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HHE Search Results
283 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) Commercial Steel Treating Company, Cleveland, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request received from the Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risk Program (SENSOR) from the Ohio Department of Health, a study was conducted on exposures to respirable silica (14808607) at a sandblasting operation being conducted at the Commercial Steel Treating Company (SIC-3471) in Cleveland, Ohio. SENSOR had been informed of the death of a sandblasting worker due to silico tuberculosis; the worker had been employed at the company for 10 years. The facility he... (Click to show more)In response to a request received from the Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risk Program (SENSOR) from the Ohio Department of Health, a study was conducted on exposures to respirable silica (14808607) at a sandblasting operation being conducted at the Commercial Steel Treating Company (SIC-3471) in Cleveland, Ohio. SENSOR had been informed of the death of a sandblasting worker due to silico tuberculosis; the worker had been employed at the company for 10 years. The facility heat treated and sandblasted products such as weldments. Air samples obtained from the sandblasting area were evaluated for airborne respirable silica and medical evaluations, including chest X-rays, were conducted on 16 of the 17 employees. All but one of the air samples demonstrated levels of respirable quartz that were in excess of the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 0.1mg/m3. Abnormal pulmonary function test results were seen in five of the workers. Four had opacities in the lungs of 1/0 or greater, one had advanced silicosis, and four had radiological evidence of tuberculosis scarring. The author concludes that there is a serious problem related to respirable silica dust at this sandblasting operation. The author recommends that medical screenings and engineering controls be instituted.
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(1993) General Castings - Power Street Facility, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management, an evaluation was undertaken of worker exposures in the coremaking, molding, pouring, melting, shakeout, cleaning and sand handling areas of the General Castings Power Street Facility (SIC-3321), Cincinnati, Ohio. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry which employed 32 workers. Three coremaking processes were used: hot shell, oil bake, and no bake. Of the 15 environmental samples taken, four exceeded the OSHA 100 micrograms/cubic meter (microg... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management, an evaluation was undertaken of worker exposures in the coremaking, molding, pouring, melting, shakeout, cleaning and sand handling areas of the General Castings Power Street Facility (SIC-3321), Cincinnati, Ohio. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry which employed 32 workers. Three coremaking processes were used: hot shell, oil bake, and no bake. Of the 15 environmental samples taken, four exceeded the OSHA 100 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) limit for respirable silica (14808607) as quartz. At the time of the survey, a local exhaust ventilation and bag house system was being installed. Personal breathing zone concentrations of lead (7439921) exceeded the 50microg/m3 permissible exposure level for the furnace operator and two pourers. Benzene (71432) exposures were in excess of the 0.1 part per million recommended exposure limit for two coremakers and a pourer. Carbon-monoxide (630080) levels ranged from 6 to 38 parts per million (ppm). Phenol (108952), toluene (108883), formaldehyde (50000), and other metals did not exceed recommended criteria levels. The authors conclude that workers without respiratory protection were overexposed to respirable silica, lead, carbon-monoxide, and benzene. The authors recommend that engineering controls and improved work practices be instituted to control exposures.
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(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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