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HHE Search Results
1059 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) Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, Washington, D.C. (Click to open report) A total of six area and breathing zone air samples were collected on March 19, 1979 at Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, (SIC-8062) Washington, D.C., to determine if dust emitted during the installation of fire alarms and smoke detectors could present an asbestos (1332214) exposure potential. Bulk samples of ceiling and wall boards also were collected for qualitative analysis. Sampling was prompted by a request from the safety manager at the hospital. Air samples were analyzed using phase contrast mic... (Click to show more)A total of six area and breathing zone air samples were collected on March 19, 1979 at Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, (SIC-8062) Washington, D.C., to determine if dust emitted during the installation of fire alarms and smoke detectors could present an asbestos (1332214) exposure potential. Bulk samples of ceiling and wall boards also were collected for qualitative analysis. Sampling was prompted by a request from the safety manager at the hospital. Air samples were analyzed using phase contrast microscopy, and bulk samples were analyzed using electron microscopy. All sample analyses resulted in fiber counts below detectable limits, and, consequently, less than OSHA standards (2.0 fibers greater than 5 microns in length per cubic centimeters of air). It is recommended that eye protection equipment be used to prevent injury from flying particles, chips, and other debris. Helmets should be used in situations in which workers are subjected to impact from falling or flying objects. The OSHA noise standard should be adhered to when using power drills and pneumatic drills. NIOSH approved respiratory protection also should be provided when this equipment is used.
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(1979) Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. (Click to open report) A 90 minute presentation on asbestos (1332214) hazards given on April 11, 1979 by a NIOSH Industrial Hygienist to administrators and personnel of the Smithsonian Institution (SIC-8411) in Washington, D.C., is reviewed. The presentation concerned potential and existing asbestos hazards in the facility and was requested by the Institution. No existing hazard was identified, but potential problem areas were discussed along with hazard controls. Responsibility for decisions regarding asbestos contro... (Click to show more)A 90 minute presentation on asbestos (1332214) hazards given on April 11, 1979 by a NIOSH Industrial Hygienist to administrators and personnel of the Smithsonian Institution (SIC-8411) in Washington, D.C., is reviewed. The presentation concerned potential and existing asbestos hazards in the facility and was requested by the Institution. No existing hazard was identified, but potential problem areas were discussed along with hazard controls. Responsibility for decisions regarding asbestos control was assigned. It is recommended that permanent communications be established with the Federal Agency Safety Program in Washington, D.C. to assist with responsibilities of worker protection. It is concluded that the extensive resources available to the Smithsonian should be able to deal effectively with this problem.
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(1979) Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., and Suitland, Maryland. (Click to open report) General air samples were taken at the Smithsonian Institution (SIC- 8411) of Washington, D.C., and at Suitland, Maryland on January 24 and 25, 1979, to determine if employees were exposed to fibers from asbestos (1332214) walls and ceilings at the Museum of Natural History, History and Technology Building, Fine Arts Building, and the Portrait Gallery. The evaluation request came from the institution to evaluate the effectiveness of control efforts that were instituted following a previous evalua... (Click to show more)General air samples were taken at the Smithsonian Institution (SIC- 8411) of Washington, D.C., and at Suitland, Maryland on January 24 and 25, 1979, to determine if employees were exposed to fibers from asbestos (1332214) walls and ceilings at the Museum of Natural History, History and Technology Building, Fine Arts Building, and the Portrait Gallery. The evaluation request came from the institution to evaluate the effectiveness of control efforts that were instituted following a previous evaluation. Sampling equipment was placed at various sites throughout the buildings and phase contrast microscopy was used to analyze the samples. Rainfall provided a disturbed condition. All 20 samples taken were below the analytical limit of detection (0.01 fibers per cubic centimeter), and below the OSHA standard of 2 fibers per cubic centimeter for an 8 hour time weighted average. Although the insulation material contained up to 75 percent asbestos, masonite panel covers were effective in controlling airborne asbestos fibers. The author's general recommendations include regular vacuuming, sampling when environmental conditions change, and using sealants. Special recommendations for the Fine Arts Building include air sampling in the attic during maintenance procedures, the use of respirator protective equipment, and regular clearing of asbestos from the ventilation system. In unoccupied buildings, insulation material should be removed when possible and surveillance should continue when removal is not feasible. Dropped ceilings or paneled enclosures are acceptable means of control. Development of the Smithsonian health, safety, and hygiene program should be continued.
