Document OER2MjNLepBV6LZ250wzarnRL
ESIS. Inc. a aSNA company Liberty Federal Tower 201 Second Street. Suite 530 Macon. GA 31213 (VI2) 743-8080
October 24, 1985
CIGNA
Mr. Terry Lohman, Plant Manager J-M Manufacturing Company, Inc. Highway 75 North Denison, IX 75020
Re: ESIS Contract
Dear Mr. Lohman:
On September 16, 17, & 18, 1985, I made a visit to your plant to conduct an Environmental Health Survey. As a result of that visit, I am submitting the attached recommendations which should receive your immediate attention and consideration.
You will also find the results of the Environmental Health Report attached. These results are an indication of the environmental health conditions that existed on the days of my visit.
I wish to thank you and your staff for the cooperation that was extended dur ing the course of this visit.
If you have any questions regarding this report and recommendations, please do not hesitate to call me at (713) 933-1826.
Sincerely,
Aileen Teng, CIH Sr. Environmental Health Specialist CIGNA Loss Control Services, Inc.
AT/pal
cc: John T. Armstrong, J-M Manufacturing Co., Inc. Dr. E. Edward Wang, Ph.D., J-M Manufacturing Co., Inc. Ms. Beth Ingleston, Alexander & Alexander of New York
NOV. O 1 1985
D 002311
SC-JMM-3010
RECOMMENDATIONS
a GSNA comDorv
NAMe
J-M Manufacturing Company
LOCAHON:
Denison. TX
CIGNA
EH 85-2
The willow operator was exposed to asbestos levels in excess of the OSHA permissible exposure limit (See Table I). Exposure Co asbestos can cause asbestosis, cancer of Che lungs and digestive tract, and mesothelioma.
The unusually high exposure level was attributed to improper work prac tices by an inexperienced worker. Due to the reduction of the work force and change of work schedule, many workers were assigned to new job positions on September 16, 1985. It is recommended that employees be trained and informed on the appropriate work practices at the time of their initial assignment.
EH 85-3
The noise exposure levels exceeded OSHA permissible exposure limits in most of the work areas. A comprehensive hearing conservation pro gram has been instituted for all workers. To protect the worker's hearing, it is recommended that the hearing conservation program be continued.
CP-1A98Q PId.lnU.S.A.
D 002312
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH REPORT
PREPARED FOR: J-M Manufacturing Company, Inc.
Denison, Texas
DATE OF SURVEY: September 16, 17, & 18, 1985
CONDUCTED BY: Aileen Teng, CIH Sr. Environmental Health Specialist CIGNA Loss Control Services, Inc.
1
INTRODUCTION
On September 16, 17, & 18, 1985, an Environmental Health Survey was conducted at your plant in Denison, Texas, to evaluate employee exposures to noise, vin yl chloride monomer, respirable dust, total dust, asbestos and organic solvents. The survey was conducted at the request of J-M Manufacturing Company, Inc. as an ongoing monitoring program.
The standards, guidelines, results and discussion pertinent to this report follow.
STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
The recommendations made in this report are based on current OSHA standards and/or accepted state-of-the-art industrial hygiene practices to give reasona ble protection to the health and well-being of your employees.
The standards pertinent to this report are found in the Appendix section.
METHODS Air Contaminants
Air sampling and anlayses were conducted using the following.
Air Contaminant
Vacuum Source
Flow Rate Liters/Min
Collection Medium
Analytical Method
Asbestos
Gilian HFS-
1.5
113UT Pumps,
DuPont 2500
Sampling pumps
Open face AA filters
PCM * NIOSH P&CAM
Vinyl Chloride Gilian HFS-
Monomer
113UT Pumps
0.05
2 CT** in series
NI0SH P&CAM 127 GC***
Respirable Dust
Gilian HFS113OT Pumps
1.7
Pre-weighed PVC filters on mini cyclones
NIOSH P&CAM 106
Total Dust .
