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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
(2001) Human Performance International, Inc., Charlotte, North Carolina. (Click to open report) The Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Branch (HETAB) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) collaborated with the Division of Applied Research and Technology (DART) within NIOSH to conduct a pilot research study evaluating occupational exposure to noise and potential ototoxic agents, such as solvents, metals, and asphyxiants, among a stock car racing team. The purpose of the study was to evaluate exposures to noise and ototoxic agents for their potential co... (Click to show more)The Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Branch (HETAB) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) collaborated with the Division of Applied Research and Technology (DART) within NIOSH to conduct a pilot research study evaluating occupational exposure to noise and potential ototoxic agents, such as solvents, metals, and asphyxiants, among a stock car racing team. The purpose of the study was to evaluate exposures to noise and ototoxic agents for their potential combined effect on occupational hearing loss. The exposure assessment included two site visits to the racing team's race shop and two site visits to a racetrack, which represented the worst case exposure scenario due to its small size, steep banking, and high grandstand configuration. An initial site visit was conducted at the professional stock car race team's shop on January 19 and 20, 2000. Air samples were collected to qualitatively and quantitatively identify ototoxic chemicals and other organic compounds. Full-shift and half-shift carbon monoxide (CO) measurements were also collected. Sound pressure levels were measured for the tasks that generated the greatest amount of noise. Noise dosimetry was then conducted to give full-shift personal noise exposures for at least one employee from each job description related to assembling the race car. A follow-up site visit was conducted at the racing team's race shop on February 9, 2000. Full-shift air samples were collected for organic solvents in the paint and body shop areas. A short-term air sample was also collected for lead and 26 other metals and minerals next to a tungsten inert gas (TIG) arc welding station. Noise dosimetry was performed on three workers. Concentrations of toluene, acetone, perchloroethylene, xylenes, styrene, C7-C8 alkanes, and methylene chloride at the race shop were either not detectable or extremely low, and well below any relevant occupational exposure criteria. Mean CO concentrations were well below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 50 parts per million (ppm), the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limits (REL) of 35 ppm, and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of 25 ppm. The peak concentrations, although elevated, did not exceed the 200 ppm NIOSH ceiling REL. The short-term air sample collected for metals near a welding station revealed no detectable concentrations, with the exception of manganese (which was less than 20% of it's most stringent exposure criteria of 1 milligram per cubic meter of air (mg/m3) as an 8-hour-timeweighted average [TWA]). Sound pressure levels for individual job tasks ranged from 58 to 103 decibels, A-weighted [dB(A)]. While the OSHA PEL of 90 dB(A) for an 8-hour TWA was never exceeded, in two instances the values exceeded the OSHA action level (AL) of 85 dB(A) for hearing conservation implementation. The NIOSH REL of 85 dB(A) for an 8-hour TWA was exceeded for five of the nine measured jobs. Only three of the workers (21%) were observed wearing ear plugs during their work shift. An initial site visit was conducted at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee, on March 24 and 25, 2000. Air samples were collected for organic compounds, CO, and lead during the race. Although isopentane, C8 alkanes (isooctane, dimethylhexanes, trimethylpentanes), and toluene were the major compounds detected, the amounts of even these compounds were insufficient to quantify. Mean CO concentrations were well below all evaluation criteria. Air samples collected for lead revealed either non-detectable, or extremely low concentrations, well below the occupational exposure criteria. Noise measurements were performed on both practice and race days (March 24 and 25, 2000, respectively) which included sound level meter measurements and noise dosimetry conducted in and around the pit area, as well as inside the race car. Both the OSHA PEL and NIOSH REL were exceeded in every instance with average noise levels above 100 dB. A follow-up site visit was conducted at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee, on August 25, 2000, to measure CO and perform more noise dosimetry. Full-shift mean CO concentrations in some locations exceeded the PEL, REL, and TLV of 39 ppm, 19 ppm, and 27 ppm, respectively, after they were adjusted for a 10-hour day. Peak CO concentrations exceeded the NIOSH recommended ceiling limit of 200 ppm in three of the five sampling locations during the practice period. Peak concentrations in two of the three locations where measurements were collected over the full day also exceeded 200 ppm. Noise dosimetry and sound level meter measurements were also conducted. Both the OSHA PEL and NIOSH REL were exceeded in every instance. Based on the environmental data collected during this pilot study, exposures to potentially ototoxic agents are not high enough to produce an adverse effect greater than that produced by the high sound pressure levels alone. Carbon monoxide levels, however, occasionally exceeded all evaluation criteria at the race track evaluated. In addition, noise exposures occasionally exceeded the OSHA PEL at the team's race shop and exceed all evaluation criteria at the race track evaluated. Recommendations are included to reduce exposures to potentially ototoxic agents that have the likelihood of producing high short-term exposures and to control noise exposures through the use of appropriate strategies (such as wearing hearing protection with a high enough noise reduction rating [NRR] to provide adequate attenuation).