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(1979) St. Charles Furniture Corporation, Wright City, Missouri. (Click to open report) Environmental sampling and medical interviews were performed on May 25 to June 1, 1979 at the St. Charles Furniture Company (SIC-2599), Wright City, Missouri to identify exposures to isopropanol (67630), toluene (108883), mineral spirits, n-butyl-acetate (123864), carbon- monoxide (630080), and total nuisance particulates. An unidentified individual requested the evaluation for approximately 120 affected workers. Bulk and personal area air samples were analyzed. Airborne concentrations of isopro... (Click to show more)Environmental sampling and medical interviews were performed on May 25 to June 1, 1979 at the St. Charles Furniture Company (SIC-2599), Wright City, Missouri to identify exposures to isopropanol (67630), toluene (108883), mineral spirits, n-butyl-acetate (123864), carbon- monoxide (630080), and total nuisance particulates. An unidentified individual requested the evaluation for approximately 120 affected workers. Bulk and personal area air samples were analyzed. Airborne concentrations of isopropanol, toluene, mineral spirits, and n-butyl-acetate were well below the environmental criteria of 948, 375, 350, and 710 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), respectively. t-butyl-4-ethyl-phenol (96708) and 2,6,di-t-butyl-4- ethyl-phenol (4130421) were detected in trace amounts. Carbon- monoxide exposures were reduced below the OSHA standard of 57mg/m3 following tuning and maintenance of propane powered forklift trucks. One personal sample of total nuisance particulates (11mg/m3) exceeded the environmental criteria of 10mg/m3. An absenteeism epidemic began with symptoms consistent with toluene intoxication, but subsequent outbreaks could not be related to any special exposure. The authors conclude that after the initial illnesses, stress and anxiety were probably responsible for the epidemic. Recommendations resulting from the evaluation include implementation of a safety and hazard education program, review of engineering controls, improved communication between management and workers, better housekeeping, and modification of the respiratory protection program.
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(1979) Tammsco, Incorporated, Tamms, Illinois. (Click to open report) A study was conducted of current and ex-workers at a silica (7631869) mining facility (SIC-1446), Tammsco, Incorporated, located in Tamms, Illinois in order to determine whether workers were being exposed to hazardous levels of silica dust and what the prevalence of silicosis was among current and former employees. The silica dust in question was approximately 100% alpha-quartz (14808607). Mean particle size from air samples in the facility was 5.2 micrometers. Of 34 samples taken, 28 exceeded t... (Click to show more)A study was conducted of current and ex-workers at a silica (7631869) mining facility (SIC-1446), Tammsco, Incorporated, located in Tamms, Illinois in order to determine whether workers were being exposed to hazardous levels of silica dust and what the prevalence of silicosis was among current and former employees. The silica dust in question was approximately 100% alpha-quartz (14808607). Mean particle size from air samples in the facility was 5.2 micrometers. Of 34 samples taken, 28 exceeded the NIOSH recommended standard of 0.05mg/m3. One individual sample was several hundred times this level. Of the 30 current workers, 25 participated in the study along with 11 of 31 eligible former workers. No evidence of silicosis on radiographic exam was found in workers with less than one year of exposure. Three of 15 current workers with one or more years of exposure and 4 of 11 exworkers had radiographic changes indicative of silicosis. NIOSH concluded that a hazardous situation existed at this site and that continued exposure at these levels would result in shortened life times for the exposed workers. Recommendations called for the immediate implementation of workplace improvements including the following: installation of a high efficiency vacuum system to vacuum work clothes prior to removal; intensification of general housekeeping to prevent dust accumulation; elimination of dry sweeping or blowing with compressed air; and institution of engineering controls to protect the bagger. Other recommendations include periodic environmental monitoring, personal respiratory protection, comprehensive medical examinations for exposed workers, and job transfers for workers with evidence of silicosis.
