Technical Assistance Report TA 80-50, Social Security Administration, Grand Rapids, Michigan

摘要

An industrial hygiene survey was conducted at the Grand Rapids, Michigan office of the Social Security Administration (SIC-91) on April 22 to 24, 1980. The offices' Health and Safety Officer requested technical assistance to evaluate exposure of 102 employees to fibrous glass from deteriorating duct insulation. Ten office and in duct air samples were collected along with several bulk samples. The ventilation system was evaluated and confidential employee interviews using non-direct medical questionnaires were conducted. Bulk sample analysis identified the contents to be entirely composed of mineral wool. Airborne fiber concentrations were below detection limits for each of the air samples. No significant health problems were reported by the employees, although most of them complained of poor air circulation in the office. Ventilation measurements taken while the system was running indicated an air flow rate of 13 cubic feet per minute. The authors conclude that no hazard from mineral wool exposures existed in this office at the time of the investigation. They offer several recommendations for improved ventilation.