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(2001) Lehigh Portland Cement Company, Union Bridge, Maryland. (Click to open report) On May 30, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the Paper, Allied Industrial, Chemical, and Energy Workers Union Local 2-0031 regarding fly ash exposures during the cement manufacturing process at the Lehigh Portland Cement Company in Union Bridge, Maryland. The union was concerned about possible exposures to crystalline silica as a constituent of the fly ash (approximately 1-6%) used in the cement manufac... (Click to show more)On May 30, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the Paper, Allied Industrial, Chemical, and Energy Workers Union Local 2-0031 regarding fly ash exposures during the cement manufacturing process at the Lehigh Portland Cement Company in Union Bridge, Maryland. The union was concerned about possible exposures to crystalline silica as a constituent of the fly ash (approximately 1-6%) used in the cement manufacturing process. On July 24-25, 2000, NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit at the Lehigh Portland Cement Company. Area and personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples were collected for total dust, respirable dust, and crystalline silica. Bulk samples of the fly ash and raw feed were also collected and analyzed for crystalline silica content and elements (e.g., chromium, copper, nickel, lead, magnesium, manganese, titanium, zinc, etc.). A return site visit was conducted on December 13, 2000, to collect PBZ air samples for elements. PBZ air samples collected for respirable dust, quartz (crystalline silica), cristobalite, and elements did not indicate any exposures exceeding applicable exposure criteria. Three area samples collected at different times in the raw mill separator area indicated total dust concentrations of 149 milligrams of dust per cubic meter of air (mg/m3), 14 mg/m3, and 20 mg/m3. (The settled dust [on equipment, stairs, floors, etc.] in the raw mill area, and leaks in the process equipment may affect dust sample concentrations collected at different times during the day). Three out of seven workers sampled during the initial site visit had total dust time-weighted average (TWA) exposures above the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 10 mg/m3. Two of these workers were performing work tasks in the mill room and had TWA exposures that also exceeded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for total dust (15 mg/m3). PBZ air samples collected on a worker repairing a leak in the process equipment (located within the raw mill building) indicated an extremely high total dust TWA concentration (3800 mg/m3). This sample was not representative of the worker's breathing zone exposure (dust was blowing directly on the sampling cassette at a high velocity while he was repairing the leak). However, because of the high concentration in this sample, it is possible that the worker's true exposure to total dust concentrations was well over applicable exposure criteria. All area and PBZ air samples for quartz (crystalline silica) were below applicable exposure criteria. However, PBZ air samples indicated that total dust TWA exposures were in excess of applicable exposure criteria. Recommendations to control total dust exposures include shutting off process equipment when performing maintenance activities to repair leaks; fixing leaks in process equipment to reduce dust generating sources; using engineering and administrative controls when feasible; using respirators when other controls are not feasible; using vacuums (with P95 filters) instead of pressurized air to clean off work clothing; and re-sampling after any process changes to evaluate worker exposures under new conditions.
