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HHE Search Results
1062 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
(2013) Dermatitis among sanders in a furniture manufacturing plant. (Click to open report) Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program investigators evaluated sanding department exposures and rashes among employees at a furniture manufacturing company in North Carolina. The employer became concerned after two sanders had severe skin reactions at work and were unable to continue work in the area. In November 2011, HHE investigators toured the facility, observed work processes and practices, and reviewed the company's material safety data sheets for the epoxies and other chemicals used in th... (Click to show more)Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program investigators evaluated sanding department exposures and rashes among employees at a furniture manufacturing company in North Carolina. The employer became concerned after two sanders had severe skin reactions at work and were unable to continue work in the area. In November 2011, HHE investigators toured the facility, observed work processes and practices, and reviewed the company's material safety data sheets for the epoxies and other chemicals used in the sanding department. They assessed ventilation in the work area using smoke tubes to observe air flow patterns, collected personal air samples for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), surface wipe samples for bisphenol A and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) (epoxy components), and surface samples for metals and minerals. They interviewed 18 employees confidentially and reviewed employee medical records and OSHA 300 Logs. The sanders' downdraft tables were ineffective in controlling dust while employees sanded large frames. Compressed air was used to clean off the chairs, which increased the airborne dust levels in the sanding department. The wipe samples of work surfaces in the sanding department found low levels of DGEBA, indicating that employees had potential for skin contact with this epoxy resin component. They found low levels of metals and minerals in surface wipe samples and low concentrations of airborne VOCs. Eight of the 18 interviewed employees, all sanders or prior sanders, reported current or recent skin rash that began within 2 years of our site visit and that they associated with work. Five employees had visible skin rash. A few employees reported upper respiratory symptoms and one employee reported asthma symptoms. Employees reported using a much larger amount of epoxy than they did 2 years prior to our visit because they began plugging furniture screw holes with epoxy instead of wood plugs. Employees reported using their fingers to mix the epoxies because of their thick consistency. The company began requiring employees to wear gloves while working with epoxy about a month prior to the site visit. Medical record review of four employees revealed that one employee had been diagnosed with work-related allergic contact dermatitis after skin patch testing showed an allergic skin reaction to bisphenol A; the other three were diagnosed with contact dermatitis. Skin contact with epoxy resin may cause allergic contact dermatitis and occupational asthma. The increased use of epoxy 18 months before the site visit, insufficient dust control during sanding, and lack of skin protection likely played a role in the development of dermatitis among sanders. HHE investigators recommended the employer reduce epoxy resin exposures by using a dispensing gun to apply the epoxies, adding local exhaust ventilation to the hand-held sanders to control dust, and educating employees on the hazards of epoxy exposure and the need for work practices to prevent skin exposures to epoxy resins, including appropriate glove use. They encouraged employees to report work-related skin rashes and respiratory symptoms as early as possible and those with persistent symptoms were advised to be evaluated by an occupational medicine physician.
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(2013) Employee exposure to lead and other chemicals at a police department. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program evaluated employees' exposure to lead when working in the parking garage adjacent to the firing range of a police department. Lead was found on surfaces inside the parking garage; the firing range was identified as the main source of this contamination. Investigators determined that the firing range did not meet all of the ventilation design elements recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. When investigators interviewed... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program evaluated employees' exposure to lead when working in the parking garage adjacent to the firing range of a police department. Lead was found on surfaces inside the parking garage; the firing range was identified as the main source of this contamination. Investigators determined that the firing range did not meet all of the ventilation design elements recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. When investigators interviewed employees they found that most employees reported health symptoms that they felt were related to or made worse by the workplace. One employee who reported headache, tiredness, and leg weakness and pain had a higher than normal blood lead level. A lack of ventilation in the property room where illicit drugs were stored was also of concern. Illicit drugs were found on some surfaces in the property room. Employees were also concerned about water intrusion and mold growth on the ceiling tiles in offices, but investigators did not find visual of water intrusion or mold growth. HHE Program investigators recommended that the firing range be redesigned to meet all recommended design elements or that another firing range be used. Officers should be provided with non-lead bullets and lead-free primer. If bullets or primer containing lead are used then investigators recommended collecting air samples. The results of this sampling will help determine which elements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration lead standard need to be followed. Investigators also recommended that surfaces contaminated with lead or illicit drugs be properly cleaned. Change-out schedules for the air filters in the local exhaust ventilation systems and vacuum cleaners should be established and followed. HHE Program investigators recommended that employees wear nitrile gloves when cleaning guns, handling spent cartridge cases, and when working in the firing range or parking garage. Even when gloves are worn, hands should be cleaned with soap and water or with lead-decontamination wipes after firing weapons or doing other work that could result in exposure to lead. Investigators also recommended the use of nitrile gloves when employees handle illicit drug evidence or perform criminology procedures.
