Health Hazard Evaluation Report: HETA-2007-0167-3078, Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, New York, Feruary 2009. Evaluation of Exposures in Sculpture Studios at a College Art Department

摘要

NIOSH received a confidential employee request for an HHE at Brooklyn College in Brooklyn, New York. The request was to investigate health and safety concerns in the sculpture studios, including the ceramic, woodworking, and metalworking studios. Employees were concerned that degenerative nerve damage, lung cancer, sinus problems, allergies, and headaches were possibly related to work exposures. On October 22-24, 2007, NIOSH investigators conducted an initial evaluation that included an opening conference, a tour of the three sculpture studios, observations of work activities, and a review of relevant health and safety documents. We evaluated the ventilation in the studios, collected area and PBZ air samples for VOCs in the woodworking studio, and interviewed employees about their health. On October 24, we held a closing conference to provide preliminary recommendations. On March 28, 2008, we returned to collect area and PBZ welding fume air samples during a metalworking class. We observed inadequate electrical grounding, machine guarding, and spacing around power tools and machines; and poor housekeeping practices. Eating and drinking were allowed in the studios during classes, eye protection was not always used, and respirators were used improperly. Many of the existing health and safety rules and guidelines of the studios were not being enforced.