US EPA

2204893 

Technical Report 

Industrial Hygiene Survey of Aerovox Industries, Inc., New Bedford, Massachusetts, Report No. IWS-95-14 

Phillips, B; Smith, L; Jones, M 

1977 

NIOSH/00133855 

Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies 

IWS-95-14 

95-14 

A walkthrough survey was conducted at Aerovox Industries, Incorporated (SIC-3675), New Bedford, Massachusetts, in January 1976. An industrial hygiene survey was conducted in March 1977 to collect data on worker exposures to polychlorinated biphenyls, soldering fumes, and trichloroethylene (79016). The survey was conducted on behalf of 350 employees (300 involved in the production processes), including 104 having potential exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls. A physician was retained on a part time basis, and the company employed a full time nurse. Preemployment physical examinations including pulmonary function tests were given to employees. Detector tubes were used to determine trichloroethylene; concentrations rarely exceeded 100 parts per million (ppm). Personal protection included safety glasses, rubber clothing, barrier creams, and partial payment for safety shoes. Trichloroethylene concentrations ranged from 53.4 to 77.5ppm with an OSHA standard of 100ppm. Polychlorinated biphenyls ranged from 0.17 to 1.26 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) with an OSHA standard of 1mg/m3. The authors conclude that the standard for polychlorinated biphenyls may not be adequate to protect worker health. They recommend a negative ventilation system and a recovery system. The local exhaust system should be moved closer to the soldering operation. The degreaser should be checked for leaks, and a vacuum system should be installed on the impregnation chamber.