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(2001) Letter to Echo Bay Marina, Lake Mead, Nevada. (Click to open report) On December 8, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from management officials of Seven Crown Resorts to evaluate carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations associated with the operation of houseboats on Lake Mead. On January 24 - 25, 2001, NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit at Lake Mead to investigate CO concentrations on houseboats located at Echo Bay Marina, Nevada. This letter describes our evaluation methods, findings, and conclusions. T... (Click to show more)On December 8, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from management officials of Seven Crown Resorts to evaluate carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations associated with the operation of houseboats on Lake Mead. On January 24 - 25, 2001, NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit at Lake Mead to investigate CO concentrations on houseboats located at Echo Bay Marina, Nevada. This letter describes our evaluation methods, findings, and conclusions. The Seven Crown Resorts houseboats evaluated at Echo Bay Marina were designed as pontoon boats with the generator exhaust discharging out to the side. The back of the houseboats did not have slides, and the stairs leading down to the water were located on the opposite side of the boat away from the generator exhaust. Warning CO labels were located on the back of the boat and directly above the generator exhaust discharge. These design features help deter individuals from spending time directly near the generator exhaust discharge area. During our evaluation at Echo Bay Marina the prevailing wind was moving the exhaust gases away from the back of the houseboats and not toward the back decks. Therefore, no extremely high CO concentrations (CO concentrations above the NIOSH IDLH value of 1,200 ppm) were measured on the back of the houseboats. IDLH environments were measured with detector tubes and the emissions analyzer directly near the generator exhaust discharge. Therefore, the possibility of high CO concentrations may exist under environmental conditions that would carry the exhaust gases toward the back of the houseboat. A previous study has documented that the area around the back deck of houseboats can be hazardous under certain environmental conditions (i.e., lack of air movement) when the generator or motors are in operation. Individuals swimming or working in the area directly near the generator exhaust (with the gasoline generator in operation) could be exposed to extremely high CO concentrations resulting in CO poisoning or death within a short period of time. This evaluation was performed in January which is not in the prime operating season for houseboats. Activities at the dock were slow, due to the low number of houseboat rentals. Therefore, personal sampling was not conducted. However, general recommendations are provided to help control potential worker CO exposures. In addition, recommendations are provided to reduce the potential for CO exposure around the generator exhaust and back deck on houseboats.
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(2001) University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California. (Click to open report) At the request of the University of California, Berkeley, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a study of lead-based paint (LBP) exposures during exterior renovation work on campus buildings. Workers' personal airborne lead (PbA) exposures were assessed for eight renovation tasks during a three-day demonstration project. Additionally we measured concomitant area PbA concentrations 6 feet (ft) from the work surfaces, lead in settled dust (PbS) at three dis... (Click to show more)At the request of the University of California, Berkeley, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a study of lead-based paint (LBP) exposures during exterior renovation work on campus buildings. Workers' personal airborne lead (PbA) exposures were assessed for eight renovation tasks during a three-day demonstration project. Additionally we measured concomitant area PbA concentrations 6 feet (ft) from the work surfaces, lead in settled dust (PbS) at three distances (6, 10, and 20 ft) from work surfaces for five tasks, and determined if these measures were correlated with the workers' PbA exposures. Five workers performed assigned renovation tasks during limited work periods (average time 28 minutes [min]) on 22 painted exterior surface areas (wood windows, wood doors, and metal stairs). A total of 132 work periods were sampled; the work took from 2 to 12 work periods per designated work surface, depending on the area. Lead concentrations in paint chip samples (one per work surface) ranged from 0.23% to 34% lead (Pb) by weight (average 11.3%). Personal PbA exposures were highly variable; range, none detected to 660 micrograms per cubic meter ( g/m3), geometric mean (GM) = 22 g/m3, geometric standard deviation (GSD) 4.3. Personal PbA exposures were significantly associated with task, worker, and paint lead concentration (p <0.001). High-exposure tasks were dry manual sanding (GM = 49 g/m3), dry manual scraping (53 g/m3), power finish sanding (44 g/m3), and power finish sanding with bag (68 g/m3). Low-exposure tasks were power sanding with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) exhaust (GM = 6.9 g/m3), wet manual sanding (6.2 g/m3), wet manual scraping (16 g/m3), and flame burning (23 g/m3). The area PbA concentrations at 6 ft distance, which were also highly associated