| Abstract |
Worker exposure to creosote (8001589) (CTPV), pentachlorophenol (87865) (PCP), copper (7440508) (Cu), chrome (7440473) (Cr), arsenic (7440382) (As), and ammonia (7664417) were investigated at the Cascade Pole Company (SIC-2491) in Tacoma Washington from July 23 to 25, 1980. The company employed 115 persons, 16 of whom worked in wood treatment processing. Personal and area air samples and wipe samples were collected around cylinders and from ammonical copper arsenate (ACA) and chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated wood surfaces. The company provided preemployment examinations and protective equipment, and new employees received training and were monitored for a minimum of 1 month on the job. Personal CTPV concentrations ranged from approximately 9.6 to 1343.3 and 0.4 to 111.9 micrograms/cu m. Personal Cu, Cr, and as concentrations ranged from 13.1 to 69.2, 6.3 to 31.2 and 4.5 to 3,265.3 micrograms/cu m, respectively. Current occupational exposure limits for CTPV and PCP are 200 and 500 micrograms/cu m, respectively. Applicable occupational exposure limits were 1,000, 100 and 500 micrograms/cu m for Cu mist dust, chronic-acid, and As, respectively. Area samples were below the limits of detention or contained only minimal chemical concentrations at all areas where workers were located. Ammonia exposure was a potential hazard and workers utilized wind direction to provide safety. The authors recommend that precautions be taken when handling ammonia, that three manually operated doors be replaced with hydraulically operated types, and that coveralls be worn to prevent skin contamination. |
