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HHE Search Results
1060 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
(1979) Ford Aerospace and Communications Corporation, Connersville, Indiana. (Click to open report) Atmospheric, personal, and area sampling evaluations were conducted on March 6 to 8 and September 26 and 27, 1978 at the Ford Aerospace and Communications Corporation, (SIC-3761) Connersville, Indiana in response to four separate requests from the President, Local 919, International Union of Electrical Workers. The requests were prompted by condenser assembly line worker complaints of throat and eye irritation from excessive smoke and carbon-monoxide (630080), excessive dust and smoke discharged... (Click to show more)Atmospheric, personal, and area sampling evaluations were conducted on March 6 to 8 and September 26 and 27, 1978 at the Ford Aerospace and Communications Corporation, (SIC-3761) Connersville, Indiana in response to four separate requests from the President, Local 919, International Union of Electrical Workers. The requests were prompted by condenser assembly line worker complaints of throat and eye irritation from excessive smoke and carbon-monoxide (630080), excessive dust and smoke discharged into the work area from Ipsen brazing ovens during controlled burnouts, zinc-chloride (7646857) and methanol (67561) fumes and mist from condenser line brazing ovens, and exposure to dust and smoke during the stripping and burning of paint buildup from conveyor racks and hooks. Results show that concentrations of all substances sampled were less than OSHA standards. It is recommended that carbon-monoxide and trichloroethylene (79016) levels be monitored closely when makeup air systems are adjusted, that these systems be locked to prevent unauthorized adjustments, and that monitoring and alarm systems be installed to detect mechanical breakdowns of condenser line degreasers that might result in spillover of trichloroethylene. Exhaust procedures during controlled burnout of magnesium (7439954) in Ipsen brazing furnaces also should be modified.
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(1979) GAF Corporation, Whitehall, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) An environmental and medical survey was conducted on September 14 and 15, 1977 at the GAF Corporation (SIC-3292) in Whitehall, Pennsylvania to evaluate employee exposures to asbestos (1332214), hexavalent chromium (18540299), vinyl-chloride (75014), and a variety of hydrocarbons and alcohols. The request for evaluation was made by an authorized employee representative, and subsequently by OSHA, to investigate the possible work related deaths and illnesses of 43 workers. Air samples were collecte... (Click to show more)An environmental and medical survey was conducted on September 14 and 15, 1977 at the GAF Corporation (SIC-3292) in Whitehall, Pennsylvania to evaluate employee exposures to asbestos (1332214), hexavalent chromium (18540299), vinyl-chloride (75014), and a variety of hydrocarbons and alcohols. The request for evaluation was made by an authorized employee representative, and subsequently by OSHA, to investigate the possible work related deaths and illnesses of 43 workers. Air samples were collected throughout the facility and tested for airborne concentrations of chemicals used in each area. Asbestos concentrations ranged from undetectable to 1.22 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc), which is below the OSHA standard of 2f/cc. Air contaminants at the ink mixing operations, the 9 and 12 foot printers, the resin storage and mixing operations, and the ovens were within acceptable limits. Blood tests, chest x-rays, pulmonary function tests, and a review of death certificates revealed no occupationally related illness or death. The authors conclude that, although no hazard was identified at the time of this survey, a potential asbestos exposure hazard exists in the asbestos storage and hydropulper felt mill areas, and that there is a potential short term dust exposure hazard in the ink mixing area. They recommend that exposures in each area be reduced through the use of respirators, workplace hygiene, ventilation systems, and periodic medical monitoring.
