Mercury Control Technology Assessment Study: Sybron/Taylor Medical Products Division, Arden, North Carolina. In-Depth Survey Report for the Site Visits of March 23-24, 1981 and October 20-22, 1981

摘要

A visit was made to Sybron/Taylor Medical Products Division, Arden, North Carolina to conduct an in-depth study of mercury (7439976) control methods used to limit worker exposures. Of the 44 production workers, about ten were occupied with activities which had a high potential for mercury exposure. In addition, there were also maintenance workers at risk. The Taylor mercury Filler, consisting of a bell jar, a vacuum system, an oven, and a closed mercury addition system, was used to place elemental mercury into the glass thermometer tubes. Its operation was such that it helps to control the emission of mercury vapor. The major control unit was the mercury addition system which was a completely enclosed system that, when coupled with the sealed bell jar, mercury deflection plates, and dual vacuum system, helped prevent the escape of mercury. Worktables in the fill room were specially designed to minimize mercury absorption and spillage. The general ventilation system in the mercury fill room was particularly important due to the large amount of heated mercury handled there. Temperatures were tightly controlled. Respirators, latex gloves and a disposable cloth suit were worn by workers. Mercury concentrations at the breathing zone ranged from 0.008 to 0.292 mg/m3.