Gilian HFS113UT Pumps
1.5
Pre-weighed PVC filters
Gravimetric
Tetrahydrofuran Ethyl Acetate Cyclohexanone
DuPont P-4000 Sampling Pumps
0.2
CT
NIOSH P&CAM 127 GC
D 002314-
2
* ** ***
PCM Phase Contrast Microscopy CT * Activated Charcoal Tubes GC Gas Chromatography
Unless otherwise stated, samples were taken in the workers' breathing zones to obtain samples indicative of actual employees exposure. Pumps were calibrated prior to and after the sampling period.
All analyses were conducted by Environmental Health Laboratory in Hartford, CT, which is accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene. Association.
Noise
Sound level measurements were taken throughout the plant at the various opera tions in the hearing zones of the employees. General Radio Sound Level Meter, Type 1933 was used for the survey; this meter was acoustically calibrated with General Radio 1562 Sound Level Calibrator before and after use.
Quest Model M-7B and DuPont Mark I noise dosimeters were used to measure cumu lative exposure to noise. The noise dosimeter measures and accumulates noise and produces a continuous reading of the allowable exposure to which the wear er has been subjected. The microphone of the dosimeter was clipped to the employee's shirt collar near the ear, thereby receiving and accumulating ap proximately the same dosage as the ear.
RESULTS
Asbestos
The results of asbestos sampling are presented in Table I. The concentrations are presented in number of fibers (longer than 5 microns) per cubic centime ter, by job description. Also included are sample time and sample volume.
Respirable Total Dust
The results of respirable free silica sampling are listed in Table II. The concentrations are presented in milligrams per cubic meter (mg/M^), by job description and location, along with the applicable OSHA standard.
Vinyl Chloride
The results of vinyl chloride monomer sampling are presented in Table III. The concentrations are.presented in milligrams per cubic meter (mg/M^), by job description and location along with the applicable OSHA standard.
Organic Solvents
The results of organic solvents air sampling are listed in Table IV. The con centrations are presented in parts per million (ppm), by job description and location along with applicable OSHA standards.
When two or more hazardous substances are present, their combined effect, rather than that of either individually, should be given primary consideration.
D 002315
3
The health effects must be considered additive unless there is evidence to the contrary; thus, exposures are added relative to their designated OSHA stan dards. When adding these exposures, a value "Em" (Equivalent Exposure for the mixture) is determined by the OSHA formula. Exposure is considered excessive vhen the value "Em" exceeds unity (1.00).
Em * TWA] + IWA-? + TWA-< .... + TWAn
PELi
PEL2
PEL3
PELn
Where: .
TWA is the Time-Weighted Average concentration of a particular substance and PEL is the corresponding permissible limit for the substance.
Total Dust
Hie results of total dust sampling are presented in Table V. The concentra tion is reported in milligrams per cubic meter (mg/M^).
Noise
The results of noise level measurments and Time-Weighted Average (TWA) expo sure are listed in Table V.
0 002316
Account: J-M Manufacturing Location: Denison, TX
TABLE I AIR SAMPLING DATA - ASBESTOS
Job Description (J-M No.)
13' Control Operator (D-2WE)
Employee Name
Johnny Moore
Date Sampled
9/17/85
Air Cone. (fibers/cc)
0.10
Federal Standard(l) (fibers/cc)
1.3
TWA Sample (2) Time (fibers/cc) (min)
0.10
222
Sample Vol. (liters)
333
Comments
13' Utility Operator (D-8WE)
Jimmy Lang
9/17/85
0.12
1.3
0.12
198 297
13' Tender (D-1WE)
Ed Heironimus
9/18/85
0.18
1.3
0.18
257 385.5
13' Head Curer (D-3WE)
Ray Terrel 1
9/17/85
0.15
1.3
0.15
. 263
394.5
13' Curer (D-3WE)
Willow Operator (D-7WE)
Cecil Bell
Johnny Crain
9/17/85 9/17/85
0.071 4.5
1.3 1.3
0.071 213 319.5
4.5
207
310.5
Exposure ex-
ceeded OS1IA
PEL.
D 0023W
Jr
Account: J-H Manufacturing Location: Denison, TX
TABLE I AIR SAMPLING DATA - ASBESTOS
Job Description (J-M No.)
