Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-83-095-1484, Western States Machine Company, Hamilton, Ohio.
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 83-095-1484, 1984 Jul; :1-17
Abstract
Area and breathing zone samples were analyzed for trace metals in welding fumes at Western States Machine Company (SIC-3559), Hamilton, Ohio in January, 1983. The survey was requested by a United Auto Workers local to evaluate exposure to fumes generated by electric arc gauging operations. Short term personal samples contained excessive amounts of iron (7439896) and manganese (7439965), 44.6 and 6.5 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), respectively. Corresponding OSHA standards are 10 and 5mg/m3. Total fume concentration averaged 6.2mg/m3. The OSHA standard is 5mg/m3. Area samples averaged 33.8mg/m3 iron, 5.3mg/m3 manganese, 6.0mg/m3 nickel (7440020), and 12.9mg/m3 chromium (7440473). The OSHA standard is 1mg/m3 for both nickel and chromium. It was noted that these exposures were measured under poor ventilation conditions. In a follow up survey conducted under good ventilation conditions, personal samples averaged 0.28mg/m3 nickel and 0.19mg/m3 chromium. Personal noise exposure was also measured and found to be 84 A- weighted decibels (dBA) time weighted average (TWA). The OSHA standard is 90dBA TWA. The author concludes that a health hazard due to nickel and chromium exists at the facility. Workers are also exposed to high noise levels. Recommendations include installing a local exhaust system and wearing respiratory and hearing protective equipment.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; Hazards-Confirmed; Industrial-equipment; Region-5; Heavy-metals; Industrial-ventilation; Noise-levels; HETA-83-095-1484;
Author Keywords: Special Industry Machinery; Stainless Steel Carbon Arc; Plasma Arc; Gouging Operations; Iron; Manganese; Nickel; Chromium; Ozone; Noise; Welding Fumes
CAS No.
7439-89-6; 7439-96-5; 7440-02-0; 7440-47-3
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB85-219921
Identifying No.
HETA-83-095-1484
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
