Industrial Hygiene Walk-Through Survey Report of Union Carbide Corporation, Sistersville, West Virginia, Chlorosilane Production

摘要

Work exposures to potentially hazardous chemical and physical agents were determined at the Union Carbide Corporation (SIC-286) in Sisterville, West Virginia, on March 27, 1979. The survey was part of a NIOSH health study of the emerging energy technology industry. The company employed about 150 workers assigned to production operations. A formal safety and industrial hygiene program was maintained by the company, and medical services were provided by a consulting physician and a full-time nurse. A complete medical and employment history was maintained for each employee. Silicon (7740213) dust accumulations were seen throughout the building, and constituted the primary health hazard. Hydrochloric-acid (7647010), which was received as a raw material for processing, was considered a minimal health hazard, with few opportunities for exposure and very limited personnel interaction with process equipment. The author concludes that the production process appears to be well designed and maintained, and that no serious industrial hygiene hazards exist. No further evaluation of this facility is warranted.