Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 84-010-1445, Taylor Borough Drum Site, Taylor Borough, Pennsylvania

摘要

The health and safety program at Taylor Borough drum site (SIC-4953, SIC-9511), Taylor Borough, Pennsylvania was evaluated in October, 1983. The evaluation was conducted as part of an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in which NIOSH conducted health and safety programs at selected hazardous waste sites. Sampling data obtained by EPA was reviewed. The 1984 EPA medical monitoring guidelines and the site safety protocol were examined. No significant amounts of pollutants were found in the EPA data. The EPA medical monitoring guidelines were found to provide the essential elements of such a program. The site safety protocol was generally adequate although it did not contain a written respiratory protection program. NIOSH chemists analyzed samples of polyvinyl-chloride that had been accidentally permeated with waste materials. Methylisobutylketone (108101), methylethylketone (78933), toluene (108883), and xylene (1330207) were identified as the primary contaminants. The author concludes that the health and safety program at the site is adequate. Polyvinyl-chloride is not adequate for protective clothing at hazardous waste sites. The author recommends that a formal, written respiratory protection program be incorporated into the site safety protocol. The polyvinyl-chloride clothing should be replaced.