Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. HETA-88-136-1945, Miller Thermal Technologies, Inc., Appleton, Wisconsin

摘要

In response to a management request, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Miller Thermal Technologies, Inc. (SIC-3548), Appleton, Wisconsin. Thermal arc spraying (TAS) was used at this facility to apply metal and plastic coatings to substrates. The maximum measured levels of actinic, visible and infrared radiation measured at the thermal spray system were 22 microwatts/square centimeter (microW/sq cm), 16.7 candelas/sq cm, and 170 microW/sq cm, respectively. Octave band and weighted noise measurements indicated values in excess of 101 decibels-A during operation which indicated that exposure could last no more than 1 hour to be in compliance with NIOSH guidelines. Selected metal fume samples indicated a potential for exposure to hazardous concentrations of nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), and iron (7439896). The authors conclude that workers were exposed to potentially hazardous optical radiation, excessive noise levels and concentrations of toxic metal fumes. The authors recommend the use of appropriate eye, respiratory, and hearing protective equipment. Recommendations are included concerning ventilation system improvements and emergency equipment provisions.