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Title: Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 87-411-1972, Naval Weapons Support Center, Crane, Indiana

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7019679

The Medical Department of the Naval Weapons Support Center, in Crane, Indiana requested an evaluation of possible hazardous working conditions at the site. The primary area of concern was Building 121 which contained an office and shop area located above a cafeteria. Soldering operations were performed without local exhaust ventilation in the shop area. Building 2516, a general office building, was also a concern. The possibility of formaldehyde exposure was also examined in Building 2958. Worker complaints included headache, nausea, sneezing, and eye irritation along with thermal discomfort. Trace amounts of various solvents and wipe samples which indicated contamination with several metals were reported. Elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) indicated that two of the buildings studied needed increased inputs of fresh makeup air through the ventilation systems. Temperature and relative humidity readings in three buildings were outside guideline specifications. The report concludes that, although unable to determine that a health hazard existed due to air contaminants, elevated CO2 levels indicate that more fresh air should be supplied by the ventilation systems. Specific measures to improve ventilation, thermal comfort, and work practices are recommended.

Research Organization:
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
OSTI ID:
7019679
Report Number(s):
PB-90-129073/XAB; HETA-87-411-1972
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English