with task, were roughly an order of magnitude below the personal exposures, ranging from none detected to 37 g/m3, GM = 1.5 g/m3, GSD = 3.3. GMs for PbS samples were 3.2 milligrams per square meter (mg/m2) at 6 ft (n=69), 1.4 mg/m2 at 10 ft (n=67), and 0.66 mg/m2 at 20 ft (n=39). Overall PbS levels decreased significantly as distance increased (p <0.0001). At each distance PbS levels were significantly associated with task (p-values 0.024, 0.0015, and <0.0001, respectively). Flame burning was among the tasks associated with the highest area PbA and PbS levels, although personal exposures were relatively low. Surface paint lead concentrations were poorly correlated with the PbA exposures (R = 0.30). Personal and area PbA levels were significantly correlated (R = 0.49, p <0.0001). Both area and personal PbA concentrations were significantly correlated with PbS levels measured 6 ft and 10 ft from the work surfaces (R values 0.34 to 0.73). Area PbA levels were significantly correlated with the PbS levels at 20 ft as well (R = 0.67). Worker lead exposures for eight renovation tasks on building exteriors with LBP were highly variable. Based on workers' exposures, the eight renovation tasks evaluated fell into two exposure groups. Estimated average exposures during dry manual sanding, dry manual scraping, power finish sanding, and power finish sanding with bag would exceed the permissible exposure limit (PEL) within an 8-hr period. Estimated average exposures for power sanding with HEPA exhaust, flame burning, wet manual sanding, and wet scraping would be below the PEL. Although it resulted in relatively low worker exposures, flame burning was among the tasks associated with the higher lead levels in air and settled dust levels in nearby areas. The power finish sander with a cloth dust bag was not effective in controlling worker exposures; the random-orbital power sanding equipped with HEPA-filtered exhaust ventilation appeared to be highly effective. Recommendations are provided in this report to help prevent hazardous worker exposures to LBP during renovation of surfaces with LBP.
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(2000) Claremont Flock Corporation, Claremont, NH. (Click to open report) The Claremont Flock Corporation produces flock, from tow and cotton scrap fabric, and bags the products in four plants in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The management requested a health hazard evaluation (HHE) to get a better understanding of the respiratory hazards in the plants. At the time of the request, an extensive HHE at another company's flocking facility in Rhode Island (NIOSH 1998) had uncovered a cluster of cases of a new occupational lung disease (flock workers' lung) [Kern et al.... (Click to show more)The Claremont Flock Corporation produces flock, from tow and cotton scrap fabric, and bags the products in four plants in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The management requested a health hazard evaluation (HHE) to get a better understanding of the respiratory hazards in the plants. At the time of the request, an extensive HHE at another company's flocking facility in Rhode Island (NIOSH 1998) had uncovered a cluster of cases of a new occupational lung disease (flock workers' lung) [Kern et al. 1998]. In addition, one worker at Claremont Flock had a diagnosis of the same illness. In November 1998, NIOSH conducted an investigation at the Claremont Flock plants consisting of a symptom and work history questionnaire and personal and area sampling, primarily for respirable dust (dust small enough to reach the deepest areas of the lungs) and fiber counts. About 81% of the workers participated in the survey. The results and conclusions of the survey are as follows: The same types of particles identified at the Rhode Island plant were also present in air samples collected at Spectro Coating. Even though the dust concentrations were lower compared to those in the Rhode Island plant, blow-down exposures at Spectro Coating were associated with respiratory symptoms in workers. Blow-down cleaning with compressed air and flock-loading resulted in the highest dust concentrations measured in this workplace. Blow-down exposures were associated with an excess of fever/aches and cough/phlegm. Decreasing exposures should lead to decreased symptoms and complaints. Gravimetric respirable dust measurement appears to be a suitable method for characterizing concentrations in this setting. Smoking alone and in interaction with the exposures from compressed air cleaning was associated with symptoms. Respirator use was sporadic, and many workers had not been fit-tested. The following are specific recommendations for this workplace: Reduce dust exposures with engineering controls. Until engineering controls are in place, limit the use of blow-downs and use personal respiratory protection to control dust exposures. Expend the annual medical examination to include a means for identifying workers with frequent fever, aches, cough, phlegm, wheezing, or other respiratory symptoms. Workers with any of these symptoms should receive a medical evaluation and an opportunity to reduce dust exposures by placement out of high exposure jobs. Periodically inform workers about work-related disease observed among flock workers and how to reduce or control their risk of disease. Implement a no-smoking policy at the plant (NIOSH 1991). If allowed at all, smoking at the plant should be restricted to designated, seperately-ventilated smoking areas. Workers should be encouraged to stop smoking altogether through an employer-sponsored smoking cessation program and education campaign.
