Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 84-044-1441, Rhinehart Tire Fire, Winchester, Virginia

摘要

On November 2, 1983, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was requested by the Environmental Protection Agency to provide immediate technical assistance in evaluating site safety and worker exposure to unknown and potentially hazardous substances emanating from an automobile and truck tire fire in Winchester, Virginia. On November 4 and 9, 1983, NIOSH industrial hygienists visited the Rhinehart Tire Farm, reviewed the site/safety protocol established by EPA's Office of Emergency and Remedial Response, and collected air samples to determine the types and magnitude of contaminants present during the fire containment and preliminary cleanup operations. Based on this limited set of environmental data, it was concluded that there was not an acute health hazard present from airborne contaminants relative to the containment and cleanup operations on those days sampled. It is unlikely that workers could be exposed to static CO concentrations in excess of 35 ppm. However, exposure to PAHs, from both skin contact and inhalation, is possible for all workers in the Contamination Reduction Area and the Exclusion Area, with potentially greater risk to those not using protective clothing. Considering the unknown exposure potential that existed in the beginning of the fire, level B protection (supplied air respirators and protective clothing) was appropriate. Recommendations are presented in Section VI of this report concerning the use of personal protective equipment and work practices.