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(2013) Exposures to lead and other metals at an aircraft repair and flight school facility. (Click to open report) The health hazard evaluation (HHE) Program evaluated concerns about lead exposure at an aircraft repair and flight school facility. Single-engine aircraft at the facility use leaded aviation fuel which generates lead-containing particulates as a combustion byproduct. No one at the facility reported work-related symptoms. Lead was detected in blood samples collected from all facility personnel. The hangar area had the highest surface concentrations of lead; lead was also found on the steering whe... (Click to show more)The health hazard evaluation (HHE) Program evaluated concerns about lead exposure at an aircraft repair and flight school facility. Single-engine aircraft at the facility use leaded aviation fuel which generates lead-containing particulates as a combustion byproduct. No one at the facility reported work-related symptoms. Lead was detected in blood samples collected from all facility personnel. The hangar area had the highest surface concentrations of lead; lead was also found on the steering wheel of an employee's car. All airborne concentrations of lead and other elements measured over a work shift were low. Airborne lead concentrations approached the occupational exposure limit for a short-term exposure when spark plugs were being sandblasted. There was no routine cleaning schedule in place for the hangar and a leaf blower was reportedly used to clear dust from surfaces. Lead dust was found on toys and a baby walker in the work area. Investigators also found that chemicals were improperly labeled and stored. HHE Program investigators recommended that the employer develop a respiratory protection program and require employees to use a respirator when sandblasting spark plugs. Wet cleaning methods, instead of dry cleaning methods, should be used to clean the hangar. Chemicals should be properly labeled and stored in closed containers within safety cabinets. The employer should provide employees with disposable shoe covers and on-site laundering for work clothes to reduce the potential for take-home lead contamination. Investigators also advised that children not be allowed in work areas. Employees were encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly before eating and drinking, before and after putting on gloves, and before leaving the facility.
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(2013) Followback evaluation of lead and noise exposures at an indoor firing range. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program received a request to re-evaluate an indoor firing range for lead and noise exposure during firearms qualifications. In the initial evaluation in 2009, we measured airborne lead exposures among instructors, shooters, and technicians above occupational exposure limits. HHE investigators recommended the employer redesign the ventilation system to reduce lead exposures at the range and were later informed that changes had been made. HHE investigators retur... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program received a request to re-evaluate an indoor firing range for lead and noise exposure during firearms qualifications. In the initial evaluation in 2009, we measured airborne lead exposures among instructors, shooters, and technicians above occupational exposure limits. HHE investigators recommended the employer redesign the ventilation system to reduce lead exposures at the range and were later informed that changes had been made. HHE investigators returned in 2012 to reassess lead and noise exposure and to evaluate the redesigned range ventilation system. We collected air samples, surface vacuum, and surface wipe samples for lead throughout the complex and measured airflow in the firing range. Surface wipes were also used to qualitatively evaluate the presence of lead on skin, clothing, and shoes. Low levels of lead in the air were found in the firing range and firearms cleaning area. High levels of lead were detected in the air while the hazardous materials technician vacuumed behind the bullet trap. Instructors' and shooters' exposure to airborne lead was below occupational exposure limits. Surface wipe and vacuum samples detected lead throughout the complex. Most of the wipe samples collected on the hands, shoes, and pants of the instructors, shooters, and the hazardous material technician were above the limit of visual identification. Measured airflow along the firing line met NIOSH recommendations. HHE investigators recommended that the employer remove all carpets and rugs, clean the floors with an explosion-proof vacuum cleaner, and improve general housekeeping practices throughout the facility. The employer was encouraged to provide instructors and technicians with annual training and educational materials regarding lead and noise exposure. Investigators recommended the employer provide lockers for employees to change from their personal clothing into work clothing. Employees were encouraged to wear dual hearing protection; to shower prior to leaving the facility each day; and to not eat, drink, chew gum or use tobacco in the firearms cleaning area and firing range. All were encouraged to wear shoe covers while in the range and use lead removal wipes to wash their hands and faces before eating, drinking, or contact with others.