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(1979) The Timken Company, Canton, Ohio. (Click to open report) Air samples were analyzed for the presence of crystalline-silica (7631869) (free silica), mineral wool fibers, and coal tar pitch volatiles (CTPV) at The Timken Company (SIC-2865), in Canton, Ohio on February 12 and 13, 1979 and May 21, 1979. An evaluation request came from the United Steelworkers of America, Local Number 1123, on behalf of the pithand workers engaged in mold cleanout and preparation activities at the stripper building. The quartz (14808607) concentrations of free silica in the ... (Click to show more)Air samples were analyzed for the presence of crystalline-silica (7631869) (free silica), mineral wool fibers, and coal tar pitch volatiles (CTPV) at The Timken Company (SIC-2865), in Canton, Ohio on February 12 and 13, 1979 and May 21, 1979. An evaluation request came from the United Steelworkers of America, Local Number 1123, on behalf of the pithand workers engaged in mold cleanout and preparation activities at the stripper building. The quartz (14808607) concentrations of free silica in the air ranged from 123 to 286 micrograms per cubic meter which exceeded the OSHA respirable dust permissible exposure limit of 10 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) of air divided by the percentage of quartz plus 2. The bulk refractory material used in the operation did not contain asbestos (1332214) or fibrous glass, but did contain a mineral wool fiber of monocalcium-silicate (37323903), which was identified as the probable cause of skin irritation reported in 12 confidential employee interviews. Analysis of the powdered CTPV indicated concentrations of benzene extractables of 0.03 to 0.118mg/m3, which were below the OSHA standard of 0.2mg/m3. The author concludes that at the survey time, pithand employees were exposed to hazardous concentrations of free silica, an inadequate respiratory protection program was in effect, and the CTPV mixture contained known and suspected carcinogens. They recommend implementation of engineering and administrative controls to reduce employee exposures to hazardous materials, particularly the installation of a negative pressure vacuum system for mold cleanout.
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(1979) Town Center Associates Building, Rockville, Maryland. (Click to open report) Environmental samples were collected and one employee completed a nondirected medical questionnaire on May 23, 1979 at the second floor of the Town Center Associates Building (SIC-6022) in Rockville, Maryland. The evaluation was prompted by a request from an authorized representative of approximately 35 employees to investigate a complaint of irritations from exposure to what was described as gray fuzz from the heating and cooling vents. Air samples were analyzed for total and respirable particu... (Click to show more)Environmental samples were collected and one employee completed a nondirected medical questionnaire on May 23, 1979 at the second floor of the Town Center Associates Building (SIC-6022) in Rockville, Maryland. The evaluation was prompted by a request from an authorized representative of approximately 35 employees to investigate a complaint of irritations from exposure to what was described as gray fuzz from the heating and cooling vents. Air samples were analyzed for total and respirable particulates, and fibrous-glass (14808607) content. Concentrations of total dust (0.05 milligrams per cubic meter of air (mg/cu M)), respirable dust (0.03 mg/cu m), and fibrous glass (not detectable) were all below OSHA limits (15 mg/cu m, 5 mg/cu m, and 0.01 fibers per cubic centimeter of air, respectively). It is concluded that there was no health hazard present and that the worker who completed the questionnaire had experienced an individual sensitivity to the gray fuzz. Observations are presented concerning potential worker discomfort due to fibrous-glass exposure.
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(1979) United States Testing Company, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey. (Click to open report) Breathing zone air sample tests were performed on three employees in the Technology and Flammability Section of the Engineering Department of the United States Testing Company, Inc. (SIC-3264), Hoboken, New Jersey, on April 18 and 19, 1979. The evaluation request was received from an authorized representative of Local 1936, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and was prompted by worker complaints of eye and throat irritations, headaches, nausea, and concern over long term effects of... (Click to show more)Breathing zone air sample tests were performed on three employees in the Technology and Flammability Section of the Engineering Department of the United States Testing Company, Inc. (SIC-3264), Hoboken, New Jersey, on April 18 and 19, 1979. The evaluation request was received from an authorized representative of Local 1936, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and was prompted by worker complaints of eye and throat irritations, headaches, nausea, and concern over long term effects of asbestos (1332214) exposure. Measured concentrations of asbestos ranged from undetectable to 0.41 fibers per cubic centimeter of air. The concentrations were less than the OSHA standard of 2 fibers per cubic centimeter of air, greater than 5 microns in length, but did exceed OSHA policy requiring medical examinations for employees exposed to over 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter of air. ventilation measurements reveal that air flow in the section generally was inadequate. Improvements of the ventilation system, and annual medical examinations for employees exposed to asbestos are recommended.
