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HHE Search Results
282 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
(1993) General Castings - Toledo Street Facility, Delaware, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management, an investigation was begun into worker exposures at the Toledo Street Facility of General Castings (SIC-3321), Delaware, Ohio. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry with 55 workers on three shifts. Personal breathing zone concentrations of respirable silica (14808607) ranged from 31 to 284 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3) as time weighted averages (TWAs). Of the 16 nearly full shift samples taken, six exceeded the OSHA Permissible Exposu... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management, an investigation was begun into worker exposures at the Toledo Street Facility of General Castings (SIC-3321), Delaware, Ohio. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry with 55 workers on three shifts. Personal breathing zone concentrations of respirable silica (14808607) ranged from 31 to 284 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3) as time weighted averages (TWAs). Of the 16 nearly full shift samples taken, six exceeded the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit of 100microg/m3. Benzene (71432S) was detected in one sample for a molder at 0.1 parts per million (ppm), equal to the NIOSH recommended limits. Formaldehyde (50000) concentrations in the area ranged from 0.012 to 0.026ppm. Carbon-monoxide (630080) concentrations ranged from 2 to 30ppm with five of the ten personal breathing zone samples exceeding the accepted levels. Phenol (108952) at 0.07 to 0.54ppm, isopropanol (67630) at 1 to 38ppm, toluene (108883) at less than 0.062 to 0.066ppm, and the metals aluminum (7429905), chromium (7440473), copper (7440508), iron (7439896), magnesium (7439954), manganese (7439965), lead (7439921), and zinc (7440666), did not exceed the recommended limits. The authors conclude that there was a hazard from respirable silica, carbon-monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene exposures in the coremaking, molding, and shakeout areas. The authors recommend that engineering controls, an improved respiratory protection program, and improved work practices be implemented to reduce exposures.
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(1993) Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company, Puunene, Hawaii; Hamakua Sugar Plantation, Honakaa, Hawaii. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Hawaii Department of Health, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company (SIC-0133), Puuene, and the Hamakua Sugar Plantation, Honakaa. Of particular concern was the possibility that chronic respiratory diseases were related to smoke containing biogenic silica fibers (BSF). BSF exposure was evaluated and a case/control study of mesothelioma and BSF exposure was pursued using records from the ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Hawaii Department of Health, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company (SIC-0133), Puuene, and the Hamakua Sugar Plantation, Honakaa. Of particular concern was the possibility that chronic respiratory diseases were related to smoke containing biogenic silica fibers (BSF). BSF exposure was evaluated and a case/control study of mesothelioma and BSF exposure was pursued using records from the Hawaii Tumor Registry to identify subjects. Exposure to BSF was recorded for equipment operators involved in moving sugarcane into the mill. The air concentrations of inorganic fibers ranged from 1,200 to 8,350 fibers/cubic meter (f/m3). Rake operators had the highest exposure of field workers, ranging from 1,250 to 56,280f/m3. Asbestos (1332214) was detected in air samples from machinists, mechanics and operators of planting machinery with the highest concentration being 0.77f/cubic centimeter. In the medical study of 355 sugarcane workers, neither respiratory symptoms or chest X-ray abnormalities were associated with BSF exposure. The authors conclude that no association was found between occupational exposure to BSF and respiratory symptoms, X-ray signs of chronic lung disease or mesothelioma. At the time of the survey, mill workers were exposed to asbestos. The authors recommend measures to decrease the exposure to asbestos at these sites.
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(1993) Norfolk Southern Railway Company. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Virginia Department of Health, a study was made of silica (14808607) exposures for workers on the Norfolk Southern Railroad (SIC-4011). A private physician had reported that one of his patients seemed to have severe pneumoconiosis, probably silicosis. This patient had been a railroad maintenance of way employee for the company for about 20 years as a track laborer. Environmental sampling was conducted during track maintenance activities by Timber and Surfacing G... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Virginia Department of Health, a study was made of silica (14808607) exposures for workers on the Norfolk Southern Railroad (SIC-4011). A private physician had reported that one of his patients seemed to have severe pneumoconiosis, probably silicosis. This patient had been a railroad maintenance of way employee for the company for about 20 years as a track laborer. Environmental sampling was conducted during track maintenance activities by Timber and Surfacing Gangs at three sites. Of the 50 personal breathing zone and 21 area samples collected for respirable dust and crystalline silica, 27 of the personal and ten of the area samples equalled or exceeded the NIOSH recommended limit for respirable quartz of 0.05mg/m3. A medical survey of 32 track maintenance workers found no evidence of pneumoconiosis or adverse respiratory health effects. The overall prevalence of chronic cough was 31% and for chronic phlegm and shortness of breath, 25% each. The authors conclude that Timber and Surfacing Gang workers were being overexposed to crystalline silica. There was a potential for excessive crystalline silica exposure for track maintenance workers. The authors recommend measures to reduce exposure and for medical surveillance.
