Industrial Hygiene Survey Report of Southern California Rapid Transit District(SCRTD), Division 1 Bus Garage, Los Angeles, California, April 23-26, 1990

摘要

In an effort to evaluate worker exposure, fire safety, personal protectiveequipment, and engineering controls during the refueling, repairing and operating of methanol (67561) powered transit buses, an on site visit was made to the Southern California Rapid Transit District (SCRTD) Division 1 bus garage in Los Angeles. Results of data gathered during this visit suggested that inhalation exposures to methanol during bus refueling operations were well controlled by the strict use of a vapor recovery system. Worst case exposures in the fueling area occurred after engine startup when intermittent peak concentrations of up to 233 parts per million (ppm) were recorded. Protective clothing was worn regularly by fuelers. Exposures during bus maintenance were considerably higher, with instantaneous personal exposures up to 630 ppm being recorded and area concentrations near 1040 ppm. The author recommends modifications to current work practices and processes, improvements in ventilation of the garage area, and regular wearing of suitable protective clothing whenever changing fuel filters on methanol busses.