Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-85-188-1627, Distribution And Auto Service, Inc., Benecia, California.
Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HETA 85-188-1627, 1985 Sep; :1-11
Abstract
Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for carbon- monoxide (630080) at Distribution and Auto Services, Incorporated (SIC-9999), Benecia, California in March, 1985. The evaluation was requested by a union representative due to complaints of headaches, drowsiness, and nausea from employees in the air conditioning shop. It was believed that either exhaust fumes or rust inhibitor burn off was causing the symptoms. Three workers were interviewed to determine the extent of their medical complaints. Carbon-monoxide concentrations ranged from 2 to 5 parts per million (ppm) in the shop and 4 to 5ppm in a paint spray booth. The NIOSH standard for carbon-monoxide is 35ppm. Workers complained about dizziness, headache, nausea, and lightheadedness. A haze and bad odor were reported to emanate from the vehicles while their air conditioning systems were being tested. The author concludes that the employees are not overexposed to carbon-monoxide. He recommends that vehicle air conditioning testing be done outdoors, or two unused spray paint booths be utilized for that purpose. The spray paint booth exhaust fan should be cleaned periodically to prevent the accumulation of the oily residue burn off seen on exhaust fans in the shop.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; Hazards-Unconfirmed; Automotive-industry; Region-9; Inhalants; Physiological-measurements; Air-contamination; Biological-effects; HETA-85-188-1627;
Author Keywords: Nonclassifiable Establishment; Auto-Mechanics; Air-Conditioning Installers; Carbon Monoxide; Vehicle Underspray; Naphtha
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB86-191913
Identifying No.
HETA-85-188-1627
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
