Control Technology Assessment for Coal Gasification and Liquefaction Processes, Coal Gasification Facility, Caterpillar Tractor Company, York, Pennsylvania, Report No. CT-119-22a.

Telesca-DR

NIOSH 1982 Mar:69 pages

00133561

A control technology survey was conducted at the coal gasification facility of the Caterpillar Tractor Company (SIC-5161), in York, Pennsylvania on August 18, 1980 and May 7, 1981, in conjunction with an industrial hygiene characterization study. Potential hazards included coal dust, noise, fire, carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO), polynuclear aromatics, hydrogen sulfide (7783064), phenols, and flammable and explosive gases. Preemployment physicals were given to employees including complete medical histories, physical examinations, and skin examination. Examinations were given annually for the first 5 years and semiannually thereafter. The most hazardous activities were poking, cleaning, inspection of process equipment, and equipment maintenance. Coal dust emissions were effectively reduced by enclosure and venting. Venturi steam injectors in the gasifier poke holes prevented gas emissions during poking. Ash dust was controlled by removal and handling while it was wet. An audible and visual alarm was used for CO monitoring. The ventilation system in the building effectively prevented accumulation of gases. The author recommends separate lockers for contaminated and clean clothing; a clean area for eating; escape pack respirators located in the rectifier room, control room, and coal bunker; and supplied air respirators in dangerous areas. Disposal of off gas from the feeding system should be addressed.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Survey; NIOSH-Contract; Contract-210-78-0084; Control-technology; Field-Study; Coal-gasification; Fuel-production; Explosive-gases; Flammable-liquids; Corrosive-materials; Health-programs; Safety-equipment; CT-119-22a; Region-3;

630-08-0; 7783-06-4;

19820301

Field Studies; Control Technology

Contract;

1982

PB84-183995

A05

CT-119-22a

DPSE;

Control Technology and Personal Protective Equipment; Research Tools and Approaches; Control-technology;

5161;

Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering, NIOSH, Cincinnati, Ohio, Report No. CT-119-22a

PA; OH;