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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
(1978) Flocculant agents, Lundale, West Virginia. (Click to open report) Worker exposures to the flocculant agents, Superfloc-204 and Superfloc-206 were evaluated at the Buffalo Mining Company's Preparation Facility (SIC-1111), in Lundale, West Virginia, on September 22, 1978. An unidentified individual requested the evaluation on behalf of an unspecified number of workers, work processes and hygienic practices were reviewed. The chemicals were used in powder form and were manually scoped from the bag with a tin can and poured into a mixing basin through a plastic fu... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to the flocculant agents, Superfloc-204 and Superfloc-206 were evaluated at the Buffalo Mining Company's Preparation Facility (SIC-1111), in Lundale, West Virginia, on September 22, 1978. An unidentified individual requested the evaluation on behalf of an unspecified number of workers, work processes and hygienic practices were reviewed. The chemicals were used in powder form and were manually scoped from the bag with a tin can and poured into a mixing basin through a plastic funnel. No protective equipment was used. The author concludes that the exposure was intermittent and minimal and that polyacrylamide pose little or no health problems to the normal individual, and consequently no health hazard from exposure to these polyacrylamides existed at this facility. She recommends the installation of an automatic dry or liquid chemical feeder to minimize worker contact with the chemicals, and the use of the chemicals in a liquid, rather than solid form, to eliminate dust generation.
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(1978) General American Transportation Corporation, Masury, Ohio. (Click to open report) Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on April 4 to 7, 1977, and June 7 to 9, 1977, to determine employee exposures to dust fumes, smoke and gases from welding and plasma arc cutting, isocyanate (661201) vapors and x-ray radiation at the General American Transportation Corporation (SIC-3743) in Masury, Ohio. Authorized representatives of United Steelworkers of America, Local 1534 and 2318, requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 1000 affected workers. Twenty four of 52 emp... (Click to show more)Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on April 4 to 7, 1977, and June 7 to 9, 1977, to determine employee exposures to dust fumes, smoke and gases from welding and plasma arc cutting, isocyanate (661201) vapors and x-ray radiation at the General American Transportation Corporation (SIC-3743) in Masury, Ohio. Authorized representatives of United Steelworkers of America, Local 1534 and 2318, requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 1000 affected workers. Twenty four of 52 employees were exposed to concentrations of fluoride (16984488), copper (7440508), iron-oxide (1309371), nickel (7440020), chromium-VI (7440473), vanadium (7440622) and total particulates in excess of OSHA standards. Concentrations of carbon-monoxide (630080), formaldehyde (50000) and polymethylene-polyphenyl-isocyanate (9016879) also exceeded current OSHA exposure limits. No abnormalities other than abrasions and burns associated with welding and heavy metal handling were found. The author concludes that excessive contaminant emissions are produced from welding, air arc repairing, chipping and gouging, bank cleaning and grinding. Local ventilation should be instituted to control excessive emissions, respiratory protection should be used, fibrous glass insulation treated with resin materials and used to seal annealing furnace doors should be substituted with a safer material, undue exposure to isocyanates should be avoided when handling urethane foams, and continuous surveillance should be maintained on all radiography equipment.
