Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA-84-288-1847, Wheel Trueing Tool Company, Columbia, South Carolina

摘要

An investigation was made of possible exposures to chemicals and metal powders during the manufacturing of diamond studded and diamond impregnated cutting tools. Employees registered complaints of gastrointestinal, neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory problems, skin rashes, and a metallic taste in their mouths. Four of the 37 air samples collected showed cobalt levels exceeding the 0.1mg/m3 limit established by OSHA. Six samples revealed the presence of nickel, three of which exceeded the 0.015mg/m3 NIOSH recommended limit. Excessive graphite levels were detected. No evidence of hard metal disease or mixed dust pneumoconiosis was found. The authors conclude that there is a hazard from exposure to cobalt, nickel, and graphite dust. The authors recommend measures to reduce and monitor worker exposures to cobalt and to establish a medical monitoring program for all cobalt exposed workers.