Health Hazard Evaluation Determination Report HHE-74-60-255, Transportation Products Division, National Steel Corporation, Portage, Indiana

摘要

A Health Hazard Evaluation investigation was conducted by NIOSH on May 1, 1975, at the Transportation Products Division, National Steel Corporation, Portage, Indiana, a facility engaged in the production of nailable steel floorings for railroad cars. The survey was prompted by a request from an authorized representative of the 21 'affected' employees regarding lack of ventilation in the production welding area which allegedly causes high exposure to welding fumes in employees working in adjacent areas. It was determined that production welders were exposed to iron oxide fumes in excess of the Threshold Limit Value established for the effluent. The conclusion is based on breathing zone measurements and medical questionnaires completed for affected employees which provided evidence for the development of acute respiratory and eye irritation over the work shift. Recommendations for improved environmental control measures and work practices are outlined.