Health hazard evaluation report HETA 85-137-1648, Hirschfield Press, Denver, Colorado

Technical Report · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:5043662

Gunter, B J

Following a request from Local 440M of the Graphic Communication International Union, solvent exposures in the Toshiba Press area of Hirschfield Press, Denver, Colorado were evaluated. Samples for petroleum naphtha, toluene, and isopropanol were collected on organic-vapor charcoal sampling tubes using vacuum pumps. Methanol was collected on silica-gel tubes using vacuum pumps. All 12 workers were interviewed and 11 were monitored for exposure to airborne contaminants. The average concentration of petroleum naphtha was 53 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) and ranged from 18 mg/m3 to 106 mg/m3. Toluene concentrations ranged from 0.01 mg/m3 to 2 mg/m3 for an average toluene concentration of 0.9 mg/m3. The average isopropanol concentration was 17 mg/m3 in a range from 3 to 33 mg/m3. Methanol was found in only one sample at a concentration of 0.4 mg/m3. Employee interviews showed respiratory irritation when the afterburner on the Toshiba Press was not working, although this occurred rarely. The author concludes that there is no health hazard in the vicinity of the Toshiba Press on the day of the survey. It is recommended that employees be informed about the chemicals they use to maintain and operate the press. Respiratory protection should be provided when the afterburner malfunctions.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5043662
• Report Number(s): PB-86-223047/XAB; HETA-85-137-1648
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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