Field Survey of the North Haven Plant of the Fine Chemical Division, the Upjohn Company, North Haven, Connecticut

摘要

A walk through survey was conducted to assess methods used to control occupational exposure to dichlorobenzidine (91941) (DCB), benzidine (92875), and other diamine compounds at the North Haven facility of the Fine Chemical Division, Upjohn Company (SIC-2869), North Haven, Connecticut, in November 1972. The company relied primarily on isolation and enclosure of the production operations (except for quality control sampling) to reduce the concentrations of the compounds. The pack out room was air conditioned because of company data that indicated that lower urinary diamine concentrations were found in cold weather. Worker hygiene practices such as daily showers, clothing changes, and the wearing of protective clothing were also relied on to reduce exposure. It was noted that before large containers of DCB were moved, diamine residues on the tops were not removed. This was observed to produce a dust cloud when the containers were handled further. The company had plans for developing a new sampling procedure for quality control that would eliminate operator contact. Recommendations include installing a central vacuum system in the pack out area, improved work practices, and the use of metal, plastic lined barrels for shipping the compounds.