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(1978) Heppenstall Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) An investigation in the manufacturing of steel forgings (SIC-3325) has been made at the Heppenstall Company concerning worker exposure to Fiberfrax, a ceramic fiber insulation. Bricklayers and helpers, and occasionally laborers, during the installation of Fiberfrax in heat treat furnaces complained of coughing spasms, sore throats, and skin irritation. Because Fiberfrax was being used as a thermal barrier during welding repair of die blocks, the evaluation was expanded to include this operation.... (Click to show more)An investigation in the manufacturing of steel forgings (SIC-3325) has been made at the Heppenstall Company concerning worker exposure to Fiberfrax, a ceramic fiber insulation. Bricklayers and helpers, and occasionally laborers, during the installation of Fiberfrax in heat treat furnaces complained of coughing spasms, sore throats, and skin irritation. Because Fiberfrax was being used as a thermal barrier during welding repair of die blocks, the evaluation was expanded to include this operation. The potential exposures to silica (7631869) and total and respirable particulate by bricklayers were evaluated. Additionally, exposure to iron-oxide (1317619) fume by welders during repair of a cracked die block was evaluated. Personal breathing zone samples were collected to evaluate the bricklayers' and helpers' exposures to quartz (1317799) and cristobalite and respirable and total dust. Health questionnaires were completed on six workers (four bricklayers and two welders). This constituted 100 percent of the total workers (six males) exposed. The bricklayers and workers are experiencing short term toxicity characterized by irritation of exposed skin areas, and less frequent symptoms of mucous membrane irritation. Health effects data concerning long term exposure to airborne Fiberfrax was not available. Bricklayers were exposed to airborne quartz levels exceeding the federal standard and to excessive levels of total particulate during replacement of two gas burners in the heat treat furnace. The welders were not exposed to toxic concentrations of metallic oxide fume during repair of a cracked die block.
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(1978) Herbert Malarky Roofing Co., Portland, Oregon. (Click to open report) A study was conducted at the Herbert Malarkey Roofing Co. (SIC-2952) to determine whether materials present in the production of asphalt (8052424) shingles and rolled roofing materials are toxic as used or found. Materials involved in fabrication of these products are felt, asphalt (petroleum), colored granules, limestone (1317653), talc (8030840), and mica (12001262). Medical evaluation was conducted by use of a medical questionnaire at the beginning and end of a day's shift. Questions concerne... (Click to show more)A study was conducted at the Herbert Malarkey Roofing Co. (SIC-2952) to determine whether materials present in the production of asphalt (8052424) shingles and rolled roofing materials are toxic as used or found. Materials involved in fabrication of these products are felt, asphalt (petroleum), colored granules, limestone (1317653), talc (8030840), and mica (12001262). Medical evaluation was conducted by use of a medical questionnaire at the beginning and end of a day's shift. Questions concerned the employees' perception of irritated eyes, nose and throat or skin itching. Environmental sampling was designed to include all job descriptions in either breathing zone or general area samples. The data reveal that in certain work areas there were concentrations of total dust and free silica (7631869) in excess of evaluation criteria based on breathing zone concentrations. The saturator man's exposure to asphalt fumes at most times is not considered to be toxic. Excessive concentrations of total dust and asphalt fumes were present in the area above the coater. Employees' exposure to benzo(a)pyrene (50328), other polynuclear-aromatic-hydrocarbons, beta-naphthylamine (91598), aliphatic and aromatic-hydrocarbons were not toxic at concentrations found. There were no indications of eye, nose, throat or skin irritations.
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(1978) Inland Steel Company, Indiana Harbor Works, East Chicago, Indiana. (Click to open report) An investigation regarding employee exposure to inorganic lead (7439921) during the production of leaded steel for precision products of good machinability (SIC-3325) has been conducted. The area of concern was in the pouring stand of the Pit section of the basic oxygen furnace shop. Atmospheric samples for lead were collected on Millipore filters Type AA (mixed cellulose ester) with breathing zone using a battery powered vacuum pump. Area samples were collected with the same equipment along the... (Click to show more)An investigation regarding employee exposure to inorganic lead (7439921) during the production of leaded steel for precision products of good machinability (SIC-3325) has been conducted. The area of concern was in the pouring stand of the Pit section of the basic oxygen furnace shop. Atmospheric samples for lead were collected on Millipore filters Type AA (mixed cellulose ester) with breathing zone using a battery powered vacuum pump. Area samples were collected with the same equipment along the pouring stand. The medical evaluation included interviews, physical examinations, and blood chemical analysis. It has been determined that a potential hazard to the health of the workers exposed to lead dust and fumes exists. Ten of thirteen personal samples for inorganic lead exceeded the proposed 100 micrograms of lead per cubic meter of air (microgram/M3). Eight personal samples exceeded the current lead standard of 200 micrograms/M3. These concentrations ranged from 25 to 2600 micrograms/M3 of lead. Of the 16 blood lead analyses, three were in excess of 60 micrograms of lead per 100 milliliters of whole blood (60 micrograms/100ml), five were in the range of 40 to 60 micrograms/100ml, and eight were less than 40 micrograms/100ml. It is recommended that a blood lead level of 60 micrograms/100ml or less be allowed as a safe concentration.
