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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-91-006-2193, M and J Painting Company, Covington, Kentucky.
Authors
Sussell A; Montopoli M; Tubbs R
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 91-006-2193, 1992 Mar; :1-45
NIOSHTIC No.
00207665
Abstract
In response to a request from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health Resources, an evaluation was undertaken of occupational health hazards experienced during repainting of the Brent Spence Bridge, a double level highway bridge over the Ohio River between Covington, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio. M and J Painting Company (SIC-1622) was responsible for removal of the existing lead (7439921) based paint and corrosion with abrasive blasting within containment structures. Six NIOSH visits were made to the site. Ranges for personal exposures to airborne lead were 3,690 to 29,400 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) for abrasive blasters and 5 to 6720microg/m3 for other job categories. Respirators in use were not sufficiently protective. Personal exposure to noise expressed as 8 hour time weighted averages ranged from 89.6 decibels-A to 105.4 decibels-A. The mean blood lead level increased from 29 micrograms/deciliter to 36 micrograms/deciliter among eight workers after approximately 1 month of work on the bridge. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed during paint removal on the bridge due to overexposure to lead and noise. The authors recommend specific measures for reducing the lead and noise exposures including improved engineering controls, work practices, respiratory protection program and personal hygiene facilities.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-91-006-2193; Hazard-Confirmed; Region-4; Lead-dust; Occupational-exposure; Heavy-metals; Painters; Maintenance-workers; Noise-exposure; Airborne-dusts;
Author Keywords: bridge, tunnel, and elevated-highway construction; lead; abrasive blasting; construction; bridge workers; type CE respirators
CAS No.
7439-92-1
Publication Date
19920301
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
Fiscal Year
1992
NTIS Accession No.
PB92-205202
NTIS Price
A04
Identifying No.
HETA-91-006-2193
NIOSH Division
DSHEFS
SIC Code
1622
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
State
KY; OH
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Education and Information Division