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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 86-037-1749, Lamiglas, Woodland, Washington

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6471843

A request was made by the management of Lamiglas, located in Woodland, Washington to investigate possible hazards to employees from exposure to solvent vapors during the making of fibrous glass and graphite fishing rods. Personal breathing-zone and area air samples were analyzed for acetone, 2-butoxyethanol, butyl-alcohol, cyclohexanol, petroleum distillates, toluene, and xylene concentrations. Employee exposure to these substances ranged from 3 to 59% of the appropriate evaluation criteria. Local exhaust ventilation was provided where needed. Some cases of dermatitis had resulted in the past from skin contact with high-temperature-cure epoxy resin and epoxy glue used in rod building. Dizziness, lightheadedness and occasional headaches were reported by the coater, blank washer, silk screener, set up worker, and finisher. In addition, the silk screener experienced some throat and nasal irritation and occasional bleeding due to cleaning materials that are in aerosol form when used. Improved ventilation was recommended for specified areas, along with lowering of temperatures for hand-held equipment when possible. All solvent containers are to be clearly labeled and used only under safe conditions. Protective gloves with liners are to be worn. Use of machine rather than hand held knives was recommended for removing cork handles from rods in an effort to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome.

Research Organization:
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
OSTI ID:
6471843
Report Number(s):
PB-87-185575/XAB; HETA-86-037-1749
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English