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(2000) Delphi Automotive Systems - Flint East Operations, Flint, Michigan. (Click to open report) On January 3, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from employees at Delphi Automotive Systems - Flint East Operations in Flint, Michigan. The HHE request expressed concerns about possible exposure to lead resulting from the use of wave solder machines during the production of circuit boards. In response to this request, a site visit was conducted on March 30 through April 1, 2000. During this site visit, ... (Click to show more)On January 3, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from employees at Delphi Automotive Systems - Flint East Operations in Flint, Michigan. The HHE request expressed concerns about possible exposure to lead resulting from the use of wave solder machines during the production of circuit boards. In response to this request, a site visit was conducted on March 30 through April 1, 2000. During this site visit, two NIOSH industrial hygienists and a visiting researcher conducted a walk-through inspection of the area of concern and discussed the exposure issue with management and employees working in the area. Full-shift personal breathing zone (PBZ) and area air sampling was performed to measure the levels of potential exposure to lead and tin dust originating from the 60% tin / 40% lead solder used in the wave solder machines. Surface sampling was also conducted for lead dust on equipment surfaces, lunch room tables, floors, and hands of employees. Discussions were held with management regarding their written lead compliance program, personal protective equipment program, and their environmental monitoring and medical surveillance plans. Results from the PBZ sampling ranged between nondetectable and 4.0 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3 ) for lead and between nondetectable and 7.0 microg/m3 for tin. The PBZ results were all well below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limits (PEL) of 50 microg lead/m3 and 2000 microg tin/m3 averaged over an 8-hour work shift. None of the area air samples had detectable amounts of lead or tin. Wipe sampling did detect the presence of accumulated lead on a variety of work surfaces. These included the floor near wave solder machines, some equipment surfaces, and ceiling air supply ventilation registers. Results for the wipe sampling ranged from nondetectable to 1700 microg lead/wipe sample (each sample was collected over a 100 square centimeter [cm2] area.) Despite the fact that employee exposure to airborne lead does not appear to be excessive in the work areas evaluated, the presence of accumulated lead on work surfaces indicates a potential for occupational exposure to lead. Management needs to stress regular and thorough housekeeping procedures in these areas and employees need to recognize the importance of personal hygiene practices in the prevention of ingestion of this accumulated lead. Recommendations regarding the site's written lead compliance program, lead sampling, and housekeeping issues are provided in this report.
