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Health-hazard-evaluation report HETA 89-233-2013, Sims Radiator Shop, Lawrenceville, Georgia

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6286956

In response to a request from Sims Radiator Shop, Lawrenceville, Georgia, an investigation was made regarding possible exposures to hazardous substances on the job. The shop cleaned and repaired automobile and truck radiators. Five people were employed at the site: three mechanics, a manager and a delivery person. The 8 hour time weighted average personal breathing zone lead concentrations for the three mechanics were 60, 50, and 20 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/cu m), two of which were at or above the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 50 microg/cu m. The blood lead levels for the mechanics were 33, 26, and 13 micrograms per deciliter and the blood lead level of the delivery person was 11 micrograms/deciliter. None of these levels was above the level which OSHA has set for mandatory testing every 2 months. No employee had elevated free erythrocyte protoporphyrin concentrations. None had any signs or symptoms suggestive of lead poisoning. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard existed from exposure to lead during routine cleaning and repair of radiators. The authors recommend specific measures to eliminate this hazard, including personal protective equipment, monitoring, housekeeping, hygiene practices, medical surveillance, and written compliance reports.

Research Organization:
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
OSTI ID:
6286956
Report Number(s):
PB-91-108167/XAB; HETA--89-233-2013
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English