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U.S. Department of Energy
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Health-hazard-evaluation report HETA 89-040-2012, MDT/Castle, Rochester, New York

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6286949

In response to a request from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at MDT/Castle, Rochester, New York. The company manufactured stainless steel sterilizer units primarily for the medical community. The majority of the welding operations employ arc welding. Eighteen personal and four general area samples were collected to determine exposure of the workers to fumes. Three samples exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 100 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/cu m) for copper fume, ranging up to 446.5 microg/cu m. The average urine chromium level was 1.7 micrograms/liter (microg/l). The average urine nickel level was 14.1 microg/l. A significant correlation was noted between urine nickel and chromium levels. The authors conclude that a hazard did exist in the welding department. The authors recommend improvements in ventilation, and the use of personal protective equipment during welding operations.

Research Organization:
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
OSTI ID:
6286949
Report Number(s):
PB-91-108175/XAB; HETA--89-040-2012
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English