Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-91-169-2196, Texprint Products, Macon, Georgia.
Authors
Decker-JA; Shults-RA
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 91-169-2196, 1992 Mar; :1-40
Abstract
In response to a request from a union representative an evaluation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at Texprint Products (SIC-2269), Macon, Georgia. Workers had complained of skin rashes and respiratory symptoms. The company was involved in the dyeing, printing and finishing of fabrics to be used for home furnishing and Japanese apparel. Exposures to formaldehyde (50000), caprolactam (105602), and mineral spirits were all well below established standards. Heat stress measurements were excessive. In one instance the core body temperature exceeded the recommended maximum of 38 degrees-C for one worker throughout the first shift. Eye irritation was reported by 25 (28%) of the workers with six (24%) reporting current or chronic rashes, seven (28%) reported headaches, and one (4%) reported more than one lower respiratory symptom. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed from excessive exposure to heat stress. Caustics and reactive dyes presented potential health hazards from dermal exposure. The authors recommend that a heat stress management program be implemented. The installation of engineering controls and the use of protective equipment by individual workers should be used to lessen the hazards of their jobs.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-91-169-2196; Region-4; Hazard-Confirmed; Hot-environments; Heat-exposure; Dye-industry; Occupational-exposure; Textile-workers;
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB92-219773
Identifying No.
HETA-91-169-2196
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
