Abstract
A control technology assessment was conducted at General Tire and Rubber Company (SIC-3011), Waco, Texas, in February, 1980, to evaluate effective controls for air contaminants in the tire industry. Controls were evaluated for compounding, mixing, bag disposal, and tire repair operations. Air samples were collected, ventilation system measurements were made, and process and work practices were observed. Air samples were collected on filters, and total and respirable particulates were determined. All particulates found during the study were below the OSHA limits for nuisance dust of 15 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) over an 8 hour time weighted average, and for respirable nuisance dust at 5mg/m3. In the bin filling operation, dusts were controlled by hoods on hopper bins and by proper work practices outside the hood. Hoods captured most dusts in the compounding area. In the mixing area, work practices had little effect on particulate generation; workers had little exposure to dusty process materials. In the disposal area, the system was effective in reducing exposures in empty bag handling, but the baler portion needed investigation. In the tire repair section, grinding particulates were not always captured by the hood. The authors conclude that controls were among the better in the industry.
Source Name
NIOSH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Cincinnati, Ohio, NTIS PB83-161-315, 100 pages, 8 references