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(1979) Greenheck Fan Corporation, Schofield, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) An environmental and medical evaluation was performed at the Greenheck Fan Corporation (SIC-3564), Schofield, Wisconsin on November 7 and 8, 1978, and March 6, 1979 at the request of an authorized representative of Local 565, Sheet Metals Workers International Association, AFL/CIO, concerning worker complaints of eye irritations, foul taste, and skin irritations during powdered paint operations. The corporation has 180 production and 100 administrative employees. Chromium (7440473), barium (7440... (Click to show more)An environmental and medical evaluation was performed at the Greenheck Fan Corporation (SIC-3564), Schofield, Wisconsin on November 7 and 8, 1978, and March 6, 1979 at the request of an authorized representative of Local 565, Sheet Metals Workers International Association, AFL/CIO, concerning worker complaints of eye irritations, foul taste, and skin irritations during powdered paint operations. The corporation has 180 production and 100 administrative employees. Chromium (7440473), barium (7440393), lead (7439921), quartz (14808607), cristobalite (14464461), cadmium (7440439), epichlorohydrin (106898), and trimellitic-anhydride (552307) were undetectable in bulk samples, or present only in trace amounts. Personal and area air samples for toluene (108883), benzene (71432), xylene (1330207) and mineral spirits were below the environmental criteria of 375, 3.2, 434, and 350 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), respectively. Two respirable dust samples exceeded 10 mg/m3, and measured concentrations of bisphenol-A (80057) and diglycidyl-ether of bisphenol-A (1675543) (0.173 to 1.063 mg/m3, and 0.087 to 0.2mg/m3 respectively) were considered excessive and potentially toxic. During medical interviews, workers reported symptoms of irritated eyes and throat, episodes of respiratory difficulties, and rashes. Ventilation was considered inadequate. The authors conclude that excessive amounts of airborne contaminants were present in three areas of the facility. They recommend improved work practices and housekeeping, a modified respiratory protection program, adequate personal protective clothing, medical surveillance, and a review of emergency procedures.
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(1979) Harbison-Walker Refractories, Clearfield, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Medical and environmental evaluations were conducted from July 10 to 14, 1978 at facilities Numbers 1 and 3 of the Harbison-Walker Refractories (SIC-5085) in Clearfield, Pennsylvania. The evaluations were in response to an authorized employee request to determine whether exposures to refractory dust were causing silicosis and other lung problems among approximately 310 employees. Work atmosphere and personal air samples were analyzed for quartz (14808607) and cristobalite (14464461) content. Med... (Click to show more)Medical and environmental evaluations were conducted from July 10 to 14, 1978 at facilities Numbers 1 and 3 of the Harbison-Walker Refractories (SIC-5085) in Clearfield, Pennsylvania. The evaluations were in response to an authorized employee request to determine whether exposures to refractory dust were causing silicosis and other lung problems among approximately 310 employees. Work atmosphere and personal air samples were analyzed for quartz (14808607) and cristobalite (14464461) content. Medical interviews, chest x-rays, spirometry tests, and chest examinations were performed on 227 workers. Respirable crystalline quartz concentrations (less than 0.5 to 33.0 milligrams per cubic meter) exceeded the OSHA standard of 10 milligrams per cubic meter divided by the silicon-dioxide (7631869) percentage plus 2 for dust with more than 5 percent silicon-dioxide at operation sites. Respiratory complaints were common, but no evidence of silicosis or reduction of pulmonary function was observed. Recommendations resulting from the evaluation include establishing a periodic ventilation maintenance program; providing medical examinations to all exposed workers; and initiating medical evaluations of employees with respiratory or pulmonary problems to determine possible job re-assignment.
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(1979) Homestake Forest Products, Spearfish, South Dakota. (Click to open report) Environmental air samples were analyzed for wood dust concentrations at Homestake Forest Products (SIC-5031) in Spearfish, South Dakota, on August 1 and 2, 1978. Medical interviews were also conducted with 38 sawmill and planer mill workers. A representative of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 7044, requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 78 affected workers. Wood dust concentrations ranged from 0.03 to 0.76 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM), compared with the American Con... (Click to show more)Environmental air samples were analyzed for wood dust concentrations at Homestake Forest Products (SIC-5031) in Spearfish, South Dakota, on August 1 and 2, 1978. Medical interviews were also conducted with 38 sawmill and planer mill workers. A representative of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 7044, requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 78 affected workers. Wood dust concentrations ranged from 0.03 to 0.76 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM), compared with the American Conference of Governmental Hygienists' threshold limit value of 5mg/CuM. Only one nonsmoking worker reported symptoms possibly related to wood dust exposure. The author concludes that a health hazard from wood dust exposure did not exist at this facility and recommends regular environmental monitoring, placing of workers with adverse health effects in jobs with reduced dust exposures, reduction of dust concentrations, and availability of respirators.