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(1993) The General Castings Co. - Domestic Division, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management at the General Castings Company (SIC-3321), located in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, an investigation was made into worker exposures in the coremaking, molding, pouring, melting, shakeout, sand handling, and cleaning areas of the facility. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry. An electric induction and two holding furnaces were used to produce molten iron. No local exhaust hoods or air pollution control devices for the induction furnaces were in... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management at the General Castings Company (SIC-3321), located in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, an investigation was made into worker exposures in the coremaking, molding, pouring, melting, shakeout, sand handling, and cleaning areas of the facility. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry. An electric induction and two holding furnaces were used to produce molten iron. No local exhaust hoods or air pollution control devices for the induction furnaces were in place. Four coremaking processes were used: hot shell, oil baked, cold box, and no bake. An industrial hygiene survey was conducted and included personal breathing zone and area air sampling, work practice evaluation, engineering control measures, and noise exposure assessment. The author concludes that workers were overexposed to respirable silica (14808607), lead (7439921) and noise. Carbon- monoxide (630080), chrysotile (12001295) and benzene (71432) exposures constituted a potential health hazard to employees in the coremaking, molding, pouring, cleaning and shakeout areas. The author recommended measures for reducing exposures and improving the use of respiratory protective devices.
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(1993) The General Castings Company, Curtis Street Facility, Delaware, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a management request, worker exposures were evaluated at the General Casting Company (SIC-3321) Curtis Street Facility, Delaware, Ohio. The facility was a casting cleaning facility for gray and ductile iron foundries. Two shifts operated at the facility with a total of 52 employees. Personal breathing zone air concentrations of respirable silica (14808607) ranged from 163 to 19,870 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). All the 24 samples taken exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Expo... (Click to show more)In response to a management request, worker exposures were evaluated at the General Casting Company (SIC-3321) Curtis Street Facility, Delaware, Ohio. The facility was a casting cleaning facility for gray and ductile iron foundries. Two shifts operated at the facility with a total of 52 employees. Personal breathing zone air concentrations of respirable silica (14808607) ranged from 163 to 19,870 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). All the 24 samples taken exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 50microg/m3. Twenty one samples contained cristobalite (14464461). Of the 16 iron exposures measured for the chipper/grinders, 12 exceeded the REL of 5,000microg/m3. Several nickel (7440020) concentrations exceeded the REL of 15microg/m3. Grinders were overexposed to noise. A paint dip tank area sample exceeded the 100 parts per million OSHA standard for xylene (1330207). Exposures to benzene (71432), ethyl-benzene (100414), toluene (108883) aluminum (7429905), chromium (7440473), copper (7440508), lead (7439921), magnesium (7439954), manganese (7439965) and zinc (7440666) did not exceed recommended limits. The authors conclude that workers were overexposed to respirable silica, cristobalite, iron, nickel, and noise; there was a potential health hazard from xylene. The authors recommend that engineering controls, use of personal protective equipment, and work practices be improved.
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(1992) ASARCO - Troy Unit Mine, Troy, Montana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Mine Workers of America, an investigation was made of possible exposures to diesel exhaust, silica (14808607) and noise at the ASARCO Troy Unit Mine (SIC-1044), Troy, Montana. This silver mine was also a significant copper producer. Approximately 314 persons were employed in two basic operations of mining and ore concentration. The ore was mined by the room and pillar method. Extraction calls for drilling, blasting, scaling and roof bolting, mucking and h... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Mine Workers of America, an investigation was made of possible exposures to diesel exhaust, silica (14808607) and noise at the ASARCO Troy Unit Mine (SIC-1044), Troy, Montana. This silver mine was also a significant copper producer. Approximately 314 persons were employed in two basic operations of mining and ore concentration. The ore was mined by the room and pillar method. Extraction calls for drilling, blasting, scaling and roof bolting, mucking and hauling. Exposures to nitrogen-dioxide (10102440) ranged from 0.16 to 4.61 parts per million (ppm) some of which were in excess of the recommended NIOSH limit of 1ppm. Coal-tar-pitch volatiles ranged in concentration from to 3.99mg/m3 with a mean concentration of 1.60mg/m3. Respirable dust concentrations ranged from 0.26 to 16.74mg/m3 with a mean of 2.24mg/m3. The mean quartz content of surface dust samples was 24% and of underground samples was 7%. Noise exposures ranged from 65.5 to 103.8 decibels-A for the 8 hour time weighted average samples. Of the 22 personal dosimeter readings obtained underground, 21 exceeded the limits as did six of the 19 readings taken on the surface. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed due to exposures to respirable silica, noise and diesel combustion products. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce the potential hazardous exposures and enhance the company's medical surveillance program.
