Industrial-hygiene survey report of Dravo Corporation, Engineering Works Division, Neville Island, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Technical Report · Mon Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985

OSTI ID:6065127

Bloom, T F; Dooley, D; Peguese, J E

An industrial-hygiene survey was conducted at Dravo Corporation, Engineering Works Division, Neville Island, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in July, 1981. The purpose of the survey was to evaluate occupational exposure associated with painting and coating processes during the construction of barges and towboats. Sampling for organic and paint solvents, metals, and nuisance dust was performed. At least one lead and dust sample exceeded their OSHA standards, 0.05 and 15 milligrams per cubic meter, respectively. The equivalent threshold limit value of 1 based on NIOSH criteria was exceeded by a mixture of toluene, xylene, naphtha, and mineral spirits in the inner hull area. Mixtures were considered to be toxicologically additive. All painters wore coveralls, head clothes, hard hats, gloves, and respirators. Dilution ventilation was useful in confined spaces. Air flowrates appeared to be inadequate for sufficiently diluting solvent vapors. The authors conclude that lead and nuisance dust concentrations exceed the OSHA standards at the facility. Exposure to solvent mixtures whose effects are assumed to be additive are a cause for concern. Recommendations include reducing naphtha, mineral spirits, and lead concentrations in the inner hull area, and thoroughly drying solvent coated workpieces before stacking them.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6065127
• Report Number(s): PB-86-138286/XAB; IWS-74.46
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
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COATINGS
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PAINTS
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PETROLEUM DISTILLATES
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