HHE determination report no. HHE-79-23-603, A.M.F. Head Division, Boulder, Colorado.
Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HHE 79-23-603, 1979 Jul; :1-15
Abstract
Breathing zone air samples were collected and medical interviews were conducted on January 8, 30, and 31, 1979, at A.M.F. Head Division (SIC-2851), Boulder, Colorado. The evaluation was prompted by a request from the company management to determine potential toxic exposures of approximately 300 employees from a variety of solvents, paints, particulates, metal electroplating solutions, and isocyanates. Breathing zone samples were analyzed for methyl-ethyl- ketone (78933), toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), methylene chloride (75092), crystalline-silica (14808607), total particulates, methylene-bisphenyl-isocyanate (101688), chromium (7440473), nickel (7440020), asbestos (1332214), trichloroethane (71556) and naphtha (8030306). All samples were well within current OSHA standards. The medical interviews revealed no significant complaints. It is concluded that no hazard existed at the time of this evaluation, but several safety violations were cited including blocked passageways, underground storage of chemicals, and improper disposal of solvent soaked rags. Recommendations are made to store all chemical containers at ground level, enforce workplace hygiene practices, and brief workers periodically on the chemicals they use and their associated hazards.
