Survey Report: Styrene Exposures During Closed Molding of Small Parts for Fiberglass Boats at Sea Ray Boats, Inc., Vonore, TN

摘要

In August 2008, NIOSH researchers conducted an in-depth survey at Sea Ray Boats, Inc. in Vonore, Tennessee. Sea Ray Boats, Inc. is the largest manufacturer of recreational boats in the United States. This survey focused on evaluating occupational exposures to styrene during closed molding of small parts. NIOSH researchers did not evaluate occupational exposures from any processes that used open molding or gelcoating of large parts during this survey. Sampling results from this survey indicated that personal breathing zone and general area air samples were well below regulatory and recommended limits for occupational exposure to styrene for closed molding and gelcoating of small parts. The highest personal breathing zone concentration for styrene measured during this survey was 6.4 ppm from the gelcoater. The highest personal breathing zone sample for styrene collected from the RTM/light RTM workers was 3.7 ppm. The highest area sample collected for styrene was 1.6 ppm. The low exposures were likely attributed to a combination of good work practices and the effectiveness of the closed molding process at reducing exposures.