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(2013) Indoor environmental quality at an accounting office. (Click to open report) On April 15, 2011, NIOSH received an employee request regarding headaches, fatigue, weakness, fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath, coughing, chronic sinusitis, sore throat, burning eyes, and difficulty concentrating in a water-damaged building. In June 2011, NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit. The majority of employees reported building-related symptoms. We found evidence of water damage inside the building and mold inside supply air ducts of two air handlers. Vacuumed ... (Click to show more)On April 15, 2011, NIOSH received an employee request regarding headaches, fatigue, weakness, fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath, coughing, chronic sinusitis, sore throat, burning eyes, and difficulty concentrating in a water-damaged building. In June 2011, NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit. The majority of employees reported building-related symptoms. We found evidence of water damage inside the building and mold inside supply air ducts of two air handlers. Vacuumed carpet dust samples collected during the site visit showed a high burden of culturable fungi and bacteria. We provided a number of recommendations for remediation including addressing causes of water damage and replacing contaminated carpet and ductwork. Building management replaced two rooftop air handling units and some ductwork. The carpet was steam cleaned. Some building occupants continued to have symptoms, and the accounting company relocated to another building.
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(2013) Instructor and range officer exposure to emissions from copper-based frangible ammunition at a military firing range. (Click to open report) The HHE Program evaluated instructors' and range officers' exposure to weapon emissions during qualification sessions inside a partially-enclosed firing range. The range uses copper-based frangible ammunition that breaks into pieces on impact. During medical interviews range personnel reported headaches, sore throat, respiratory symptoms, and metallic taste that they thought were associated with the firing of frangible ammunition. These symptoms were similar to those reported in previous surveys... (Click to show more)The HHE Program evaluated instructors' and range officers' exposure to weapon emissions during qualification sessions inside a partially-enclosed firing range. The range uses copper-based frangible ammunition that breaks into pieces on impact. During medical interviews range personnel reported headaches, sore throat, respiratory symptoms, and metallic taste that they thought were associated with the firing of frangible ammunition. These symptoms were similar to those reported in previous surveys at the facility and were consistent with the types of exposures measured at the facility. The airflow inside the firing range was measured and investigators determined that the ventilation system was not designed to remove air contaminants. Air contaminant concentrations did not exceed occupational exposure limits, but levels of very small particles increased inside the range during firing events. Investigators did find that firing weapons when the propane-fired heater was on produced higher carbon monoxide levels than the heater produced by itself. Investigators also noted that some instructors did not wear eye protection or were wearing eyewear without side shields. Some shooters did not wear hearing protection correctly. HHE Program investigators recommended that the employer modify the ventilation system so that air contaminants are exhausted out of the range and adjust the propane-fired heater to reduce the amount of carbon monoxide produced. The employer should rotate range duties to minimize time spent inside the range during firing events. Investigators also recommended reminding employees about the types and proper use of hearing protection and requiring eyewear with side shields inside the range.
