US EPA

1379753 

Technical Report 

In-Depth Survey Report: Control Technology for Mine Assay Laboratories at Pinson Mine, Winnemucca, Nevada 

Sheehy, JW; Hall, RM 

1994 

NTIS/02996706_a 

GRA and I 

GRA and I 

A study was made to document and evaluate effective technologies for the control of potential health hazards at the assay laboratory of the Pinson Mine (SIC-8734), Winnemucca, Nevada. The mine was a gold and silver operation, employing 110 workers. Ten workers were employed in the assay laboratory on two shifts. The laboratory performed about 10,000 determinations per month, of which 2,500 to 3,000 were fire assay analyses. The assayist's lead exposures were controlled to less than permissible levels. Arsenic (7440382) exposures were all less than one fiftieth of the permissible levels. All mercury levels were less than the permissible levels. Compressed air was used to clean off equipment and work surfaces. The authors recommend that the air hose pressure be lowered from 50 to 30 pounds per square inch. Workers in the fire assay area must take showers after work. 

Occupational safety and health; *Metallurgical laboratories; *Assaying; Mining engineering; Particulates; Silicon dioxide; Surveys; Lead(Metal); Mercury; Ventilation; Dusts; Pollution control; Lead poisoning; Arsenic; Work environments; Region 9; *Winnemucca(Nevada); SIC 8734; CAS 7439921; CAS 14808607; CAS 7439976; CAS 7440382