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(2000) Haverhill High School, Haverhill, Massachusetts. (Click to open report) On January 27, 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from staff at Haverhill High School in Haverhill, Massachusetts, for an evaluation of exposures to crystalline silica and other compounds in ceramics. The request indicated that employees were concerned about developing emphysema, silicosis, and/or asthma due to exposure to ceramics materials. In addition, the request indicated that staff were concerned about exposures to vari... (Click to show more)On January 27, 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from staff at Haverhill High School in Haverhill, Massachusetts, for an evaluation of exposures to crystalline silica and other compounds in ceramics. The request indicated that employees were concerned about developing emphysema, silicosis, and/or asthma due to exposure to ceramics materials. In addition, the request indicated that staff were concerned about exposures to various materials used in five art rooms, and the woodworking shop. On April 27, 1999, an initial site visit was conducted which included an opening conference, informal discussions with teachers, and a walk-through inspection of the art rooms and woodworking shop. During the walk-through, activities were identified in ceramics and woodworking classrooms which could result in exposure to crystalline silica, metals, and wood dust. On May 4, 1999, a second site visit was conducted where environmental monitoring was conducted for airborne crystalline silica in the ceramics classroom, and wood dust in the woodworking shop. Surface wipe sampling for metals was conducted in ceramics. Measured concentrations of respirable crystalline silica were below the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) during the monitoring period. Neither of the respirable area samples revealed detectable levels of crystalline silica. Total crystalline silica (quartz) concentrations of 0.070 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) and 0.075 mg/m3 were quantified in bulk air samples collected at the wedging table and at the center of the classroom, respectively. A bulk sample of settled dust, collected from a shelf adjacent to the door leading to the corridor, contained 25% quartz. Cristobalite was not detected in any of the samples. Gravimetric analysis of air samples indicates that concentrations of all airborne particulates were below occupational exposure limits for particulates not otherwise regulated (PNOR). Surface wipe sampling for metals found the highest concentrations of metals in the storage closet where glazes are prepared from powdered materials. Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) is not provided at the wedging table or in the glaze preparation area. The highest concentration of wood dust (3.4 mg/m3 during a 50-minute period) was measured in the personal breathing zone (PBZ) sample collected on the woodworking instructor. A similar concentration (3.2 mg/m3 during a 78-minute period) was measured in the vicinity of two students who were using hand-held orbit sanders at a "homemade" downdraft table. The presence of crystalline silica in a settled dust sample indicates a need for LEV and appropriate housekeeping practices in the ceramics classroom. Air samples collected in the woodworking shop indicate that current LEV is not providing effective control of wood dust. Recommendations include substituting premixed glazes, installation of effective LEV systems in ceramics and woodworking classrooms, improved housekeeping practices in ceramics, and implementation of an effective Chemical Hazard Communication Program.
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(2000) Newark Fire Department, Newark, New Jersey. (Click to open report) On December 22, 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) on behalf of fire fighters from the Newark Fire Department (NFD) to assess the incident response procedures followed during a fire in a refuse waste-to-energy facility (American Ref-fuel) on December 17, 1998, in Newark, New Jersey. The IAFF indicated that several of the fire fighters responding ... (Click to show more)On December 22, 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) on behalf of fire fighters from the Newark Fire Department (NFD) to assess the incident response procedures followed during a fire in a refuse waste-to-energy facility (American Ref-fuel) on December 17, 1998, in Newark, New Jersey. The IAFF indicated that several of the fire fighters responding to the incident were subsequently hospitalized due to smoke and chlorine gas inhalation. NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit to the NFD on April 12-13, 1999, and again on June 24, 1999. NIOSH personnel conducted private interviews with several NFD fire fighters who responded to the incident and reviewed several incident-related records provided by the NFD, including the department's standard operating procedures (SOPs) and medical records. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to fire fighters who were not present on the days of the NIOSH investigation. In addition to the medical interviews and questionnaires, medical records were reviewed from five hospitals where the fire fighters received medical care, and from the occupational medicine provider for the NFD. NIOSH investigators also visited American Ref-fuel. On December 17, 1998, the NFD received a report of a fire in the refuse pit of American Ref-fuel. The fire was declared a hazardous materials incident as information became known that the fire had involved chlorine bleach cleaner which, according to the product's material safety data sheet, would liberate chlorine and phosgene as decomposition products. Fire fighters used the plant's showering facilities for decontamination purposes before all of the 37 responding fire fighters were sent to area hospitals for evaluation. The medical survey showed that most fire fighters at the scene experienced some degree of acute upper respiratory tract irritation, and many experienced lower respiratory tract irritation as well. Fifteen had persistent symptoms at 24 hours, and 13 had symptoms at the time of the NIOSH investigation. Based on the combustion of chlorine-containing cleaner, the fire fighters' exposures probably consisted primarily of irritant gases, such as chlorine and nitrogen trichloride. Medical records revealed that the treating physicians were aware that the fire fighters were exposed to chemicals at a fire and were concerned about the inhalation of toxic fumes and smoke. However, neither fire fighters nor treating physicians knew what specific toxins were present. The symptoms of the fire fighters were consistent in the different hospitals, however the diagnostic tests performed differed. The university based hospital performed the most diagnostic tests on the fire fighters. The other hospitals performed fewer tests, but this did not appear to result in a greater rate of adverse health outcomes. The elements leading to fire fighter exposures at the waste-to-energy plant on December 17, 1998, are complex and multi-factorial in nature. Clearly, fire fighters did encounter exposures to irritant gasses at the scene. The NFD approached the incident in fire mode, when in fact, a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) response approach would have been more appropriate. Most fire fighters suffered irritant symptoms that were the result of exposures to irritant gases at American Ref-fuel. For those fire fighters who had recovered at the time of the NIOSH investigation or did not develop symptoms, it is unlikely that this exposure will result in further health problems. Those who developed more significant respiratory symptoms were being evaluated by health care providers. Several recommendations are offered for improving fire fighter health and safety, including recommendations for better integration of fire fighter medical surveillance information with acute care occupational medicine providers, better personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and filling gaps in HAZMAT coverage.
