Health Hazard Evaluation Determination Report No. HE 80-87-708, Harowe Servo Controls, Inc., West Chester, Pennsylvania

摘要

Environmental sampling was conducted, ventilation measurements were taken, and medical interviews were performed on March 12 and 26, and on April 11, 1980, at Harowe Servo Controls, Inc. (SIC-367), West Chester, Pennsylvania, to determine employee exposure to trichloroethylene (79016). The evaluation was requested by the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America, Local 155, on behalf of an unspecified number of workers. Individual time-weighted average air samples ranged from 0.32 to 21.0 parts per million (ppm) trichloroethylene, and the ceiling values ranged from 10 to 27.3 ppm. Detector tube measurements for trichloroethylene showed 12 to 15ppm for the ambient and center of the degreasing room. These values were all within the time weighed average and ceiling OSHA values of 100 and 200ppm, respectively. Ventilation measurements revealed insufficient flow in the degreasing tanks. Among four workers who used the degreasers regularly, one case of dermatitis, one case of chest tightness, one case of throat irritation, and one case of headache were noted. The author concludes that no hazard from trichloroethylene exposure exists at this facility. He recommends use of protective gloves and goggles, no smoking, eating, or drinking in the chemical finish room, no open flames or open heated elements, monitoring and maintenance of ventilation units, and consideration of a substitute solvent. Recommendations are also included concerning safe handling and storage of the solvents.