| Abstract |
Worker exposures to hazards of torch brazing operations were determined at General Motors Assembly Division (SIC-3711) in Norwood, Ohio, on June 21, 1977. The company employed 4,800 workers. Trace metal fume analysis was performed on 15 air samples. All samples of silver (7440224), copper fume (7440508), nickel (7440020), cadmium fume (1306190), and iron-oxide fume (1309371), metals, as well as zinc (7440666), chromium (7440473), manganese (7439965) and zinc-oxide (1314132) were within respective OSHA standards of 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, 0.1, 10.0, (zinc was not reported) 1.0, 5.0 and 5.0 milligrams per cubic meter. Noise levels during torch brazing operations were above the 90 decibel relative to the A-weighted scale OSHA standard. The author concludes that a potential for exposure to increased metal concentrations exists. He recommends that the welding and brazing booth be evaluated for noise hazards, and that a hearing conservation program be implemented. |