Machine Tender Operating Sal vage Grinder (D-8WE)
Employee Name
Ed Heironirous
Date Sampled
9/17/85
Air Cone. (fibers/cc)
0.083
Federal Standard(l) (fibers/cc)
1.3
TWA Sample (2) Time (fibers/cc) (min)
0.083
190
Sample Vol. (liters)
285
In-Process Inspector (D-13S)
James Walsa
Large Coupling Cut Off Op. (D-15F)
Bobby Brown
Small Coupling Cut Off Op. (D-23F)
Thurman Stanley
9/16/85 9/17/85 9/16/85
0.018
1.3
0.12
1.3
0.14
1.3
0.018 282 423
0.12
251 376.5
0.14
276 414
PVC Fitting Assembly-Mould ing Swing Saw Op (D-12F)
Jack Nelson
9/17/85
0.025
1.3
0.025 264 396
MOA Operator (D-6F)
Arnold Gutman
9/16/85
0.27
1.3
0.27
322 483
D 002318
Comments
U1
Account: J-H Manufacturing Location: Denison, TX
TABLE I AIR SAMPLING DATA - ASBESTOS
Job Description (J-M No.)
UPL 02 Operator
CD--AF)
Employee Name
Bill Roger
Date . Sampled
9/16/85
Air Cone. (fibers/cc)
0.19
Federal Standard(l) (fibers/cc)
1.3
TWA Sample (2) Time (fibers/cc) (min)
0.19
270
Sample Vol. (liters)
405
upl 02 Inspector (D-11S)
Arthur Dawson
9/16/85
0.28
1.3
0.28
303 454.5
UPL 02 Hydrotester
D.F. Dill
9/16/85
0.17
1.3
0.17
285 427.5
UPL 02
Unit,Loader
(D-5F)
`
UCL 01 . Operator (D-16F)
Slash Saw Operator (D-1F)
Goodin
9/16/85
0.027
1.3
James Melvin
- 9/17/85 .
.. .0.13-
Lynn Reynolds
9/17/85
0.34
1.3 1.3
0.027 285 427.5
0.13
248 372
0.34
240 360
Comments
Processing 16" Class 150 pipes.
Processing 16" Class 150 pipes.
Processing 16" Class 150 pipes.
Processing 16" Class 150 pipes.
Processing 16" Class 150 pipes.
D 0023ig
O'!
Account; J-M Manufacturing Location;. Denison, TX
Job Description (J-M No.)
Finishing Area Platform Driver (D-30F)
Employee Name
Jerry Bruce
TABLE I
AIR SAMPLING DATA - ASBESTOS
Date Sampled
9/16/85
Air Cone. (fibers/cc)
0.051
Federal Standard(l) (fibers/cc)
. TWA
Sample
(2) Time
(fibers/cc) (min)
1.3
0.051
228
Sample Vol. (liters)
342
Comments
Coupling Testing Area Inspector
Linda Johnson
9/16/85
0.17
1.3
0.17
270 405
Sweeper Operator (D-6S)
Thomas Bell
9/16/85
0.032
1.3
0.032 250 375
Mechanic (D-26S)
Electrician (D-I5S)
Boring Mill Operator (D-17F)
George Kerley
9/17/85
Bill Williams
9/17/85
Larry Henderson
9/16/85
0.055 0.053 0.11
2 2 1.3
0.055 239 358.5
0.053 192 288
0.11
282 423
Band Saw Operator (D-21F)
Fred Kerley
9/17/85
0.11
1.3
0.11
164 246 D 002320
^4
Account: J-M Manufacturing Location: Denison, TX
TABLE I AIR SAMPLING DATA - ASBESTOS
Job Description (J-M No.)
Employee Name
Date Sampled -
Air Cone. (fibers/cc)
Federal Standard(1) (fibers/cc)
TWA Sample (2) Time (fibers/cc) (min)
Sample Vol. (liters)
Comments
(1) The OSHA 8-hour TOA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for asbestos is 2 fibera/cc. The PEL for a 12-hour workday is calculated to be f.3 fibers7cc (2 fibers/cc x 8712 1.3 fibers/cc)"
(2) T.W.A. The Time Weighted Average concentration for a normal 8 or 12 hour workday. This determination is based on the actual exposure time to the air contaminant.
