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Title: Industrial hygiene walk-through survey report of Colorado Chemical Specialties, Golden, Colorado

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5043494

A walk-through survey was conducted at Colorado Chemical Specialties, Golden, Colorado in August, 1985. The purpose of the survey was to evaluate exposure to 1,3-butadiene during the manufacture of homopolymer and copolymer liquid polybutadiene resins. Bulk samples of styrene/butadiene and polybutadiene resins were analyzed for residual 1,3-butadiene. The resin was produced by solution polymerization. Engineering controls consisted of equipping all pumps handling 1,3-butadiene with single or dual mechanical seals. The quality control laboratory was equipped with exhaust hoods. Quality-control sampling was performed using vapor-phase gas chromatography. Personal monitoring for 1,3-butadiene was limited to a single survey conducted by OSHA in the mid 1970s. No detectable concentrations of 1,3-butadiene were reported. No 1,3-butadiene was detected in bulk samples of styrene/butadiene and polybutadiene resins. Employees received periodical physical examinations; however, pre-employment physicals were not required. Employees received on-the-job safety training only. There was no established formalized respirator program. The company did not have an organized industrial-hygiene program. The authors conclude that the facility is not suitable for an in-depth study.

Research Organization:
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
OSTI ID:
5043494
Report Number(s):
PB-86-223500/XAB; IWS-147.30
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English