| Abstract |
A walk through survey at Texas Petrochemicals Corporation (SIC-2869), Houston, Texas, was conducted in May, 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 occupational exposure to 1,3-butadiene. The company recovered 1,3-butadiene from crude C4 compound ethylene coproduct streams using dimethylformamide as the extractant. The production process was enclosed. The process line contained on line gas chromatographs for quality control analysis. Some manual samples of the feed, intermediates, and products were also taken. Engineering controls consisted of single or dual mechanical seals on pumps. The company conducted preemployment and annual physicals for all employees. Selected employees were trained in first aid. The company required safety glasses, goggles, and hard hats as personal protective equipment. The company monitored 1,3-butadiene concentrations since 1980. Company data indicated that arithmetic and geometric time weighted average 1,3-butadiene exposures were 7.8 and 1.16 parts per million, respectively. The author concludes that the facility is suitable for an indepth survey. There appears to be a potential for 1,3-butadiene exposure during quality control sampling. Installation of a closed loop sampling system to reduce 1,3-butadiene exposure is recommended. |
