Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-90-261-2124, Rubbermaid, Inc., Reynolds, Indiana.
Authors
Barsan-ME; Kinnes-GM; Blade-L
Source
NIOSH 1991 Jun; :1-29
Abstract
In response to a request from a management representative of Rubbermaid, Inc. (SIC-3089), Reynolds, Indiana, an investigation was undertaken of potential exposures to styrene (100425), formaldehyde (50000), and dust at the facility. The facility employed about 150 workers in the production areas manufacturing thermoset plastic cookware products. The highest potential for exposure to airborne styrene was in the compounding department where styrene containing polyester resins are used. Two short term styrene exposures were measured at 186 and 142 parts per million (ppm), which exceeded the NIOSH and OSHA short term limits of 100ppm. Seven area samples collected in the pressroom for formaldehyde ranged from 0.5 to 1.0ppm. Two and a half hour personal breathing zone samples for total dust showed a 31mg/m3 result. At a second follow up study the airborne styrene concentration peaked at 7.6ppm. The authors conclude that short-term exposures to styrene and full shift exposures to formaldehyde were potentially hazardous to workers. The authors recommend the use of personal protective equipment and ventilation systems to reduce exposures.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-90-261-2124; Hazard-Confirmed; Region-5; Occupational-exposure; Respirable-dust; Formaldehydes; Plastics-industry; Styrene-resins
Document Type
Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance; Field Studies
NTIS Accession No.
PB92-115708
Identifying No.
HETA-90-261-2124
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