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(2000) Rhode Island Department of Health, Providence, Rhode Island. (Click to open report) At the request of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RI DOH), we evaluated worker lead exposures during U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-funded residential lead hazard reduction in Rhode Island. RI DOH was concerned that workers might be unnecessarily wearing respirators and protective clothing during various tasks. The predominant work tasks in lead hazard reduction work have changed as, over the past several years, HUD has shifted the emphasis of its national program.... (Click to show more)At the request of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RI DOH), we evaluated worker lead exposures during U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-funded residential lead hazard reduction in Rhode Island. RI DOH was concerned that workers might be unnecessarily wearing respirators and protective clothing during various tasks. The predominant work tasks in lead hazard reduction work have changed as, over the past several years, HUD has shifted the emphasis of its national program. Participating contractors are performing less on-site removal of lead-based paint (LBP) and more component replacement and lead hazard reduction, i.e., replacement and renovating structures with the existing LBP left in place. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) evaluated worker lead exposures during various tasks at 20 homes undergoing lead hazard reduction from 1996-1998. The study included task-based and full-shift air monitoring, measurement of the lead contamination in workers' vehicles, and a review of the medical monitoring data reported to RI DOH. Results for workers' full-shift airborne lead exposures (PbA) were highly variable, ranging from 1.5 to 1100 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3, 20 samples). The maximum exposure was for dry scraping. The geometric mean (GM) full-shift lead exposure was 74 ug/m3 among workers who performed any scraping during the work shift. One hundred fifty-two task-based samples were obtained for 11 task categories; most of the samples were for interior work (average time 139 minutes). Task-based PbA exposures were highly variable, ranging from 0.17 to 2000 ug/m3. The GM PbA exposures by task ranged from 1.3 ug/m3 (yard work) to 150 ug/m3 (dry scraping). Within-task variability was high; in spite of this variability, task category was highly associated with logged PbA exposure (one-way ANOVA p <0.0001). Dry scraping and wet scraping tasks, which did not differ significantly, had the highest GM exposures. The actual full-shift exposures, which were obtained for a few single tasks, were generally similar to the GM exposures for the corresponding task-based samples. Four of the 11 tasks evaluated had estimated full-shift exposures above the Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limit (PEL, 50 ug/m3): dry scraping, wet scraping, mixed surface prep, and caulking. It is likely that high levels during caulking represented collateral exposures from other dust-generating work in the houses. Estimated full-shift exposure for the other seven tasks, including painting, removal, replacement, cleaning, wet demolition, yard work, and set-up, were below the PEL. Relatively high lead dust accumulations were found on workers' hands. Lead contamination levels on the floors in workers' vehicles were high compared to a nonworker comparison group, suggesting that lead contamination may be carried into the vehicles from the work area. Among workers who had blood lead level (BLL) results reported, the results indicated that this group had higher BLLs than the general population, and 38% of workers and site supervisors had BLL results at or above 25 micrograms per deciliter. The results of this evaluation indicate that some changes in the contractors' respiratory protection programs should be made. While the respirators provided to workers (half-mask air-purifying respirators with a protection factor of 10) were appropriate for some of the tasks, a higher protection factor respirator is needed for wet or dry scraping tasks, as performed by participating contractors. Respirators should not be routinely required for the low hazard tasks, such as removal, replacement, cleaning, yard work, and set-up. Worker lead exposures during various lead hazard reduction tasks were highly variable. On average, lead exposures during dry scraping, wet scraping, mixed surface prep, removal, and caulking tasks were hazardous. Average lead exposures for removal, replacement, cleaning, wet demolition, yard work, and set-up tasks were below the PEL. Reported blood lead monitoring results indicated occupational exposure to lead, and that some licensed personnel, particularly site supervisors, had hazardous exposures. Hand surface levels indicated the potential for ingestion of lead, and lead contamination of workers' vehicles was measured. Recommendations are provided in this report to help prevent hazardous worker exposures to LBP.
