Health-hazard evaluation report MHETA 87-273-1866, Dalb, Inc. , Ranson, West Virginia

Technical Report · Tue Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6926632

Kullman, G J

A hazard evaluation was performed at Dalb, Inc. located near Ranson, West Virginia, in response to a request from management to explore possible exposures related to butyl-cellosolve solvent (ethylene-glycol-monobutyl-ether, EGBE). None of the 14 personal exposure measurements taken for EGBE exceeded the OSHA limit of 50 parts per million (ppm), although six exceeded the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists threshold limit. On some occasions workers using EGBE to clean signs and silkscreens wore no protective masks, gloves, or goggles. A major exposure hazard existed during these operations for the absorption of EGBE through the skin. Pure EGBE was used in the spray trough and wash table areas, with large amounts of vapor release and employee exposure occurring. The author concludes that some workers received excessive exposures to EGBE; skin exposure increased total exposures for some workers. The author recommends that all employees wear personal protective gloves, eye goggles, and aprons when working with EGBE. Recommendations for a ventilation system are included. All open ink and solvent containers should be covered.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6926632
• Report Number(s): PB-88-224696/XAB; MHETA-87-273-1866
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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500200* -- Environment
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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
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99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
AIR POLLUTION
ETHERS
EVALUATION
FEDERAL REGION III
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
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OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
SOLVENTS
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VENTILATION
WEST VIRGINIA