| Abstract |
An on site visit was conducted to observe the dyeing and finishing operations for textiles at the Altavista Plant, Burlington Industries. Altavista, Virginia. The facility was engaged in the dyeing and finishing of polyester piece goods, and employed 1,300 workers on three shifts. Operations at the facility were observed. Polyester material in rope form was usually dyed in a closed system pressure jet beck. Dyeing was accomplished by passing a moving stream of pressurized dye liquor into the fabric. In the finishing department the finishing chemicals were mixed and applied. A statement regarding the company's safety and health policy was included in the safety manual given to each new worker. The safety committee included management and supervisory staff, and met monthly. Each department has a safety coordinator and a departmental safety committee that included hourly wage employees. Classroom instruction, 9 hours, was provided to all newly hired workers. Industrial safety valuations have been performed in the areas of heat stress, airborne dye particulate, air contaminant generation from plastic sealing presses, and air quality in forklift operations. |
