Health hazard evaluation report HETA 85-538-1667, General Telephone Company, Sherman, Texas

Technical Report · Sat Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:5044216

Pettigrew, G L

Following an employee request, potential health problems among telephone cable splicers were investigated at the General Telephone Company Sherman, Texas. Information was collected on materials used, work procedures, and personal protective equipment employed. Materials of primary concern were petrolatum in the filled cable, petroleum distillates used as cable cleaner, and isocyanates in the two-part reenterable encapsulant. Personal air samples taken by OSHA during pouring operations with the encapsulant revealed no detectable isocyanate concentrations. Observation of a large splicing operation showed the head of the splicer was positioned over the top of the casing while pouring encapsulant components allowing potential exposure. Petrolatum was determined to be physiologically inert. Nine of 32 potentially exposed workers completed questionnaires. The most frequently reported symptoms were head congestion and headaches at work; 67% reported warts and 33% reported skin rashes. The author concludes that a health hazard to employees does not exist under normal operating conditions. Workers are advised not to use cable cleaner for personal cleanup. To avoid potential isocyanate sensitization, minimizing exposure, use of personal protective equipment, and good work practices are recommended. Cuts and abrasions among splicers may be implicated in wart formation.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5044216
• Report Number(s): PB-86-221645/XAB; HETA-85-538-1667
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
552000 -- Public Health
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
AIR POLLUTION
COMMUNICATIONS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
INSPECTION
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NIOSH
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
POLLUTION
SAFETY
TOXICITY
US ORGANIZATIONS