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(2000) Spectro Coating Corporation, Leominster, MA. (Click to open report) The Spectro Coating Corporation applies flock to backing materials in one plant in Leominster, Massachusetts. The management requested a health hazard evaluation (HHE) to get a better understanding of the respiratory hazards in the plant. At the time of the request, an extensive HHE at another company's flocking facility in Rhode Island (NIOSH 1998) had uncovered a cluster of cases of a new occupational lung disease (flock workers' lung) [Kern et al. 1998]. In addition, one worker at Spectro Coa... (Click to show more)The Spectro Coating Corporation applies flock to backing materials in one plant in Leominster, Massachusetts. The management requested a health hazard evaluation (HHE) to get a better understanding of the respiratory hazards in the plant. At the time of the request, an extensive HHE at another company's flocking facility in Rhode Island (NIOSH 1998) had uncovered a cluster of cases of a new occupational lung disease (flock workers' lung) [Kern et al. 1998]. In addition, one worker at Spectro Coating had a diagnosis of the same illness. In November 1998, NIOSH conducted an investigation at the Spectro Coating plant consisting of a symptom and work history questionnaire and personal and area sampling, primarily for respirable dust (small enough to reach the deepest areas of the lungs) and fiber counts. Approximately 87% of the workers participated in the survey. The results and conclusions of the survey are as follows: The same types of particles identified at the Rhode Island plant were also present in air samples collected at Spectro Coating. Even though the dust concentrations were lower compared to those in the Rhode Island plant, blow-down exposures at Spectro Coating were associated with respiratory symptoms in workers. Blow-down cleaning with compressed air and flock-loading resulted in the highest dust concentrations measured in this workplace. Blow-down exposures were associated with an excess of fever/aches and cough/phlegm. Decreasing exposures should lead to decreased symptoms and complaints. Gravimetric respirable dust measurement appears to be a suitable method for characterizing concentrations in this setting. Smoking alone and in interaction with the exposures from compressed air cleaning was associated with symptoms. Respirator use was sporadic, and many workers had not been fit-tested. The following are specific recommendations for this workplace: Reduce dust exposures with engineering controls. Until engineering controls are in place, limit the use of blow-downs and use personal respiratory protection to control dust exposures. Expend the annual medical examination to include a means for identifying workers with frequent fever, aches, cough, phlegm, wheezing, or other respiratory symptoms. Workers with any of these symptoms should receive a medical evaluation and an opportunity to reduce dust exposures by placement out of high exposure jobs. Periodically inform workers about work-related disease observed among flock workers and how to reduce or control their risk of disease. Implement a no-smoking policy at the plant (NIOSH 1991). If allowed at all, smoking at the plant should be restricted to designated, seperately-ventilated smoking areas. Workers should be encouraged to stop smoking altogether through an employer-sponsored smoking cessation program and education campaign. NIOSH investigators determined that a health hazard exists from occupational exposure to flock-associated dust This risk is characterized by the occurrence of physician-diagnosed interstitial lung disease in at least one worker, and by the results of a respiratory symptom survey that suggest an association of respiratory and systemic symptoms with conducting compressed air cleaning (blow-downs). The hazard is related to dust exposure and is found to be the greatest in the flocking room. Reduction of worker exposure to airborne dust is recommended to protect the health of the workers at this plant.
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