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(1979) Illinois Minerals Company, Elco, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration to investigate the health of employees exposed to silica (7631869) containing dust at Illinois Minerals Company located in Elco, Illinois, a hazard evaluation was conducted. The silica dust on site was approximately 100% alpha-quartz (14808607). Median particle size from air sampled in the facility ranged from 2.3 to 4.9 microns which is well within the respirable range. Of the 57 samples taken, 49 were above the NIOSH recom... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration to investigate the health of employees exposed to silica (7631869) containing dust at Illinois Minerals Company located in Elco, Illinois, a hazard evaluation was conducted. The silica dust on site was approximately 100% alpha-quartz (14808607). Median particle size from air sampled in the facility ranged from 2.3 to 4.9 microns which is well within the respirable range. Of the 57 samples taken, 49 were above the NIOSH recommended limit of workers with less than one year exposure. Three of the fifteen current workers with one or more years of exposure and 14 of the 24 exworkers studied had radiographic changes indicative of silicosis. In workers and exworkers with one or more years of exposure, 17 of 39 had x-ray evidence of silicosis. This very high prevalence of silicosis is due to the respirable size of the particles. It was recommended that engineering controls be implemented to reduce and maintain free silica dust levels to current acceptable exposure limits. The conclusion of the study was that there is a significant health hazard present at this location and continued worker exposure will cause irreversible harm to such a degree as to shorten life.
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(1979) Interlake Steel, Inc., Wilder, Kentucky. (Click to open report) Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for manganese (7439965), calcium-oxide (1305788), iron-oxide, and total particulates at the Interlake Steel, Inc., (SIC-332) Wilder, Kentucky, on August 30 and 31, 1978. An evaluation request came from an authorized representative of employees of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 1870, on behalf of about 100 affected workers. Manganese air concentrations were below the OSHA standard of 5.0 milligram per cubic meter (mg/CuM). Calcium-ox... (Click to show more)Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for manganese (7439965), calcium-oxide (1305788), iron-oxide, and total particulates at the Interlake Steel, Inc., (SIC-332) Wilder, Kentucky, on August 30 and 31, 1978. An evaluation request came from an authorized representative of employees of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 1870, on behalf of about 100 affected workers. Manganese air concentrations were below the OSHA standard of 5.0 milligram per cubic meter (mg/CuM). Calcium-oxide concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 72.0mg/CuM, compared with the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist's (ACGIH) recommended standard of 2.0mg/CuM. Iron oxide concentrations ranged from 0.10 to 5.10mg/CuM, compared with the ACGIH recommended standard of 5.0mg/CuM. Total particulates ranged from 0.37 to 31.8mg/CuM compared with the ACGIH standard of 10.0mg/CuM. The author concludes that the bulldozer operator was exposed to excessive concentrations of calcium-oxide, and nuisance particulate, and the tractor operator was exposed to excessive concentrations of calcium-oxide, iron-oxide, and particulate. Recommendations include the possibility of storing limestone outside the melt shop, the possibility of wetting down all debris, yearly chest X-rays for workers in dusty environments, the use of personal protective equipment, and improved industrial hygiene.
