Health-hazard evaluation report MHETA 86-191-1836, West Virginia Department of Highways, Charleston, West Virginia

Technical Report · Sun Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:5383420

Kullman, G J

In response to a request from the West Virginia Department of Highways, an evaluation was performed at its Sign Shop in Charleston, West Virginia, for possible exposures to solvent vapors from silkscreening and exposures to excessive noise from sign fabrication. Levels of organic vapors and dibutyl phthalate (less than 0.02mg/cu. m) during silkscreening were well below existing standards for exposure levels; however, there were some working conditions in this area that could cause discomfort among workers under varying conditions. The general exhaust fan did not run continuously during operations, no mechanical-supply air source for area general exhaust fans was provided, poor placement of signs while drying caused vapors to be drawn past workers at breathing-zone levels thus increasing their exposure potential, and no protective goggles or gloves were used routinely when handling solvents and inks. Recommendations addressing each of these shortcomings are presented. It is also recommended that workers in sign fabrication wear hearing-protection devices when using shop equipment or when working in an area where such equipment is being used.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5383420
• Report Number(s): PB-88-162698/XAB; MHETA-86-191-1836
• 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
CLOTHING
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INSPECTION
MAINTENANCE FACILITIES
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
NOISE POLLUTION
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
ORGANIC SOLVENTS
POLLUTION
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
SOLVENTS
TOXICITY