| Abstract |
On November 17, 1977, a survey team from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provided technical assistance in evaluating workroom air contaminant levels at Package Machinery Co., East Longmeadow, Mass. The conclusions and recommendations presented in this report are based on environmental measurements, observation of workplace and work practices, medical questionnaires and a review of the current literature. The following process operations and chemicals were investigated: (1) paint spraying, for toluene and methyl-ethyl-ketone (MEK); (2) welding, for total fume, iron oxide, manganese, and chromium; (3) chromeplating, for chromic acid; (4) polishing, for nuisance dust and silica; (5) sand/shot blast for nuisance dust and silica; (6) Teflon coating, for toluene; and (7) crane cabs, for iron oxides, total particulates and also, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide via certified gas detection tubes. Airborne concentrations of potential contaminants were obtained in the workers breathing zone and in the general work area. All samples were below the criteria established for this survey. Therefore, based on the analysis of the environmental samples taken and the review of the medical interviews given at the time of survey, it was determined that employees working in the departments investigated at Package Machinery were not being exposed to harmful concentrations on the day of this study. It must be noted, however, that work conditions in the 'Welding' Sections and the 'Flamecut' Section in the new building were reduced below normal due to modifications that were being made on machines. |