D 002321
Account: J-M Manufacturing Location: Denison, TX
TABLE II AIR SAMPLING DATA - RESPIRABLE DUST
Job Description (J-M No.)
nupl
Operator
nupl
Helper
nupl
Inspector
nupl
Hydrotester
Employee Name
Bill Roger
Date Sampled
9/17/85
Air Cone. (mg/M3)
0.028
Federal Standard(l)
(mg/M3)
3.3
TWA (2) (mg/M3)
0.028
Sample Time (min)
210
Sample Vol. (liters)
357
Comments
Processing 16 Class 150 pipes.
Glen Weger
9/16/85
0.047
3.3
0.047 250 425 Processing 16 Class 150 pipes.
Arthur Dawson
9/17/85
ND (3) <0.024
3.3
ND
242
411.4
Processing 16
Class 150
pipes.
D.F. Dill
9/17/85
ND <0.024
3.3
ND
244
414.8
Processing 16'
Class 150
pipes.
Boring Mill Operator
Larry Henderson
9/17/85
0.054
3.3
0.054 220 374
MOA Operator
Arnold Gurraan
9/18/85
ND <0.025
3.3
ND 232 394.4
Small Coupling Cut Off Op.
Thurman Stanley
9/18/85
0.083
3.3
0.083 284 482.8
D 002322
UJ
Account: J-M Manufacturing Location: Denison, TX
Job Description (J-M No.)
Employee Name
13' Head Curer
Ray Terrell
13' Utility Operator
Jimmy Lang
Large Coupling Cutt Off Op.
Bobby Brown
Boiler, Ball Mill & Dryer Op. (D-55)
Herbert Aldredge
TABLE II
AIR SAMPLING DATA - RESPIRABLE DUST
Date Sampled
Air
Cone. (mg/M3)
' Federal Standard(l) (mg/M3)
TWA (2) (mg/M3) `
Sample Time (min)
Sample Vol. (liters)
9/18/85
0.070
3.3
0.070 254 431.8
9/17/85 9/17/85 9/17/85
ND <0.030
ND <0.024
0.11
3.3 3.3 3.3
ND ND 0.11
198 336.6 242 411.4 258 438.6
Comments
(1) The OSHA 8-hour TWA PEL for respirable dust is 5 mg/M3. The PEL for a 12-hour workday is calculated to be 3.3 mg/M3 (5 mg/M3 x 8712 a 3.3 mg/M3)."
(2) T.W.A. * The Time Weighted Average concentration for a normal 12 hour workday. This determination is based on the actual, exposure time to the air contaminant.
(3) ND = None Detected.
002323 D
o
I
Account: J-M Manufacturing Location: Deniaon, TX
TABLE III AIR SAMPLING DATA - VINYL CHLORIDE
Job Description (J-M No.)
Extruder H Operator (V-21P)
Employee Name
Date Sampled
Bruce Strandlien
9/16/85
Air Cone. (ppm)
ND (3) <0.10
Federal Standard(l)
(ppm)
0.7
TWA (2) (ppm)
ND
Sample Time (min)
205
Sample Vol. (liters)
10.25
' Comments
Mixer Operator (V-1P)
Larry Jackson
9/17/85
ND <0.11
0.7
ND 182 9.1
Extruder #5 Operator (V-20P)
Terry Askin
9/17/85
ND <0.081
0.7
ND 250 12.5
Tool & Die during start-up of extruder #2 (V-3P)
Wayne Weger
9/18/85
ND <0.081
1
ND 250 12.5
(1) The OSHA 8-hour TWA PEL for vinyl chloride is lppm. The PEL for a 12-hour workday ia calculated to be 0.7 ppm (1 ppm x 8/12 * 0.7 ppm).
(2) T.W.A. a The Time Weighted Average concentration for a normal 8-hour and 12-hour workday. This determination ia based on the actual exposure time to the air contaminant.
(3) ND " None Detected.
0 002324
Account: J-M Manufacturing Location: Denison, TX
TABLE IV AIR SAMPLING DATA - ORGANIC SOLVENTS
Date: 9/16,17,18/65
Job Description (J-M No.)
