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Evaluation of exposures to metals and noise in a boat maintenance facility
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April 2019
[PDF-736.62 KB]
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Description:"The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from management at a boat maintenance facility concerned about employees' occupational exposures during work in several types of industrial shops. The shops included the welder, ship fitter, machinist, marine mechanic, pipe fitter, electrician, and the carpenter/boat builder shops. We visited the facility and reviewed the facility health and safety programs and documents, measured metals and noise exposures, assessed the local exhaust and general ventilation systems, held confidential medical interviews, administered medical questionnaires, performed nasal examinations, and tested urine for nickel, chromium, and manganese. Although personal airborne nickel exposures were below occupational exposure limits, one employee was exposed to airborne nickel levels only slightly below the NIOSH recommended exposure limit. We found two employees with urine nickel levels greater than the normal general population urine nickel level. Inconsistent handwashing, dry sweeping, and eating and drinking in work areas may have contributed to unnecessary nickel exposures. We found two employees exposed to noise levels above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit. Of the 19 employees who completed a questionnaire, 12 reported tinnitus and/or trouble hearing clearly. Communication gaps existed between employees, the union, management, and clinic staff performing medical surveillance evaluations. We recommended performing a comprehensive noise assessment; ensuring the appropriate employees are enrolled in the company hearing conservation program; ensuring there is an adequate supply of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for noise; not allowing consumption or storage of food or drink in work areas; using vacuums equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters instead of compressed air for cleaning work surfaces; reviewing, updating, and communicating the PPE plans for all shops; and improving communication between employees, the union, and management in response to employee health and safety concerns." - NIOSHTIC-2
NIOSHTIC no. 20055649
Recommended citation: NIOSH [2019]. Evaluation of exposures to metals and noise at a boat maintenance facility. By Grant MP, Jackson DA, Topmiller JL. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2017-0127-3348,
https://www .cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2017-0127-3348.pdf.
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