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(1992) General Castings Co., Liberty Road Facility, Delaware, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of General Castings Liberty Road Facility (SIC-3321), Delaware, Ohio, an investigation was made of possible worker exposures in the coremaking, molding, pouring, melting, shakeout, sand handling, and cleaning areas of the facility. The gray and ductile iron foundry employed three shifts of workers. Personal breathing zone and area air samples were collected, and an analysis was made of work practices and engineering control measures. The authors concl... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of General Castings Liberty Road Facility (SIC-3321), Delaware, Ohio, an investigation was made of possible worker exposures in the coremaking, molding, pouring, melting, shakeout, sand handling, and cleaning areas of the facility. The gray and ductile iron foundry employed three shifts of workers. Personal breathing zone and area air samples were collected, and an analysis was made of work practices and engineering control measures. The authors conclude that respirable silica (14808607), cristobalite (14464461), iron (7439896), formaldehyde (50000), and benzene (71432) exposures could present a hazard to workers in the cleaning, coremaking, molding, and shakeout areas. Employees were also potentially exposed to hazardous levels of carbon-monoxide (630080). The authors recommend engineering controls, an improved respiratory protection program, and improved work practices.
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(1992) Langers Black Hills Silver Jewelry, Inc., Spearfish, South Dakota. (Click to open report) In response to a request from employees of Langers Black Hills Silver Jewelry (SIC-3911), an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at that site in Spearfish, South Dakota. Twenty one to 23 workers at the facility were engaged in making jewelry; processes used included lost wax casting, resin molding, and soldering. Personal air sampling was conducted to evaluate employee exposure to carbon-monoxide (630080), crystalline silica (14808607) and metal fume in the Cast... (Click to show more)In response to a request from employees of Langers Black Hills Silver Jewelry (SIC-3911), an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at that site in Spearfish, South Dakota. Twenty one to 23 workers at the facility were engaged in making jewelry; processes used included lost wax casting, resin molding, and soldering. Personal air sampling was conducted to evaluate employee exposure to carbon-monoxide (630080), crystalline silica (14808607) and metal fume in the Casting Department, styrene (100425) in the Gems by Jim Department, and toluene (108883) and xylene (1330207) in the Box Filler Department. The ventilation systems used for contaminant control were evaluated, informal interviews with employees were conducted, and chemical handling practices were observed. All exposures were below recommended levels for all tasks monitored. Although the levels of silver (7440224) were below the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of systems, installed to control worker exposure to contaminants, were based on inappropriate design criteria. The author concludes that the silver level is of concern. The author recommends that controls to reduce exposure to silver fume be implemented, that employee training and respiratory protection programs be implemented, and that the exhaust ventilation system be improved.
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(1992) Metropolitan Sewer District, Mill Creek Facility, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request from an employee, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at the Metropolitan Sewer District, Mill Creek Facility (SIC-4952) in Cincinnati, Ohio. Concern had been expressed regarding exposure to sulfur-dioxide (7446095), nitrogen oxides, inorganic acids, metals, dioxins, furans, and bacteria in the sludge dewatering and incineration buildings. There were approximately 60 employees on three shifts with the potential for exposure in the sewer sludge dewaterin... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request from an employee, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at the Metropolitan Sewer District, Mill Creek Facility (SIC-4952) in Cincinnati, Ohio. Concern had been expressed regarding exposure to sulfur-dioxide (7446095), nitrogen oxides, inorganic acids, metals, dioxins, furans, and bacteria in the sludge dewatering and incineration buildings. There were approximately 60 employees on three shifts with the potential for exposure in the sewer sludge dewatering and incineration buildings. Personal breathing zone and area air samples were taken along with surface wipe and bulk materials samples. Contaminant concentrations did not exceed current environmental evaluation criteria for the substances investigated. Health complaints were not reported by employees at the time of the site visits. The authors conclude that concentrations of cadmium (7440439), chromium (7440473), lead (7439921), nickel (7440020), and quartz (14808607) in dewatered sludge and surface dusts represented potential ingestion and inhalation hazards. The authors recommend measures to prevent contact with contaminated materials.
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(1992) Northwest Incinerator, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the City of Philadelphia and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, District Council 33, Local 427, an evaluation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Northwest Incinerator (SIC-4953), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Full shift personal breathing zone and general area air samples were analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), total dust, respirable dust, crystalline... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the City of Philadelphia and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, District Council 33, Local 427, an evaluation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Northwest Incinerator (SIC-4953), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Full shift personal breathing zone and general area air samples were analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), total dust, respirable dust, crystalline silica (14808607), and metals. Airborne concentrations of respirable nuisance dust were all well below the permissible exposure limits. Concentrations of PCDDs/PCDFs expressed as 2,3,7,8- tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (1746016) (TCDD) equivalents ranged from 0.01 to 12.8 picograms per cubic meter. There was also significant lead (7439921) surface contamination in one wipe sample. The authors conclude that possible exposures to PCDDs/PCDFs via inhalation and from surface contamination did exist. The facility ceased operations immediately after the evaluation. The authors recommend measures to cut down on exposure should the site be reopened for use or remediation.
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