Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene Commons^™

Assessing Particulate Matter Wall Loss With Conductive Vs. Non-Conductive Cassettes Used For Airborne Mineral Dust Sampling, Curtis Caroll

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Occupational exposure assessments for aerosols are commonly conducted by drawing air through a filter media, which is housed in cassette. Previous studies assessing metal and coal dust aerosol concentrations have shown a significant amount of particulate matter adhering to the inner cassette wall, thus underestimating the mass concentration reported from filter media. A common control strategy to minimize wall loss is to perform sampling with cassettes comprised of conductive material. The objective of this study was to assess the potential for cassette wall loss associated with mineral dust air sampling techniques employing conductive vs. non-conductive cassettes. Area total and respirable …

Developing A Taxonomy Of Ladder Climbing Techniques, Charles Holland

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

The research found on ladder safety indicated broad recognition of the hazards of using ladders, especially in the construction industries. OSHA regulations, as well as general guidance on ladder safety point to training workers on ladder usage techniques as being one of the most useful means of reducing risk of falling. However, no studies could be found directly investigating different techniques for ascending and descending ladders. In order to study and compare techniques, this project was initiated to establish a taxonomy of techniques for climbing and descending ladders Six patterns were hypothesized. A secondary purpose was to compare the patterns …

Static Shoulder Elevation With Or Without Limited Range Of Arm Motion, Kayla Ericson

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of two similar low force, upper arm holding tasks on shoulder muscle fatigue. One task involves static holding, while the comparison task involves limited up and down motions, dynamic rolling. Both tasks require the shoulder muscles to hold the combined weight of the arm, hand, and a roller brush in a manner similar to that of a painter standing on a portable ladder painting a wall.

Methods: Twenty volunteer participants from undergraduate classes performed two similar tasks. One was holding their dominant arm above their shoulder while holding a …

Effect Of Repetition On Time To Don And Adjust A Fall Protection Harness, Zachary Bunney

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

A major concern in the field of occupational safety and health is the fatalities resulting from falling from heights. In the construction industry, a common approach for protecting workers is the use of a fall protection harness connected to a secure anchor. To be effective, harnesses must be fitted and adjusted to the individual. This requires training on adjusting the straps of a harness, and the training must include practice to ensure the worker has the skills to make a secure fit. It would be useful for those who conduct training on harness fitting to know if trainees would benefit …

Maximal Swim Distance, Time, And Heart Rate While Wearing Labor-Wear And A Personal Flotation Device, Reece Gendreau

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a correlation between heart rate and swim distance or swim. The ultimate goal was to determine how long or how far a person could swim while wearing labor-wear and a personal flotation device. Additional parameters of age, and ending oxygen saturation were taken to determine if age or O2 saturation could be factors that would be a limitation of swim time or distance. The following questions were answered: “Will there be a significant difference between males and females in any observed measurement?”, “Will there be a correlation between heart …

Hexavalent Chromium Exposure To Military Aircraft Painters, Doug Rosaaen

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Military aircraft routinely operate in harsh, corrosive environments that necessitate aggressive maintenance methods and products to prevent deterioration. Three primary tasks associated with corrosion control of these aircraft are abrasive blasting, sanding, and primer paint application. The most frequently used primer paints for these applications contain chromium VI (Cr VI) in the form of barium chromate and strontium chromate. Due to aircraft size and the nature of these tasks, control of Cr VI exposures is often difficult.

Numerous studies of chromate related industries have identified worker exposures in excess of the OSHA PEL of 5 μg/m3. Long-term analysis of chromate …

A Review Of Carbon Disulfide-Gc/Fid Versus Thermal Desorption-Gc/Ms Methods Through The Lens Of Analytical Proficiency And Human And Environmental Health Risk, Vanessa Frost Barnes

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

NIOSH Method 2549 uses a hyphenated thermal desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry instrumental method with thermal desorption tubes as the sample media for assessment of a variety of volatile and semi-volatile compounds. Other methods in the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods use solvent extraction methods for analysis. Of note are those methods that require the analysis of coconut charcoal tubes using carbon disulfide extraction and subsequent analysis via gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. Presented here is a comparison of the methodologies with regard to environmental and occupational health ramifications, as well as method sensitivity as evaluated via limits of detection and compound ranges. …

Bioaerosol Exposures From Three Utah Cattle Operations, Clark Evans

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Bioaerosol is a generic term used to describe dusts that are produced by and or contain biological material. These dusts can potentially contain the following hazardous agents; bacteria, viruses, bacterial endotoxins, and/or mycotoxins from mold spores. Respiratory inflammation, allergies, cancers, and infectious diseases can occur from exposure to a variety of bioaerosol agents. Controlling bioaerosol exposures is very complicated due to the limited amount of research available and because there are no established regulatory or authoritative exposure limits.

