| Abstract |
A walk through survey of El Paso Products Company (SIC-2869), Corpus Christi, Texas, was conducted in July, 1984. The purpose of the survey was to obtain information on the 1,3-butadiene (106990) monomer manufacturing process and to assess the potential for exposure to 1,3-butadiene. The company recovered 1,3-butadiene from crude ethylene coproduct C4 streams supplied by outside facilities. The production process was enclosed. The process line contained on line gas chromatographs for quality control. Some manual samples of the feed, intermediate, and products were also taken. Engineering controls consisted of single or dual mechanical seals on all pumps. The company did not have a medical program. Preemployment physicals were required for all non office employees. All employees were trained in first aid. Personal protective equipment required by the company included safety glasses, hard hats, and polyvinyl-chloride gloves. The company conducted industrial hygiene sampling for 1,3-butadiene in 1982 and 1984. The data showed time weighted average butadiene concentrations of 0.23 to 8.5 parts per million (ppm). Short term samples showed a 50ppm exposure in the dock area. The author concludes that a potential for 1,3-butadiene exposure exists at the facility. Installation of a quality control sampling system that can reduce 1,3-butadiene exposure is recommended. |
