| Abstract |
A walk through survey at Amoco Chemicals Corporation (SIC-2869). Chocolate Bayou, Texas, was conducted in June, 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 manufactured 1,3-butadiene by the ethylene coproduct process, using acetonitrile as the extractant. The production process was enclosed. Engineering controls consisted of using single and double mechanical seals on all pumps. Open loop sampling was used to collect quality control bomb samples. The company had conducted 1,3-butadiene monitoring since 1975. According to company data, short term 1,3-butadiene exposures ranged from 1 to 220 parts per million (ppm). Time weighted average concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 7.1ppm. The company conducted preemployment and annual physicals for all production and maintenance workers. Personnel records on current and past employees were maintained. Hard hats and safety glasses were the only personal protective equipment required. The author concludes that there appears to be a potential for significant exposure to 1,3-butadiene during quality sampling. Installation of a sampling system that would reduce exposure is recommended. |