Employee Name
Air Contaminant
Tetrahydrofuran
Air Cone. (ppm)
ND<0.049 0.16 0.42
Federal Standard
(ppm)
200
TWA (1) (ppm)
0.22
Sample Time (min)
63 90 95
Sample Vol. (liters)
12.6 18 19
Em
PVC Moulding & Assembly
Operator
Lee Crain
Ethyl Acetate
4.0 31 35
400
63 12.6 25 90 18 0.06
95 19
Cyclohexanone
0.10 0.047 0.033
50
63 12.6 0.06 90 18
95 19
(1) T.W.A. - The Time Weighted Average concentration for a normal 8-hour workday. This determination is.based on the actual exposure time to the air contaminant.
D 002325
N>
Account: J-M Manufacturing Location: Denison, TX
TABLE V AIR SAMPLING DATA - TOTAL DUST
Job Description (J-M No.)
PVC Pipes Mixer Operator
Employee Name
Jack Richardson
Date Sampled
9/18/85
Air Cone. (mg/M3)
2.2
Federal Standard(l)
(mg/M3)
10
TWA (2) (mg/M3)
2.2
Date: 9/16.17,18/85
Sample Time (min)
253
Sample Vol. (liters)
379.5
Comments
(1) The OSHA PEL for total dust is 15 mg/M3.__ The PEL for a 12-hour workday iB calculated to be 16 mg7M3 Cl5 mg/M3 x 8/12 3 10 mg/M3T7
(2) T.W.A. The Tine Weighted Average concentration for a normal 12 hour workday. This determination is based on the actual exposure time to the air contaminant.
D 002326
VaJ
Account: J-M Manufacturing Location: Denison, TX
Job Description
(J-M No.)
Employee Name
TRANSITE DIVISION
Willow Operator (N-7WE)
Johnny Crain
13' Utility Operator
Jimmy Lang
13' Control Op. (N-4WE)
Johnny Moore
13' Head Curer
Ray Terrell
13' Curer
Cecil Bill
Machine Tender -Operating Sal
vage Grinder (N-8WE)
Ed Heironiraua
UPL #2 Unit Loader
Goodin
TABLE VI RESULTS OF NOISE MEASUREMENT
SLM dBA(l)
Dosimeter Test Time (2)
Dosimeter Reading (3)
82-83
207 min.
20.46Z
-
180 min.
52.65%
86-91
222 min.
50.27%
-
263 min.
46.37%
84-90
213 min. 190 min.
58.49% 63.04%
89-93
270 min.
68.30%
Date: 9/16,17 & 18/85
Full Shift Dose
Equivalent TWA dBA
71.17% 210.60% 163.04% 126.94% 197.71%
238.89%
85 92 91 89 92 93
155.47%
90
D 002327
Account: J-M Manufacturing Location: Denison, TX
Job Description
(J-M No.)
UPL 02 Inspector
Employee Name
Arthur Dawson
TABLE VI RESULTS OF NOISE MEASUREMENT
,
SLM dBA(l)
90-98
Dosimeter Teat Time (2)
281 min.
Dosimeter Reading (3)
114.182
UPL if2 Operator (N-4F)
Bill Roger
91-107
289 min.
189.99%
MOA Operator (N-6F)
Arnold Gurman
88-95
273 min.
106.47%
PVC Moulding & Assembly Worker (N-17F)
Lee Crain
In Process Inspector
James Welsa
84-97 88-93
367 min.
128.24%
295 min.
81.80%
Coupling Testing Area Inspector
Linda Johnson
84-92
270 min.
64.29%
Small Coupling Cut off Operator (N-14F)
Thurman Stanley
94-102 cutting
86-90 background
276 min.
89.5%
Date: 9/16,17 & 18/85
Full Shift Dose
Equivalent TWA dBA
292.56%
95
473.33%
98
280.80%
94
167.73%
94
199.65% 171.44%
92
91
'
233.48%
93
D 002328
Account: J-M Manufacturing Location: Deniaon, TX
TABLE VI RESULTS OF NOISE MEASUREMENT
Job Description
(J-M No.)
