Industrial Hygiene Report: Preliminary Plant Visit of Formaldehyde Production Facility at Monsanto Plastics and Resins Company, Eugene, Oregon, August 20, 1981

摘要

An onsite visit was made to the formaldehyde (50000) production facility of Monsanto Plastics and Resins Company, Eugene, Oregon to evaluate methods used to control employee exposure to hazardous materials. This facility produced a 50% formaldehyde solution by methanol (67561) dehydrogenation using silver as a catalyst. The formaldehyde produced was used on site to prepare a resin sold to local plywood and particle board manufacturers. Four individuals worked on the formaldehyde unit. The site had a complete environmental assessment statement including a summary of workplace sampling data and potentially harmful waste streams. Formalin operators were trained in the hazards and safety measures their jobs involve. Safety glasses and hard hats were required along with chemical goggles, a face shield, and protective gloves. Protective suits and respirators were available for specific operations. Some formaldehyde was smelled outside the structure, near the still, and in the converter room. Control methods used during methanol unloading and handling operations, reactor room and control room use, while working on the absorber and distillation column, at sampling points, and while storing the formaldehyde were described. Even though some leaks were detected, the engineering control program seemed to be working well.