Health hazard evaluation report HETA 84-102-1653, Ladish Company, Cadahy, Wisconsin

Technical Report · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:5025341

Daniels, W J; Arnold, S; Orris, P

A walk-through survey was made to investigate exposures to crystalline silica, metal dust and fumes, solvents, machine coolants, and lead at a metal forging facility owned by the Ladish Company, Cudaby, Wisconsin as requested by an authorized representative of the employees. Medical surveys were conducted and environmental air samples collected. Additional specific substances investigated included titanium, nickel, chromium, iron oxide, cobalt, vanadium, aluminum, cutting fluids, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane. No evidence of excess respiratory disease was found among 45 grinders. A substantial number of employees complained of irritant symptoms attributed to brief exposures to high concentrations of the grinding dust. No evidence of skin problems related to coolant exposures was noted. Concentrations of total particulates were below the OSHA standard of 15mg/m/sup 3/ as an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA). Nickel was detected in five of six personal samples at TWA concentrations ranging from 0.002 to 0.056 mg/m/sup 3/. The authors conclude that instances involving the grinding of large forgings and forgings containing nickel present a potential health hazard if not properly controlled. It is recommended that nickel exposure be reduced to the lowest feasible level. Employees should position their work so that dust generated is effectively captured by the grinding hood, in some cases using a moveable hood, or periodically repositioning a part.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5025341
• Report Number(s): PB-86-220712/XAB; HETA-84-102-1653
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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