Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-92-309-2306, Randolph County Schools, Administration Building, Elkins, West Virginia.
Authors
Berardinelli-S Jr.; Christenberry-D
Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HETA 92-309-2306, 1993 Apr; :1-20
Abstract
In response to a request from the Superintendent of the Randolph County Schools, an investigation was begun into indoor air quality at the Administration Building (SIC-9411), Elkins, West Virginia. There were 36 employees, including school administrators, program directors, secretaries and computer operators. About 25,000 pieces of printed material were produced weekly on a specialized offset copying machine on site. Workers complained of respiratory symptoms, fatigue, irritation, stress, and short term memory loss. No local exhaust ventilation system was provided for the offset printer. Medical records indicated that one print shop employee may have had a work related illness. Employees in offices near the machine also commonly reported symptoms. All measurements taken of relative humidity and carbon-dioxide (124389) levels were within acceptable limits. Some of the temperatures fell outside the comfort zones. The authors conclude that one worker was at risk of hazardous exposure due to operation of the copy machine. The authors recommend that measures should be implemented to improve indoor air quality, and reduced worker exposures.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-92-309-2306; Hazard-Confirmed; Region-3; Indoor-air-pollution; Office-workers; Office-equipment; Occupational-exposure; Indoor-environmental-quality
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB94-168093
Identifying No.
HETA-92-309-2306
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
