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Hazard-evaluation and technical-assistance report HETA 89-352-l2037, Scott Paper Company, Chester, Pennsylvania

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6406148

In response to a request from management and the local union, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Scott Paper Company, Chester, Pennsylvania, due to dust exposures at the cogeneration facility. The facility supplied steam and power to the Scott Paper Mill nearby. The fluidized bed combustor cogeneration unit used anthraite culm as fuel. Lime was added to the culm to supply the final fuel for the combustor. The system consumed 200 tons of fuel per hour at full operation. Results of air sampling indicated respirable dust concentrations ranged from 70.0 to 7600.0 micrograms/cubic meter (micro/cu m). Respirable quartz concentrations reached as high as 1220.0 microg/cu m. Airborne levels of trace metals approaching any of the established occupational exposure criteria levels were not identified. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed from airborne exposures to free silica. The authors recommend specific measures to maintain the dust levels within acceptable margins. Also, the acid and caustic pumping systems should be physically isolated from each other.

Research Organization:
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
OSTI ID:
6406148
Report Number(s):
PB-91-108233/XAB; HETA--89-352-L2037
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English