Large Coupling Cut off Operator (N-13F)
Employee Name
Bobby Brown
SLM dBA(l)
90-94 cutting
86-89 background
Dosimeter Test Time (2)
155 min.
/
Dosimeter Reading (3)
48.11%
Slaah Saw Operator
Lynn Reynolds
100-104 Slash saw in operatior
89-90 background
339 min.
107.50%
Finishing Area Platform Driver (N-20F)
Jerry Bruce
-
190 min.
90.53%
Finishing Area Mechanic
George Kerley
-
179 min.
29.30%
Finishing Area Electrician
Bill Williams
-
192 min.
23.62%
ucl n Operator (N-15F)
James Melvin
92-98 UCL01 in operation
86-90 background
154 min.
46.27%
. Date: 9/16,17 & 18/85
Full Shift Dose
Equivalent TWA dBA
223.48%
93
228.32%
93
343.06%
96
78.57% 59.05% 216.33%
88 86 93
D 002329
Account: J-M Manufacturing . Location: Denison, TX
TABLE VI RESULTS OF NOISE MEASUREMENT
Job Description
(J-M No.)
Boring Mill Operator (N-16F)
Employee Name
Larry Henderson
SLM dBA(l)
Dosimeter Test Time (2)
90-94 Boring mill in' operation
86-91 background
220 min.
Dosimeter Reading (3) 47.84%
i
PVC Fitting Assembly mould ing swing saw Operator (N-11F)
Jack Nelson
110-115 Swing saw in operation
88-90 background
222 min.
624.51%
Boiler, Ball Mill & Dryer Operator (N-5S)
Herbert Aldredge
256 min.
.59.98%
PVC DIVISION
Extruder #1 Operator
PVC Powder Hopper
/
.87-90 90-92
Date: 9/16,17 & 18/85
Full Shift Dose
Equivalent TWA dBA
156.57%
90
1350.29%
109
168.69%
91
D 002330
Account: J-M Manufacturing Location: Deniaon, TX
Job Description
(J-M No.)
Extruder #3 (N-3P)
Employee Name Paula Neely
Extruder #5 .
Extruder #6 Operator
PVC Powder Hopper
Extruder (17
Extruder 08 & 09 Operator
" PVC Powder Hopper
Extruder 011 Operator
PVC Hopper
TABLE VI RESULTS OF NOISE MEASUREMENT
SLM dBA(l)
88-90
' Dosimeter Test Time (2)
240 min.
Dosimeter Reading (3)
84.63Z
88-90
87-89 92-94
85-87
85-89 89-90
85-90 88-90
Date: 9/16,17 & 18/85
Full Shift Doae
Equivalent TVA dBA
253.892:
94
0 002331
Account; J-M Manufacturing Location: Denison, TX
TABLE VI RESULTS OF NOISE MEASUREMENT
Job Description
(J-M No.)
Tool & Die
Employee Name Wayne Weger
SLM dBA(l)
92-97
Dosimeter Test Time (2)
172 min.
Dosimeter Reading (3)
62.01X
Utility Op.
Steve Felder
-
413 min.
146.2%
Mixer Operator (N-lIM)
Larry Jackson
182 min.
54.17%
Truck Driver
Jerry Turner
243 min.
96.83%
MAINTENANCE DEPT. Mechanic
Steven Frank
200 min.
15.69%
SHIPPING DEPT. Load Driver
John Lopez
228 min.
29.50%
Date; 9/16,17 & 18/85
Full Shift Dose
Equivalent TWA dBA
173.05%
94
254.88%
97
214.30%
96
286.90%
97
37.66%
83
62.11%
87
(1) SLM dBA; General Radio Sound Level Meter reading in dBA (using the "A" weighted scale, slow response).
(2) Test Time: Duration of dosimetry test in minutes. (3) Dosimeter Reading: Noise dose as the percentage of the daily allowable dose.
D 002332
vx
20
DISCUSSION
The J-M Manufacturing Company, Denison plant, manufactures three different types of pipes: transite, PVC and perm&ran. The permatran plant was not in operation during the days of the survey. The transite plant is operated by one 3-day, 12-hour shift. The PVC plant operates around the clock.