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(1979) University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut. (Click for full summary) Environmental samples were analyzed and smoke bomb tests were performed at the University of Connecticut Health Center (SIC-8011) Farmington, Connecticut on June 19 to 21, 1978, to determine the source of an odor problem and employee exposure to toxic concentrations of airborne contaminants. The evaluation was requested by the management on behalf of an unspecified number of employees. Atmospheric samples for metals were collected on membrane filters, and nickel-carbonyl (13463393) samples were ... (Click to show more)Environmental samples were analyzed and smoke bomb tests were performed at the University of Connecticut Health Center (SIC-8011) Farmington, Connecticut on June 19 to 21, 1978, to determine the source of an odor problem and employee exposure to toxic concentrations of airborne contaminants. The evaluation was requested by the management on behalf of an unspecified number of employees. Atmospheric samples for metals were collected on membrane filters, and nickel-carbonyl (13463393) samples were collected through activated charcoal. Atmospheric samples for amines, mercury (7439976) and organics were collected through silica gel tubes, iodine impregnated charcoal and activated charcoal, respectively. Airborne contaminant concentrations all were well below OSHA standards of 1.0 milligram per cubic meter (mg/Cu m) for copper (7440508) dust and 0.1mg/Cu m for copper fumes, 0.01mg/Cu m for mercury, 0.007mg/Cu m for nickel-carbonyl, 750mg/Cu m for toluene (108883), and 435mg/Cu m for xylene (1330207). Fourteen different metals were found on used air conditioning filters. One of two brands of paint used to paint walls shortly before the survey contained mercury. Smoke bomb tests showed that contaminated air from roof exhaust outlets could reenter the facility. The investigators conclude that employees are not exposed to toxic concentrations of airborne contaminants and the odor problems probably are caused by contaminant reentry into the center. They recommend a comprehensive ventilation study, and monitoring and use of ventilation when toxic materials are handled.
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(1979) Warminster Fiberglass, Southhampton, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Environmental surveys and employee interviews were conducted on November 14 and 15, 1977, and July 24 to 28, 1978, to evaluate complaints of irritating fumes causing eye, nose, throat, and skin irritations to fiberglass assemblers at Warminster Fiberglass (SIC- 3296) in Southhampton, Pennsylvania. The evaluation was requested by the employer on behalf of approximately 80 affected employees. Styrene (100425) concentrations during the initial survey ranged from 200 to 400 parts per million (ppm), ... (Click to show more)Environmental surveys and employee interviews were conducted on November 14 and 15, 1977, and July 24 to 28, 1978, to evaluate complaints of irritating fumes causing eye, nose, throat, and skin irritations to fiberglass assemblers at Warminster Fiberglass (SIC- 3296) in Southhampton, Pennsylvania. The evaluation was requested by the employer on behalf of approximately 80 affected employees. Styrene (100425) concentrations during the initial survey ranged from 200 to 400 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the 100 ppm OSHA standard. Reported employee symptoms were consistent with symptoms caused by styrene overexposure. Methylethyl ketone peroxide (MEKO) concentrations ranged from none detected to 13 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), exceeding the 1.5mg/m3 American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Value as measured during spray up fabrication. Peak levels of styrene exceeded the 600ppm OSHA standard for peak measurements in two instances. The 200ppm OSHA ceiling for 5 minute exposure was equalled in one sample. The author concludes that workers were exposed to potentially toxic concentrations of MEKO and styrene vapor and less significant concentrations of acetone vapors. The author recommends that one of the ventilation systems be improved, that the practice of removing dust using compressed air be discontinued and replaced with a vacuum system, and that two work stations be relocated so as to be directly in front of the exhaust hoods.
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