Asbestos Dust and Preliminary Industrial Hygiene Survey at World-Bestos, the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in New Castle, Indiana

摘要

Workers exposures to asbestos (1332214) were determined at the World-Bestos division of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company (SIC-7539) in New Castle, Indiana, from September 20 to 24, 1971. The facility employed approximately 225 workers and had a safety director with no staff. No doctors or nurses were employed at the facility. Respirators were worn by wet and dry mixing operators and in the truck block performing operations. Ear protection devices and aprons and gloves were supplied by the company. Samples taken with a filter membrane ranged from 0.1 fibers greater than 5.0 microns in length per cubic centimeter (f/cc) for a surface grinder to 33.6f/cc for one hot press operator. The author concludes that potential hazards are exposure to asbestos dust, lead from mixing operations and noise. He recommends modifications and improvements in the ventilation systems, use of a vacuum system to clean-off machines and work clothes, and reductions in the noise levels of the hopper vibrator in the wet mix area.