Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 96-0020-2610, Martin Sprocket and Gear Inc.,Fort Worth, Texas

摘要

In response to a confidential request from a group of workers, a health hazardinvestigation was conducted at Martin Sprocket and Gear, Inc. (SIC-3462), Fort Worth, Texas. Concern was expressed over symptoms of chest pain, breathing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, and skin irritation suffered by machine operators in two departments, believed to be related to exposure to metalworking fluids. The company employed about 175 workers. Machine operators perform heavy duty milling, grinding, and machining of cast iron and alloy steel parts. Exposure to total particulates approached the OSHA limit of 15 mg/m3 for total dust as an 8 hour time weighted average. Metal working fluids were not detectable in air samples. Endotoxin air sampling measured concentrations up to 4.9 units/cubic meter, well below acceptable standards. Only tract levels of nitrosamines were found in bulk metal working fluids. Only 15% of the workers responded to questionnaires concerning health difficulties. Those who did respond reported skin, eye, and respiratory difficulties. The author concludes that, with the exception of one metal grinding operation, no elevated airborne exposures to fluids, total or respirable dust or endotoxins were found. The author recommends that potential safety and fire hazards be improved.