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(1978) Jefferson Chemical Company, Port Neches, Texas. (Click to open report) An investigation to determine the effects of various chemical exposures on workers was made at the Jefferson Chemical Co. (SIC- 2819) which produces a variety of chemical substances, many of which serve as feedstock to produce the final products. The majority of the substances are produced and handled in closed reactor systems and distillation units. The final products are loaded into tank cars, trucks and drums. General area and personal samples for organic vapors were obtained. Private intervi... (Click to show more)An investigation to determine the effects of various chemical exposures on workers was made at the Jefferson Chemical Co. (SIC- 2819) which produces a variety of chemical substances, many of which serve as feedstock to produce the final products. The majority of the substances are produced and handled in closed reactor systems and distillation units. The final products are loaded into tank cars, trucks and drums. General area and personal samples for organic vapors were obtained. Private interviews with employees selected at random were conducted and nondirected medical questionnaires were compiled. The first aid facilities and medical programs were also reviewed along with selected blood lead (7439921) data. A hazard to the health of laboratory workers did not exist at the time of the surveys as indicated by air sampling results. A potential health hazard existed for workers assigned to the refinery gas feedstock unit, due to benzene (71432) vapor exposures as indicated by air sampling results. A health hazard was not indicated for employees of the ethanolamine (141435) production unit based on the results of the type of air samples obtained. A health hazard was not indicated for employees of the phenol (108952) processing unit based on the results of the type air samples obtained. A determination of potential health hazards was not possible for the Cell Renewal Area due to the operation not being on line at the time of the surveys. A potential health hazard existed for employees of the DDM production unit based on work practice observations and spent catalyst dust analysis. The spent catalyst contained approximately 0.6 percent aniline (62533) and 9 percent diaminodiphenyl-methane (DDM) isomers by weight. The workers were not adequately protected for the catalyst dumping operation.
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(1978) Johns-Manville Products Corporation, Pittsburg, California. (Click to open report) An investigation was made to determine whether fibrous-glass used in the production of asphalt (8052424) shingles (SIC-2952) is toxic in the concentrations used. For purposes of completeness, environmental evaluations of worker exposure to some of the other materials in the workplace such as asbestos (1332214), crystalline- silica (7631869), formaldehyde (50000), and asphalt (petroleum) were made. The methods for the evaluation of the work environment varied depending upon the substance being sa... (Click to show more)An investigation was made to determine whether fibrous-glass used in the production of asphalt (8052424) shingles (SIC-2952) is toxic in the concentrations used. For purposes of completeness, environmental evaluations of worker exposure to some of the other materials in the workplace such as asbestos (1332214), crystalline- silica (7631869), formaldehyde (50000), and asphalt (petroleum) were made. The methods for the evaluation of the work environment varied depending upon the substance being sampled. No medical investigation was made. Employees working in and around the shingle manufacturing line are not exposed to excessive levels of fibrous- glass. The slateman is exposed to potentially toxic levels of dust containing crystalline-silica. Employees entering the saturator are exposed to potentially high levels of benz(a)pyrene (50328). Employees' exposures to asphalt-fumes could not be adequately characterized to make a definite conclusion concerning toxicity with the currently available sampling and analytical techniques. Employees' exposures to formaldehyde, aromatic hydrocarbons, and total aliphatic hydrocarbons are not toxic.
