Details:

Journal Article:
Health hazard evaluation interim report;NIOSH health hazard evaluation report;
Personal Author:
Chen, Lilia ; Eisenberg, Judith
Chen, Lilia ; Eisenberg, Judith Less -
Corporate Authors:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. ; United States. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. ; United States. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Less -
Description:
The health hazard evaluation (HHE) Program evaluated concerns about lead exposure at an aircraft repair and flight school facility. Single-engine aircraft at the facility use leaded aviation fuel which generates lead-containing particulates as a combustion byproduct. No one at the facility reported work-related symptoms. Lead was detected in blood samples collected from all facility personnel. The hangar area had the highest surface concentrations of lead; lead was also found on the steering wheel of an employee's car. All airborne concentrations of lead and other elements measured over a work shift were low. Airborne lead concentrations approached the occupational exposure limit for a short-term exposure when spark plugs were being sandblasted. There was no routine cleaning schedule in place for the hangar and a leaf blower was reportedly used to clear dust from surfaces. Lead dust was found on toys and a baby walker in the work area. Investigators also found that chemicals were improperly labeled and stored. HHE Program investigators recommended that the employer develop a respiratory protection program and require employees to use a respirator when sandblasting spark plugs. Wet cleaning methods, instead of dry cleaning methods, should be used to clean the hangar. Chemicals should be properly labeled and stored in closed containers within safety cabinets. The employer should provide employees with disposable shoe covers and on-site laundering for work clothes to reduce the potential for take-home lead contamination. Investigators also advised that children not be allowed in work areas. Employees were encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly before eating and drinking, before and after putting on gloves, and before leaving the facility.

Recommended citation for this report: NIOSH [2013]. Health hazard evaluation report: exposures to lead and other metals at an aircraft repair and flight school facility. By Chen L, Eisenberg J. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH HETA Report No. 2012-0115- 3186.

NIOSHTIC No 20042888

/2012-0115-3186.pdf


Subjects:
[+]
Aircraft Environmental Exposure Inhalation Exposure Lead Occupational Exposure Particulate Matter
Series:
NIOSH health hazard evaluation report ; HETA 2012-0115-3186
Document Type:
Report
Place as Subject:
Colorado
Collection(s):
Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:3ffc142aae108bae1027d12c848ba9792791847abc45c9c2d77e76be5a6b1c05
Download URL:
https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/37590/cdc_37590_DS1.pdf
File Type:

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