| Abstract |
The report provides data collected by the National Occupational Health Survey of Mining (NOHSM) for the perlite commodity. Seven perlite mines were included in the survey. The survey indicated the presence of four chemicals on the mine property which are regulated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). No chemicals were found which have a NIOSH recommended exposure limit but are not regulated by MSHA. Three chemicals were found which have no NIOSH or MSHA exposure limits set. Workers were potentially exposed to 295 trade named products. Also there were potential exposures to noise, process related temperatures, segmental vibration and whole body vibration. Potential exposures to several musculoskeletal conditions were noted, including prone or supine lying, standing, sitting, frequent lifting, awkward lifting, heavy lifting, diminished light, neck and/or back, wrist, lower limb, fingers and hands, and the forearm, arm, and shoulder. Ten different welding processes were determined to be used in the perlite commodity. |
