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Title: Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 88-068-2077, Schmidt Cabinet Company, New Salisbury, Indiana

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5616050

In response to a request from the Schmidt Cabinet Company (SIC-2434), New Salisbury, Indiana, an investigation was undertaken of the exhaust ventilation system and finishing room exposures. The firm manufactured kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. Approximately 90 workers were employed at the facility. The cabinets were made from various hard woods, and finished by spraying with a series of stains, sealers, and/or paints. Spraying was done in a spray booth. General area and personal breathing zone air samples were collected, and the ventilation system was evaluated. The authors conclude that a potential hazard existed due to airborne exposure to hexavalent chromium (7440473), formaldehyde (50000) and ethylene-glycol-monobutyl-ether (111762) in the cabinet finishing area. A lack of makeup air, ineffective use of exhaust ventilation systems, and uncontrolled contamination sources were several of the problems causing employee exposure. The authors recommend specific measures to minimize and reduce exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds and formaldehyde, and to improve the ventilation systems at the facility.

Research Organization:
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
OSTI ID:
5616050
Report Number(s):
PB-91-184515/XAB; HETA-88-068-2077
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English