Three cattle operations, two beef and one Dairy, in Utah were investigated to establish exposure profiles of the full-time employees that directly …

Differentiating Between Low Level Activities In Sedentary Occupations Utilizing Fitbits, Trace A. Forkan

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Objective: Fitbits are popular devices used to track personal activity throughout the day. The potential usage of these devices in tracking sedentary activities in research studies rely on the validity and accuracy of the devices. The objectives of this study are to investigate if changes in daily activity is associated with changes in duration of standing time using a sit-to-stand workstation. Also to establish if an accelerometer may be used to detect differences between sitting and standing sedentary positions.

Methods: Sixteen participants wore Fitbit accelerometers throughout the workday and were emailed surveys on a weekly basis to report their …

Ergonomics And The Potential For Sharps Injury Reduction: Developing A Strategy To Assess Mobile Dentistry In Rural Alaska, Gregory P. Calvert

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

This report describes the development of an ergonomic assessment strategy for a Rural Alaska mobile dental team (n=3). An examination of available peer reviewed literature was conducted to identify known physical risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders and the practice of dentistry. The report also explored the association between ergonomics, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and a reduction in dental sharps injury.

The known physical risk factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders, sharps injury prevalence data, and results from Nordic Questionnaires were collected as baseline data. A sharps injury report from January through October of 2016 was obtained from the Bristol Bay …

Occupational Risks And Hazards Associated With Firefighting, Laura Walker

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Annually about 100 firefighters die in the line duty, in the United States. Firefighters know it is a hazardous occupation. Firefighters know the only way to reduce the number of deaths is to change the way the firefighter (FF) operates. Changing the way a firefighter operates starts by utilizing traditional industrial hygiene tactics, anticipating, recognizing, evaluating and controlling the hazard. Basic information and history of the fire service is necessary to evaluate FF hazards. An electronic survey was distributed to FFs. The first question was, “What are the health and safety risks of a firefighter?” Hypothetically heart attacks and new …

Noise Exposure In Electric And Natural Gas Utility Transmission And Distribution Operations, Christi Cole

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Noise exposures were measured in the electric and natural gas distribution operations workforce of a large Midwestern utility. Both personal dosimetry and area monitoring were utilized to evaluate noise exposures based on job classification as well as operation of specific equipment or performance of certain tasks. Job classifications were chosen for study based on observable noise exposures and employee requests. Five job classifications were sampled with 90% confidence according to NIOSH guidelines for sample sizes. Three of the five job classifications were previously enrolled in the company hearing conservation program and two of them were not.

The study determined that …

Evaluation Of Libby Amphibole Asbestos In Three Media Sources Via Polarized Light Microscopy And Transmission Electron Microscopy, Kalli Mccloskey

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Studies have shown that the town of Libby, Montana and surrounding forested areas have been contaminated with Libby amphibole asbestos (LA) by activity from the vermiculite mine located northeast of Libby. The mine was in production from the 1920s until its closing in 1990. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) created the operable units (OU) within the superfund site due to the LA contamination. In addition to the work completed in this research, previous studies have shown that there is an exposure pathway for the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USFS) personnel tasked with forest maintenance in …

Comparison Of Two Surface Contamination Sampling Techniques Conducted For The Characterization Of Two Pajarito Site Manhattan Project National Historic Park Properties, Lopez Tammy

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Technical Area-18 (TA-18), also known as Pajarito Site, is located on Los Alamos National Laboratory property and has historic buildings that will be included in the Manhattan Project National Historic Park. Characterization studies of metal contamination were needed in two of the four buildings that are on the historic registry in this area, a “battleship” bunker building (TA-18-0002) and the Pond cabin (TA-18-0029). However, these two buildings have been exposed to the elements, are decades old, and have porous and rough surfaces (wood and concrete). Due to these conditions, it was questioned whether standard wipe sampling would be adequate to …

