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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

In-depth industrial-hygiene survey report on styrene exposure at Fiberform, Spokane, Washington, January 16-18, 1979

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5520024
An industrial-hygiene survey was conducted at Fiberfoam in Spokane, Washington on January 16 to 18, 1979 to document worker exposure to styrene. The facility manufactured fiberglass reinforced plastic boats and employed 388 production workers. The manufacturing potential and past exposures, controls, and medical, industrial hygiene, and safety programs were reviewed. Tube sampling for styrene and acetone indicated concentrations ranging from 18.2 to 179 parts per million (ppm) and 9.77 to 235 ppm, respectively. Styrene exposures were highest for workers in the laminating areas. In many instances, styrene concentrations exceeded the OSHA standard of 100 ppm. The ventilation system in the laminating areas needed maintenance and could be replaced with portable circular fans. Protective work practices could be improved. Review of the ventilation maintenance program, institution of an instructional program of the use and maintenance of protective equipment, and reorganization of the laminating and chopping operations are recommended.
Research Organization:
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA). Industrial Hygiene Section
OSTI ID:
5520024
Report Number(s):
PB-89-221030/XAB; IWS--078.23
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English