concentrations during dry scraping/manual sanding were lower, ranging from 29 to 160 microg/m3, and dry scraping/power sanding with a properly functioning HEPA vacuum system and wet scraping/manual sanding produced the lowest PBZ PbA results, ranging from 3.5 to 53 microg/m3, task-based TWA. The area PbA results at 10 ft from the work surfaces were low, ranging from 0.16 to 8.2 microg/m3. For all three methods, mean concentrations of PbS measured on the ground at zero ft and 6 ft from the house foundation ranged from 1300 to 7,600,000 microg/f2. After statistically controlling for distance, method, paint Pb concentration and the percent paint removed from substrate in a linear model, distance was significantly associated with PbS (p-value= < 0.0001). NIOSH investigators found that worker exposures to lead during dry scraping/power sanding without functional dust collection controls were a health hazard. Worker exposures during wet scraping/manual sanding were relatively low, but could be a health hazard if the activity is performed 8 hours or more. After paint removal, high concentrations of lead in settled dust were found at distances of zero to 10 ft from the work surfaces. Recommendations included (1) use effective engineering controls on power sanding equipment to limit lead dust exposure and dust dispersion to surroundings; (2) use respirators to reduce worker exposure to lead dust during dry scraping and power sanding until engineering and/or administrative controls are effective in reducing exposures below the OSHA PEL; and (3) use good hygiene practices.
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(2005) West Virginia University, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, West Virginia. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Health and Safety Manager at West Virginia University, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center in Morgantown, West Virginia, to conduct an indoor air quality investigation in the Student Health Services employee office area. Employees had expressed concerns about the air quality including the possibility that exposure to photographic chemicals leaking into the office space from the area above might have ... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Health and Safety Manager at West Virginia University, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center in Morgantown, West Virginia, to conduct an indoor air quality investigation in the Student Health Services employee office area. Employees had expressed concerns about the air quality including the possibility that exposure to photographic chemicals leaking into the office space from the area above might have caused health effects experienced by employees. Primary health concerns were asthma and other respiratory health problems. The NIOSH response consisted of numerous phone interviews with the requester to gather information, two site visits, and review of material safety data sheets and other information. During the first site visit on September 22, 2004, the industrial hygienist visually inspected the premises and interviewed the Health and Safety Manager. Evidence of previous water incursion in several offices and in one of the clinical exam rooms was observed. Prior to the NIOSH site visit the facilities management staff had investigated the drainage system and identified a downspout that directed storm water to the basement wall. The drainage was corrected and no further water incursion was reported. Other evidence of water incursion was subsurface lifting of the floors which had lead to substantial unevenness of the floors in the hallway and two offices. This was attributed to water incursion below the building that had caused swelling of the natural shale deposits. The second site visit was conducted on November 18, 2004, and included a similar visual inspection of the interior spaces along with the heating and ventilation (HVAC) systems. The second visit also included real-time monitoring of temperature, relative humidity, and concentrations of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in the Student Health Service employee office area where respiratory problems have been reported and in the clinic area where there have been no complaints. Investigation of the two HVAC systems that service the Student Health Service revealed that no outside air was being introduced into the ventilation system. There was indication of continued leaks from the mammography film developer located on the floor above one of the offices. Results of the real-time monitoring found that carbon dioxide concentrations exceeded recommended levels in the employee office area when the building was occupied. NIOSH conducted two site visits to the West Virginia University, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, Student Health Services area in Morgantown, West Virginia, to address management concerns about the quality of the indoor air and health effects the employees were experiencing. Areas of previous or ongoing water incursion were found although no mold was observed. Measurements indicated that the office area had elevated levels of carbon dioxide and that changes to the ventilation system were necessary to ensure that adequate fresh air was provided to the occupants.
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(2004) Alameda County Public Authority for In-Home Support Services, Alameda, California. (Click to open report) On January 19, 2001, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Alameda County Public Authority (PA) for In-Home Supportive Services and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) local 616 to evaluate working conditions and make recommendations regarding the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders and other safety and health problems among the approximately 10,000 publicly funded homecare workers (HCWs) in Alameda County, California who a... (Click to show more)On January 19, 2001, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Alameda County Public Authority (PA) for In-Home Supportive Services and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) local 616 to evaluate working conditions and make recommendations regarding the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders and other safety and health problems among the approximately 10,000 publicly funded homecare workers (HCWs) in Alameda County, California who are represented by SEIU. Alameda County, like all of the California In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) HCW, uses a consumer directed model in which the recipient of the home care services recruits, hires, trains, directs, and fires their own workers. Because of the unique nature of a consumer directed service model, the PA and SEIU asked NIOSH to evaluate the health and safety issues of HCWs in Alameda County. The evaluation utilized multilingual HCW focus groups, key informant interviews, analysis of injury data and an in-home site visit. Findings indicated that housekeeping tasks were as physically demanding to workers as client lifting and transfer tasks, that workers largely did not have adequate tools and equipment to complete their required tasks, and that most consumers' homes were not equipped and/or configured to allow for efficient delivery of needed services. The evaluation also found that most HCWs had little or no formal training on how to safely perform home care tasks prior to beginning work and few opportunities existed for in-service training during employment. Interviews with individuals and groups involved with homecare in the Alameda County area, consumers, consumer groups, and IHSS social workers indicated that there were additional problems with the consumer-client relationship, such as the lack of a clear understanding of whose responsibility it was to provide for the safety and health of the HCW, and lack of a clear definition of what a HCW was required to do for their consumer. In general, it was found that there was poor communication between consumers and HCWs, and inadequate means for resolving disputes that arose. Recommendations were made for the establishment of a comprehensive safety and health program that could be overseen by a union and management joint committee. NIOSH investigators conclude that the current program for delivering consumer-directed home care services in Alameda County could lead to health and safety problems for homecare workers. Lack of training, inadequate resources, and poor communication between consumers and caregivers contributes to health risks. Recommendations to improve safety and health for home care workers are contained in this report.
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