Evaluation Of Particulate Metal And Noise Exposures At A Foundry And Recommended Control Strategies, Jeshua Sargetis

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

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 …

Reducing Noise Exposures Produced By Vibratory Finishing Machines, Anna Kroening

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Tumbling operators are exposed to loud occupational noises when loading and unloading the metal products in tumbling machines. The increase in the number of hearing loss injuries in the metal stamping industry initiated OSHA’s Special Emphasis Programs in designated industries and locations across the United States. Because occupational hearing loss injuries do not manifest themselves until years later, it is critical that employers install engineering controls immediately in order to protect worker’s hearing and prevent hearing loss injuries.

Tumbling machines come in a variety of configurations. In addition to sound absorption material that can be installed on floors, ceilings, and …

Comparison Of Sample Methods And Results For Hexavalent Chromium Exposures At Langley Afb, Ericka Crosley

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Various exposure limits and analytical methods are recommended for hexavalent chromium exposures. While the OSHA standard is legally binding, NIOSH and ACGIH recommendations should be considered as well when determining personnel overexposures. Hexavalent chromium is linked to severe acute and chronic effects, including cancer. The United States Air Force currently uses NIOSH methods 7600 and 7605 to sample for hexavalent chromium. This research analyzed if personnel are being overexposed, in addition to comparing NIOSH 7600 and NIOSH 7605 results to determine if both methods are required, or if one can be used in place of both. The results of the …

An Analysis Of Helmet Sound Attenuation During Abrasive Blasting, Michael Lindsey

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

During abrasive blasting, the operator is exposed to a process consisting of combined sound pressure levels from compressed air propelling an abrasive media through the hose, the abrasive striking metal substrate, the flow of breathing air inside the helmet, and the reverberation of sound inside the walls of the blast booth. The resulting noise can reach peak sound pressure levels (Lpeak) of 128 dBA, exceeding allowable occupational exposure levels.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the noise levels produced during abrasive blasting, attempt to further quantify total noise exposure to the abrasive blast operator, and calculate combined attenuation …

Whole Body Vibration Exposure To Crane Operator’S, Steven Campbell

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Whole body vibration (WBV) has been linked to lower back disorders (LBD’s). The purpose of this study is to determine whether crane operators are exposed to whole body vibration (WBV). If exposure exists then, do they exceed a current consensus standard. This information will be used to determine whether WBV should become a larger discussion item when purchasing cranes and or rebuilding. This information can also be used to make the case for seat replacement or at the very least a qualification to consider when purchasing replacement seats.

While many studies exist relating WBV to LBD, I could not find …

An Exploratory Study Of Carbon Monoxide Exposures In Ice Rink Volunteers, Jonathan Triner

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Hockey has grown in popularity in the United States substantially in the last fifty years. The combustion engine has primarily been utilized to power the ice resurfacing equipment to make the ice smooth and able to support the next activity. The exhaust from the combustion engine creates a source of CO that could be harmful to the bystanders if the exhaust is not ventilated from the area properly. Many studies have investigated CO concentrations in ice rinks, but few have evaluated carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels as a biological indicator of CO exposure, in order to evaluate the potential health effects of …

Making It Sound As Good As It Tastes: Noise Reverberation Reduction In A Micro Distillery Tasting Room, Andrew Sheehy

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Noise reverberation in micro distillery tasting rooms can interfere with speech communication and negatively impact the acoustic quality of live music. Noise reverberation was characterized in a tasting room in Butte, MT by calculated and quantified methods. Sound absorbing baffles were then installed in an effort to reduce reverberation and improve room acoustics. The overall reverberation time and speech interference level were decreased by measureable amounts that corresponded with an increase in overall absorption in the space. Reverberation time decreased from 0.85 seconds to 0.49 seconds on average. As shown by a customer survey given before and after the installation, …

Review Of Sampling And Evaluation Techniques For Diesel Exhaust Particulate Matter In The Mining Industry And The Application Of A Vapor Phase Organic Carbon Correction Factor, Ryley Bosch

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

The health effects associated with diesel exhaust exposure have been documented for decades. However, methods used to assess diesel exhaust have experienced considerable revision over the past twenty years. The latest sampling methodology considers particulate matter elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) analysis along with the vapor phase OC analysis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of vapor phase OC on the current National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) method 5040 sampling and evaluation techniques for diesel exhaust particulate matter.

