Date of Award

Spring 2016

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MS Industrial Hygiene

Committee Chair

Julie Hart

First Advisor

Terry Spear

Second Advisor

Xufei Yang

Abstract

An evaluation of current industrial hygiene practices were performed at a foundry located in the Northwestern United States. The foundry was evaluated for respirable and inhalable manganese, respirable crystalline silica and noise exposure. Personal breathing zone sampling was performed using proper safety and health practices on workers in the foundry and around the entire facility. Results showed that workers were being exposed to respirable manganese but not inhalable manganese. Bulk crystalline silica sampling was performed and personal breathing zone sampling was performed as a follow up to certain control measures which showed low concentrations. Area noise sampling was conducted in various parts of the facility and personal noise dosimetry was performed on workers in all areas of the facility. Noise exposure above the OSHA PEL was found in a few sites but most of the limits were above the OSHA Hearing Conservation criterion. Few locations were over the NIOSH and ACGIH criterions. Engineering control measures included a ventilation system being installed above the furnaces, for metal fume control, the paving of a back lot to reduce exogenous crystalline silica from the foundry. Hearing protection, along with the inclusion of a revised hearing conservation program, was also implemented for reduced worker exposure.

Comments

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Industrial Hygiene

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