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(2013) Pharmaceutical dust exposures at an outpatient pharmacy. (Click to open report) The HHE Program evaluated concerns about employees' exposures to pharmaceutical dust at an outpatient pharmacy. Investigators sampled the air for dust and measured particle levels. Samples were analyzed for lactose (a common inactive filler) and active pharmaceutical ingredients; both were found. The use of compressed air to clean automatic dispensing machine canisters released dust into the air. Investigators found that after this activity more than an hour passed before the small particles wer... (Click to show more)The HHE Program evaluated concerns about employees' exposures to pharmaceutical dust at an outpatient pharmacy. Investigators sampled the air for dust and measured particle levels. Samples were analyzed for lactose (a common inactive filler) and active pharmaceutical ingredients; both were found. The use of compressed air to clean automatic dispensing machine canisters released dust into the air. Investigators found that after this activity more than an hour passed before the small particles were no longer in the air. Most of these canisters contained uncoated pharmaceutical tables. On two days, one employee was exposed to lisinopril at levels near or above the manufacturer's exposure limit. HHE Program investigators recommended that the employer develop a list of dusty pharmaceuticals and gather exposure guidelines and toxicity data to determine how to handle these substances. A partially-enclosed local exhaust hood should be installed for cleaning and filling canisters with tablets, as well as other tasks that could release pharmaceutical dust into the air. Investigators recommended that the use of compressed air to clean canisters be discontinued and replaced with the use of a vacuum with a long narrow nozzle. Lactose was found on surfaces throughout the pharmacy. The highest contamination level was on a surface used in refilling canisters before it was cleaned. Higher amounts of lactose were found on work surfaces than on undisturbed areas such as elevated shelving. Investigators recommended that all work surfaces be cleaned with alcohol wipes before breaks and at the end of each workday. Investigators noted that employees did not wear protective clothing or safety glasses in the pharmacy, but some employees did wear nitrile gloves when handling pharmaceuticals. HHE Program investigators encouraged employees to (1) wear nitrile gloves when handling pharmaceuticals, (2) wash their hands before eating, drinking, or using tobacco products, and (3) follow procedures for using and maintaining the local exhaust hood.
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(2013) Potential employee exposures at a medical examiner's office. (Click to open report) The HHE Program evaluated exposures to volatile organic compounds, mold, airborne particles, and formaldehyde in the autopsy suite, histology laboratory, and toxicology laboratory at a medical examiner's office. Some employees reported respiratory problems that may be related to occupational exposures, but other problems reported by employees such as acne, kidney stones, and hives were not related to work in the building. Chronic water damage was found throughout the building and mold growth and... (Click to show more)The HHE Program evaluated exposures to volatile organic compounds, mold, airborne particles, and formaldehyde in the autopsy suite, histology laboratory, and toxicology laboratory at a medical examiner's office. Some employees reported respiratory problems that may be related to occupational exposures, but other problems reported by employees such as acne, kidney stones, and hives were not related to work in the building. Chronic water damage was found throughout the building and mold growth and deteriorating ductwork lining were found. Disintegrated fiberglass was found in surface samples, but few intact fibers were present. Airborne formaldehyde exposures measured during five autopsies were below occupational exposure limits. Air flowed into the autopsy suite from the adjacent room as recommended and the number of air changes in the autopsy suite exceeded national guidelines. Airborne exposures to formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds in the toxicology laboratory were very low. HHE Program investigators recommended that the employer purchase local exhaust ventilation units for use during cranial autopsies. The potential for entrainment of morgue exhaust into the rooftop air intakes should be evaluated further. The employer should identify and repair all leaks in the building and remove mold from the ductwork to prevent mold spores from spreading through the ventilation system. When available, employees should use local exhaust ventilation for cranial autopsy saws. The use of powdered latex gloves was noted during the evaluation and should be stopped; nitrile gloves should be worn instead. Employees were encouraged to keep containers of formaldehyde closed except when needed during autopsies. Investigators also recommended that employees report health and safety concerns to their supervisor and their healthcare provider.
