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Preliminary survey report: Bell Helicopter Textron, Plant 1, Fort Worth, Texas.

Authors
Mortimer VD Jr.
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, ECTB 108-14a, 1982 Jan; :1-6
Link
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/surveyreports/pdfs/108-14a.pdf
NIOSHTIC No.
00183542
Abstract
An on site visit was made to Bell Helicopter Textron (SIC-3721), Fort Worth, Texas to observe the processes involving adhesives, with emphasis on the method of application and associated controls to protect workers. Adhesives were used to make a number of helicopter components. In making rotor blades and body panels a thin exterior skin was bonded to a lightweight core structure. Body panel inserts were bonded and sealed in the receiving holes. Plexiglas windows were bonded to metal frames, and a sealant applied on body seams. Adhesives were also used during upholstering. One of two different primers was applied. Both were low solids epoxy solutions in organic solvents. Chlorothene-NU, a commercial formulation of methyl- chloroform (71556), served as a solvent for one primer while the solvent for the other primer was a mixture of methyl-ethyl-ketone (78933) and 2-nitropropane (79469). After a cured panel was removed, the form was cleaned and coated with a release agent, mostly organic solvent. Sealants used were polysulfides with toluene (108883) as the solvent. This visit suggested that potential hazards were well controlled. The author concludes that if the aerospace industry were to be selected for in depth study, this facility would be a good candidate for further examination. The author recommends that a less hazardous solvent than 2- nitropropane be used.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Survey; Field-Study; Region-6; Aircraft; Solvent-vapors; Pulmonary-system-disorders; Ventilation-systems; Adhesive-bonding; Sealing-compounds; Organic-solvents
CAS No.
71-55-6; 78-93-3; 79-46-9; 108-88-3
Publication Date
19820119
Document Type
Field Studies; Control Technology
Fiscal Year
1982
NTIS Accession No.
PB89-137269
NTIS Price
A02
Identifying No.
ECTB-108-14a
NIOSH Division
DPSE
Priority Area
Pulmonary-system-disorders
SIC Code
3721
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
State
TX; OH
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division