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(1978) Johns-Manville Products Corporation, Vernon, California. (Click to open report) An investigation to determine whether fibrous-glass and crystalline silica (7631869) used in the production of asphalt (8052424) shingles (SIC-2952) are toxic in the concentrations used or found has been performed. For purposes of completeness an attempt was made to evaluate worker exposure to some of the other materials used in the workplace, such as asbestos (1332214), formaldehyde (50000) and asphalt (petroleum). No medical investigation was made. Employees working in and around the shingle m... (Click to show more)An investigation to determine whether fibrous-glass and crystalline silica (7631869) used in the production of asphalt (8052424) shingles (SIC-2952) are toxic in the concentrations used or found has been performed. For purposes of completeness an attempt was made to evaluate worker exposure to some of the other materials used in the workplace, such as asbestos (1332214), formaldehyde (50000) and asphalt (petroleum). No medical investigation was made. Employees working in and around the shingle manufacturing line are not exposed to excessive levels of fibrous-glass. The slateman is exposed to potentially toxic levels of dust containing crystalline- silica. Employees entering the saturator and working near where petroleum asphalt is heated and fumes are generated are exposed to potentially high levels of benz(a)pyrene (50328). Employees' exposure to asphalt fumes could not be adequately characterized to make a definite conclusion concerning toxicity with the currently available sampling and analytical techniques. Employees' exposures to formaldehyde, toluene (108883) and total aliphatic hydrocarbons are not toxic. The backtender on the rolled line is exposed to asbestos fiber levels in excess of the recommended limit but well below Federal or California State standards.
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(1978) Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation, Trona, California. (Click to open report) Environmental samples of airborne dust were taken and workers were examined at the Licons, Lithium-carbonate and Pyrobor facilities at Kerr-McGee Chemical Corp. (SIC-2819) in Trona, California on June 21 and 22, 1977. An evaluation request came from the Chemical and Processing Workers Union Local 35, Trona, California on behalf of approximately 50 affected workers to determine whether lithium- carbonate (554132) (Li2CO3) and anhydrous-borax (1330434) were hazardous in the concentrations found at... (Click to show more)Environmental samples of airborne dust were taken and workers were examined at the Licons, Lithium-carbonate and Pyrobor facilities at Kerr-McGee Chemical Corp. (SIC-2819) in Trona, California on June 21 and 22, 1977. An evaluation request came from the Chemical and Processing Workers Union Local 35, Trona, California on behalf of approximately 50 affected workers to determine whether lithium- carbonate (554132) (Li2CO3) and anhydrous-borax (1330434) were hazardous in the concentrations found at the facilities. Blood and urine tests and medical examination results were generally negative. The authors conclude that exposures to Li2CO3 and borax do not present a health hazard, but dust exposures to crystalline- tetraborate (12258536) are excessive. They recommend the use of personal protective equipment, good work habits, worker education and an engineering survey.
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(1978) Mark Steel Corporation, Salt Lake City, Utah. (Click to open report) Environmental surveys were conducted on June 20 and 21, 1978, to evaluate the potential health hazard of an abrasive, made from lead smelter slag, used in the abrasive blasting operation at the Mark Steel Corporation (SIC-3325) in Salt Lake City, Utah. The evaluation was requested by a company representative on behalf of two affected employees. The bulk abrasive grit sample contained less than 1 percent silicon-dioxide (7631869). Three of four respirable dust samples contained no silica and conc... (Click to show more)Environmental surveys were conducted on June 20 and 21, 1978, to evaluate the potential health hazard of an abrasive, made from lead smelter slag, used in the abrasive blasting operation at the Mark Steel Corporation (SIC-3325) in Salt Lake City, Utah. The evaluation was requested by a company representative on behalf of two affected employees. The bulk abrasive grit sample contained less than 1 percent silicon-dioxide (7631869). Three of four respirable dust samples contained no silica and concentrations of respirable dust ranged from 3.4 to 4.7 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), which were below the OSHA standard of 5.0mg/m3. No cadmium (7440439) was detected in any of the samples. Lead (7439921) concentrations ranged from 0.25 to 2.34mg/m3, exceeding the from 29.0 to 69.1 micrograms per cubic meter, exceeding the 10.0 micrograms per cubic meter OSHA standard. The author concludes that employees working at the abrasive blasting operation are potentially exposed to toxic airborne concentrations of inorganic lead and inorganic arsenic, and that employees may be exposed to excess concentrations of crystalline silica. A substitute grit should be considered, a medical monitoring program should be instituted, and a respiratory protection program should be provided for concerned employees.
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