Asbestos
As can be seen from the sample results presented in Table I, the willow
operator was exposed to an asbestos level in excess of the OSHA permissible
exposure limitT Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestosis, cancer of the
lungs and digestive tract, and mesothelioma.
'
The management has already recognized the importance of controlling asbestos exposure. A comprehensive medical surveillance program and a respiratory protection program have been implemented. Local exhaust systems have been installed on all the machines. In the past, the willow operator's exposure levels were successfully controlled. The willow operator is required to wear a dust mask.
The management has attributed the unusually high exposure level detected during the survey to improper work practices by an inexperienced worker. Due to the reduction of the workforce and change of work schedule, many workers were assigned to new job positions on September 16, 1985. It is recommended that employees be trained and informed on the appropriate work practices at the time of their initial assignment.
It should be noted that OSHA issued a proposed standard for asbestos in April 1984 to lower the permissible exposure limit to either 0.2 fibers/cc or 0.5 fibers/cc.
Vinyl Chloride. Respirable Dust, Total Dust and Organic Solvents
As can be seen from the sample results presented in Tables II, III, IV, and V, the exposure levels to vinyl chloride, respirable dust, total dust and organic solvents were all within OSHA permissible exposure limits. OSHA permissible exposure limits are levels to which nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed without adverse effects.
All the respirable dust samples listed on Table II had an insufficient dust deposit for a free silica analysis. Therefore, OSHA silica permissible exposure limit rs not applicable in this case. Exposure limit for respirable total dust is used to evaluate the exposure levels.
Noise
The results of noise measurements (Table VI) indicate that noise levels exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limit in many areas. A comprehensive hearing conservation program has been implemented by the management. To assure the protection for the worker's hearing, the hearing conservation program should be continued.
D 002333
21 CONCLUSION Implementation of the above mentioned recommendations should assist you in providing a more healthful working environment and reduce the potential for occupational disease.
D 002334
APPENDIX 1
STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
A complete listing of the appropriate health standards can be found in the folloving Appendix. Included in this table are the following:
1. Occupational Safety and Health Standards, Subpart Z, CFR Title 29, Section 1910.1000. These standards represent the legal exposure limits as set by the Department of Labor.
2. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACG1H) Threshold Limit Values (TLV's) refer to exposure limits as set by this organization. These limits, many of which were adopted by the Department of Labor, are the work of professional personnel in governmental agencies and educational institutions engaged in occupational safety and health . programs. These TLV's should be used as guides in the control of health hazards and should not be used as fine lines between safe and dangerous concentrations.
3. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has
proposed changes in certain standards based on new evidence in regard to
human health. These proposed limits are awaiting review, but should be
kept in mind as applicable standards for the near future.
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I APPENDIX I STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR AIR CONTAMINANTS
SUBSTANCE
UNITS
Occupational Safety and Health Administration 29 CFR 1910.
8-hr1
Asbestos
fibers/cc 2
' Tetrahydro- ppm 200 furan
Ethyl Acetate Cyclohexanone
ppm ppm
400 50
Ceiling^ 10 -
-
Peak^ -
-
Vinyl Chloride ppm
1
5
/ Respirable Total Dust
mg/M^
5
-'
"
American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists (AtiGIH)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Proposed
8-hr1 2
200
Stel2 Ceiling^
10-hr1
- - 0.1
250 -
-
Jelling-1 0.5 -
400 - 25 100 -
skin 5 --
5 --
-
25
Minimum detectable
level -
1
-
18-hr or 10-hr - The Time Weighted Average for an 8- or 10-hour work shift in a 40-hour workweek.
2 Stel - ACGIH's standard maximum concentration to which workers can be exposed for a period up to . 15 minutes. (Short Term Exposure Limit).
3 Ceiling (OSHA) - The concentration that should not be exceeded even instantaneously, except when the standard has a peak value (4).
4 Peak - Acceptable instantaneous peak exposure above ceiling concentration (4).
Skin Notation refers to the potential contribution to the overall exposure by the cutaneous route including raucous membranes and eye, either by airborne or by direct contact with the substance.
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