Document r41nmV8vB1Gg2rqdn5DbQEXr

FILE NAME: US Steel (USS) DATE: 1979 Dec 11 DOC#: USS007 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Memo - Mechanic Exposures { * % UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION Cl,AI KTON WORKS ENVIRONMENTAL & HEALTH SER.. . DECEMBER 11, 1979 MEMORANDUM SUBJECT: Mechanic and Apprentice Mechanic Exposures Garage and Locomotive Crane Repair Station Compensation Claim - Julius Onyika On October 9 and 10, 1979, a survey was conducted by Che EnvironmSTitax and Health Services Department to determine the exposures of the mechanics and apprentices to various airborne contaminants. Criteria: Section 1910.1000 and 1910.1001 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act limits employee exposures to various physical and chemical agents. The Permissible Limits for those substances present In the garage and repair stations are as follows: SUBSTANCE Total Particulates Chromates Iron Oxide Asbestos 8-Hour Limit (TWA) 3 15.00 mg/m 0.05 mg/nr 10.00 mg/m 2 fibers/cc Celling Limit 10 fibers/cc (greater chan 5 microns) (greater than 5 microns) Conclusions: The personal sampling results Indicated the exposures of mechanics and apprentices In the Garage and Locomotive Crane Repair Station to the substances listed were well below the Permissible Limits. Sampling conducted October 9 and 10 indicated Total Particulate exposures of 1.18 mg/ra^, 0.10 mg/m^, 0.14 mg/m-* and an Asbestos exposure of 1.35. fibers/cc. The samples collected for chromates analyses indicated no detectable levels of exposure. Recommendations: As indicated, exposures to Total Particulate, Chromates, Iron Oxide, and Asbestos were well below established safe limits; therefore, no precautions need be taken by the mechanic or mechanic helper against these contaminants. USEI000082 Discussioni The garage Is primarily used for motor vehicle repair, and general upkeep of motorized equipment such as portable-welders. All types'of services are performed, from visual inspections to engine overhauls. The personnel were sampled for exposures to Total Particulates, Iron Oxide, Chromates, and Asbestos. The Particulates, including Iron Oxide were evolved by mechanical attrition, although some Iron Oxide may have resulted from the small amount of burning and welding done in the shop. The Asbestos was generated from changing brake shoe pads. The exposure results indicated all the personnel were below the permissible limits for all substances sampled. The Total Particulates averaged less than 52 of the allowable level of 15 mg/m3 (1.18 mg/m^, 0.18 mg/a? and 0.25 mg/m^). No Chromates were detected since very little welding or burning was conducted in the shop. The majority of Iron Oxide found was present in the fora of rust. Iron Oxide exposures to the mechanic and apprentice were well below the Per missible Exposure Limit of 10 mg/xa? (0.26 mg/m^, 0.10 mg/m^, and 0.14 mg/nH). An asbestos sample was collected during a visual inspection of the brake pads of #15 fire service truck. The mechanic, wearing a Dustfoe 66 respirator, blew off the brakes and drum with an air hose. According to his foreman, it is not common practice to use an air hose. Thus, even though his exposure was well below the permissible ceiling limit, it could be assumed that his exposure would have been considerably less had proper procedures been followed. His exposure to Asbestos was 1.35 fibers/cc while the permissible celling limit is 10.00 fibers/cc. TMC/cay cc: W. C. King H. S. Miller T. F. Weir, M.D. General Supervisor Environmental Health & Safety USEI000083 OCCUPATION Mechanic Apprentice Apprentice Mechanic MECHANIC AND APPRENTICE MECHANIC EXPOSURES GARAGE AND LOCOMOTIVE CRANE REPAIR STATIONS 1 0 - 9 and 10 - 79 TABLE I Time (Min) Total Particulates (mg/m3) Chromates (mg/m3) Iron Oxide (mg/m3) Asbestos f/cc 421 1.18 0.0 0.26 - 420 0.18 0.0 0.10 - 422 0.25 7 0.0 0.14 - _ _ 1.35 Substance: Total Particulate Chromates Iron Oxide Asbestos 8-Hour Limit (TWA) 15 mg/m3 0.05 mg/ra3 10.00 mg/m3 2 fibers/cc (greater than 5 microns) Ceiling Limit - 10 fibers/cc (greater than 5 microns) USEI000084