Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-89-233-2013, Sims Radiator Shop, Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Authors
Hales-T; Gunter-BJ
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 89-233-2013, S1990 Feb; :1-13
Abstract
In response to a request from Sims Radiator Shop (SIC-3714), Lawrenceville, Georgia, an investigation was made regarding possible exposures to hazardous substances on the job. The shop cleaned and repaired automobile and truck radiators. Five people were employed at the site: three mechanics, a manager and a delivery person. The 8 hour time weighted average personal breathing zone lead concentrations for the three mechanics were 60, 50, and 20 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3), two of which were at or above the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 50microg/m3. The blood lead levels for the mechanics were 33, 26, and 13 micrograms per deciliter and the blood lead level of the delivery person was 11 micrograms/deciliter. None of these levels was above the level which OSHA has set for mandatory testing every 2 months. No employee had elevated free erythrocyte protoporphyrin concentrations. None had any signs or symptoms suggestive of lead poisoning. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard existed from exposure to lead during routine cleaning and repair of radiators. The authors recommend specific measures to eliminate this hazard, including personal protective equipment, monitoring, housekeeping, hygiene practices, medical surveillance, and written compliance reports.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-89-233-2013; Hazard-Confirmed; Region-4; Automobile-repair-shops; Lead-poisoning; Occupational-exposure; Heavy-metals;
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB91-108167
Identifying No.
HETA-89-233-2013
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