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(1979) International Harvester Facility, Springfield, Ohio. (Click to open report) Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for airborne nuisance dusts and welding fumes at the International Harvester Facility, in Springfield, Ohio, on April 11, May 30, June 1, June 22, and August 28 to 31, 1978. In addition, medical questionnaires were given and employees' work practices and engineering controls were observed. An evaluation request came from an authorized representative of the approximately 190 affected workers. None of the samples for airborne nuisance particulat... (Click to show more)Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for airborne nuisance dusts and welding fumes at the International Harvester Facility, in Springfield, Ohio, on April 11, May 30, June 1, June 22, and August 28 to 31, 1978. In addition, medical questionnaires were given and employees' work practices and engineering controls were observed. An evaluation request came from an authorized representative of the approximately 190 affected workers. None of the samples for airborne nuisance particulate exceeded the OSHA standard of 15 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM). Only one sample taken for unclassified welding fumes exceeded the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienist's recommended standard of 5.0mg/CuM, and only one sample exceeded the same standard for aluminum welding fumes. Questionnaire results revealed that 66 percent of the 32 respondents occasionally experienced flash burns. The author recommends the use of protective equipment by the welders, installation of ultraviolet radiation barriers, use of fume extracting devices, and reevaluation of the ventilation system in order to achieve optimum performance.
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(1979) Kawecki Berylco Industries, Inc., Reading, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Personal breathing zone samples were collected and analyzed for Beryllium (7440417) (Be) dust, employee medical interviews and conferences with management were held, and work practices, conditions, and exposure controls were observed at the Kawecki Berylco Industries, Inc. (SIC-5052) in Reading, Pennsylvania on January 10 to 11, 1978. The request was made by an employees' representative for the Kawecki Berylco Hygiene Assistants regarding exposure of approximately 400 employees to asbestos (1332... (Click to show more)Personal breathing zone samples were collected and analyzed for Beryllium (7440417) (Be) dust, employee medical interviews and conferences with management were held, and work practices, conditions, and exposure controls were observed at the Kawecki Berylco Industries, Inc. (SIC-5052) in Reading, Pennsylvania on January 10 to 11, 1978. The request was made by an employees' representative for the Kawecki Berylco Hygiene Assistants regarding exposure of approximately 400 employees to asbestos (1332214) and Be. Asbestos activities were not observed during this survey. Breathing zone samples for the 3.5 hour morning maintenance activities contained 58 (cu/m3) and 64 micrograms per cubic meter (cu m) of Be dust, and the 3 hour afternoon maintenance activities contained 15 and 4.0 micrograms/cu m, all exceeding the OSHA standard concentration of 2.0 micrograms/cu m. The author recommends that asbestos be replaced with other materials in the reflock activity and respirator protection and decontamination facilities, and that locker rooms and showers be provided to reduce exposure to beryllium dust or contaminated clothing and personnel. Engineering process modifications and other controls to reduce worker exposure to Be also were recommended.
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(1979) Kentile Floors, Inc., Brooklyn, New York. (Click to open report) Environmental air sampling, medical interviews and evaluations, and observations of work practices were conducted at Kentile Floor, Incorporated, (SIC-3292) Brooklyn, New York on July 10, September 25 and 26, and October 23 to 25, 1978 to evaluate exposures to asbestos (1332214), asphalt (8052424), vinyl-chloride monomer (75014), dyes and pigments. The company employed 370 workers, and an authorized employee representative requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 75 affected employees... (Click to show more)Environmental air sampling, medical interviews and evaluations, and observations of work practices were conducted at Kentile Floor, Incorporated, (SIC-3292) Brooklyn, New York on July 10, September 25 and 26, and October 23 to 25, 1978 to evaluate exposures to asbestos (1332214), asphalt (8052424), vinyl-chloride monomer (75014), dyes and pigments. The company employed 370 workers, and an authorized employee representative requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 75 affected employees. Three of 30 environmental air samples for asbestos (0.11, 0.11, and 0.12 fibers per cubic centimeter) exceeded the OSHA recommended criteria of 0.10 fibers per cubic centimeter. All other parameters tested were within recommended exposure limits. The only evidence of work related illness involved one case of contact dermatitis. NIOSH recommendations include proper use of exhaust ventilation, use of safety equipment in all operations, identification of carcinogenic chemicals, proper cleaning of the work clothes of men exposed to asbestos, and elimination of the use of dianisidine.
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