Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 84-510-1691, Rockwell International, Rocky Flats Plant, Golden, Colorado

摘要

An evaluation of worker exposure to beryllium (7440417) at the Rocky Flats Facility (SIC-9177) was made. Six of 33 breathing zone air samples collected for beryllium analysis showed levels exceeding the NIOSH evaluation criterion of 0.5 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). These samples ranged from 7.2 to 0.57microg/m3. Thirty-three samples collected on beryllium machining equipment were at or below 0.5micro/m3. Breathing zone air samples were taken on all 8 workers and the foreman in the beryllium shop and seven of the nine samples exceeded the 0.5 microg/m3 level, ranging from 0.5 to 2.1microg/m3. Most of these nine workers had normal pulmonary function. Two had a severity code other than zero. Neither had worked in the beryllium shop for more than a year and the more severely affected had only recently started, but had a history of pulmonary disease. The authors conclude that a health hazard from overexposure to beryllium existed in the beryllium shop. Recommendations were given by the authors.