Mercury Control Technology Assessment Study: Wiring Devices of Puerto Rico, Ponce, Puerto Rico. In-Depth Survey Report for the Site Visit of March 16-18, 1982

摘要

An on-site visit was made to the Wiring Devices of Puerto Rico Corporation, Ponce, Puerto Rico to evaluate control measures in force to reduce exposures during mercury (7439976) filling operations, as part of the production of mercury buttons. The mercury vapor concentration has been reduced significantly over the years through the application of almost every major method of mercury control. The mercury button filling operation was isolated, a local exhaust ventilation system added to the manufacturing equipment and work practices were established. A description was given of the local exhaust ventilation, welding machine exhaust, conditioner enclosure, leak detection hood, mercury storage containers, mercury vacuum cleaner, floor coating, and general containment methods in operation. Personal protective equipment, work practices, and biological and air contaminant monitoring systems were discussed. Other items reviewed included the medical and training programs offered by the company. Exposures could be reduced further if workers adhered more strictly to work practices and changed their disposable clothes more often. The investigators conclude that this facility is a good example of where a problem of mercury exposure existed and was handled correctly.