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(2013) Potential employee exposures during crime and death investigations at a county coroner's office. (Click to open report) The HHE Program evaluated employees' exposures during crime and death investigations at a coroner's office. Investigators observed work practices and procedures and interviewed employees about their work and health. Investigators sampled the air for formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, airborne particles, and ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate. Samples were taken during autopsy procedures, tissue prepping and processing, and fingerprint fuming operations. Investigators also sampled for lead in the air a... (Click to show more)The HHE Program evaluated employees' exposures during crime and death investigations at a coroner's office. Investigators observed work practices and procedures and interviewed employees about their work and health. Investigators sampled the air for formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, airborne particles, and ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate. Samples were taken during autopsy procedures, tissue prepping and processing, and fingerprint fuming operations. Investigators also sampled for lead in the air and on surfaces in the firearms section and sampled for residual drug particles in the air and on surfaces in the drug evidence laboratory. The ventilation system was also assessed. Investigators found that some exposures to formaldehyde in the autopsy suite were above the recommended ceiling limits and that the number of air changes per hour was below the recommended level. Airborne drug particles were found in samples taken during drug analyses and on the surfaces in the drug evidence laboratory. In the firearms section, air did not flow from the shooter towards the target as recommended and lead contamination was found on surfaces in the firing room. Investigators determined that airborne concentrations of lead may be a health hazard to firearm investigators involved in multiple weapons testing sessions in one shift. For the autopsy suite, HHE Program investigators recommended increasing room exhaust, installing downdraft tables, removing items blocking exhaust fans, using local exhaust ventilation attachments when doing cranial autopsies, and opening containers of formaldehyde only when needed. For the drug evidence laboratory, they recommended using a high-efficiency particulate air filtered hood for procedures that produce airborne drug particles and improving housekeeping. To reduce lead exposures, they recommended modifying the supply and exhaust ventilation in the firing room to provide a laminar flow of air from the shooter towards the bullet trap and using a high-efficiency particulate air filtered vacuum or wet mopping methods to clean the firing range. Throughout the facility, they identified the need for employees to wash their hands with warm water and soap after completing work activities.
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(2013) Respiratory concerns at a cream cheese manufacturing facility. (Click to open report) In April 2011, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a confidential employees' request for a health hazard evaluation at a cream cheese manufacturing plant. The employees submitted the request because of respiratory concerns related to exposures during the manufacturing and packaging processes. We visited the plant on two occasions. On our initial site visit, we toured the plant, talked with employees, and collected bulk samples of flavorings and cardboard debris. We... (Click to show more)In April 2011, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a confidential employees' request for a health hazard evaluation at a cream cheese manufacturing plant. The employees submitted the request because of respiratory concerns related to exposures during the manufacturing and packaging processes. We visited the plant on two occasions. On our initial site visit, we toured the plant, talked with employees, and collected bulk samples of flavorings and cardboard debris. We analyzed the headspace air over each bulk sample we collected during our initial visit and identified the ketone chemical compounds diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and acetoin in the headspace of a liquid dairy flavoring. We identified diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione in the headspace of a liquid strawberry flavoring and liquid smoke flavoring. We found small amounts of diacetyl in the headspace of a powder cheesecake flavoring, a powder cheese flavoring, a liquid blueberry flavoring, and a liquid kosher strawberry flavoring. We also found a small amount of diacetyl in the headspace of a strawberry puree. On our follow-up industrial hygiene survey visit, we performed area and personal air sampling alongside the production and packaging of various cream cheese products. We identified diacetyl in air samples at levels above the NIOSH proposed recommended exposure limit in several areas (free ingredients room, free cook room, cook room, 703 fill room) and jobs (703 fill operator, free cook, condiment cook, soft cook). We identified 2,3-pentanedione and 2,3-hexanedione in air samples in the free ingredients room during clean-in-place and clean-out-of-place operations. We have provided recommendations to decrease exposures to flavoring chemicals, cardboard dust, and cleaning chemicals. We recommended additional sampling for diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during cleaning operations and after the additional of local exhaust systems. We also recommended that employees see a healthcare provider if they develop or have developed persistent or worsening respiratory or other symptoms.
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