Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 88-030-2109, Neiman Sawmills, Inc. , Hulett, Wyoming

Technical Report · Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:6037828

Tubbs, R L

In response to a request from management, an evaluation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions as a result of excessive noise at the Neiman Sawmill facilities (SIC-2421), Hulett, Wyoming. The company produced several varieties of untreated boards and lumber products from pine logs. During this survey 108 workers were employed. Noise dosimetry readings revealed that 73% of the surveyed job descriptions (16 of 22) had time weighted average (TWA) noise levels in excess of 90 decibles-A (dBA). Only one job had TWA levels less than the NIOSH recommended limits of 85dBA. Engineering noise controls produced differing amounts of noise reduction to the workers. An enclosure around the planer in the planer mill was found to be effective. However, the separation of the edger and trimmer operations to their own buildings was not an effective noise reduction technique. Hearing tests revealed that 72.5% of the employees exhibited some degree of hearing impairment at one or more audiometric test frequencies. The author concludes that a health hazard existed for workers. The author recommends that a comprehensive hearing conservation program should be implemented. Recommendations for engineering controls for the mills are included.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (United States)
• OSTI ID: 6037828
• Report Number(s): PB-91-240895/XAB; HETA-88-030-2109
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AUDITORY ORGANS
SENSITIVITY
NOISE POLLUTION
HEALTH HAZARDS
WOOD PRODUCTS INDUSTRY
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PERSONNEL
RECOMMENDATIONS
WORKING CONDITIONS
WYOMING
BODY
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
FEDERAL REGION VIII
HAZARDS
INDUSTRY
MEDICINE
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANS
POLLUTION
SENSE ORGANS
USA
560400* - Other Environmental Pollutant Effects