Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 85-047-1632, General Telephone and Equipment Company, Carpenteria, California

Technical Report · Fri Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:5655672

Belanger, P L

Environmental and breathing-zone samples were analyzed for methyl-chloroform, benzene, and mineral spirits at General Telephone and Equipment Company, Carpenteria, California in January, 1985. The evaluation was requested by a union local to investigate whether employees working in the switching offices were exposed to excessive concentrations of methyl-chloroform, bank cleaning fluid, or lubricant while cleaning and lubricating mechanical switches. Five workers were interviewed to determine if they experienced any symptoms of overexposure to solvents. All mineral spirits and methyl-chloroform concentrations were below their relevant standards. No benzene was detected. Two workers reported dizziness, headache, or finger numbness about 15 minutes after using methyl-chloroform to clean rotary switches. One worker reported white fingers after using methyl-chloroform. None of the workers were wearing protective equipment or clothing. The author concludes that no overexposure to organic solvents is occurring. The reported symptoms are consistent with solvent exposure, most probably dermal exposure to methyl-chloroform while cleaning rotary switches. Recommendations include providing periodic training in chemical handling and instructing workers on how to use barrier cream when handling methyl-chloroform.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5655672
• Report Number(s): PB-86-202892/XAB; HETA-85-047-1632
• 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
AROMATICS
BENZENE
BUILDINGS
CLEANING
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HYDROCARBONS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INSPECTION
MAINTENANCE
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
OFFICE BUILDINGS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC SOLVENTS
POLLUTION
SAFETY
SOLVENTS
TOXICITY
VENTILATION