A pilot study was conducted as part of a larger study evaluation biodiesel …

Comparison Of Integrated And Direct Reading Sampling Methods To Measure Biodiesel Particulate Matter In An Underground Metal Mine, Shelby Fortune

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Exposure to diesel exhaust, as well as the diesel particulate matter associated with the exhaust has shown to cause adverse health effect in humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified diesel exhaust as a group 1 human carcinogen, in June of 2012. Due to these health effects, there has been an effort in the mining industry to reduce the amount of worker exposure to diesel exhaust. Biodiesel has shown to be a promising control to reduce diesel particulate matter that is emitted during the combustion process. The use of a biodiesel blend over straight petroleum diesel has shown …

Portable Heater Use In Ice Fishing Shelters And The Potential For Carbon Monoxide Exposure, Kellie Hicks

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Every year, more than 400 people in the U.S. die from accidental Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that results from incomplete burning of common fuels such as natural gas and propane. When CO is inhaled, it enters the blood stream and reduces the ability of blood to carry oxygen. The environment for ice fishing is cold and ice fishermen who use ice huts or tents commonly use portable propane heaters to heat their shelters.

During the 2012/2013 ice fishing season, random fishermen were selected to be part of a research study. Upon arrival, …

Validation Of Cleaning Method For Various Parts Fabricated At A Beryllium Facility, Cynthia Zelic

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

This study evaluated and documented a cleaning process that is used to clean parts that are fabricated at a beryllium facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The purpose of evaluating this cleaning process was to validate and approve it for future use to assure beryllium surface levels are below the Department of Energy’s release limits without the need to sample all parts leaving the facility. Inhaling or coming in contact with beryllium can cause an immune response that can result in an individual becoming sensitized to beryllium, which can then lead to a disease of the lungs called chronic beryllium …

The Modern Grounds Maintenance Worker, Patrick Schenck

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

More than 1 million workers are employed in Grounds Maintenance operations in the United States today. These workers perform varied but recurring tasks necessary to maintain the orderly and healthful function of parks, residential and commercial landscapes, and institutional grounds.

Technological advancements in machinery have, over time, vastly increased the productive impact of each worker. While fewer workers are needed per acre, the same advances in production have amplified some types of health risk to this work population.

This inquiry identified the primary chronic stressors inherent in modern grounds maintenance work, chiefly exposures to noise and respirable engine emissions.

The …

Predicting Air Concentration From Source Concentrations: An Evaluation Of Benzene Emissions From A Benzene Hazardous Waste Stream, Steven Hynek

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Benzene is a common chemical in hazardous waste streams. Benzene contaminated wastes may come in the form of a liquid, solid, or sludge. The amount of benzene seen in waste streams depends upon the generator. The generator in this study has a steady supply of benzene wastes. The waste stream has the same consistency as waste streams from other generators; however there is variability in the concentration of benzene. As a result due to the lack of a consistent concentration, additional respiratory protection is in use to mitigate any additional risk from benzene. The waste is processed on average within …

Silica Exposure In Construction Workers, Brian Dye

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

This paper discusses the issues, objectives, methods, results and conclusion of how to control/reduce the respirable crystalline silica exposure to construction workers in the organization hereafter referred to as the “Company.” This evaluation will be achieved by assessing the following occupational exposure tools: literature review, work practices, engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) on exposures to silica during construction activities. The construction activities observed, studied, researched and sampled include concrete sawing, concrete cutting and application, and dry/wet sanding drywall mud.

High construction tasks, for example, produce respirable dusts often containing crystalline silica. Such tasks include concrete saw cutting and …

Evaluation Of Automated Vs. Manual Bagger Exposures Related To Ergonomics, Dust, And Noise At A Sand Mine Processng Plant, Lindsie Alyse Wilson

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Since 2000, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has reported 737 injuries involving bagging. Most of these injuries were related to “over-exertion” with an MSHA injury classification of “strains, sprains, and ruptured discs.” “Over-exertion” accounted for 331,130 injuries totaling 14.2 billion dollars in workers compensation costs in 2012 according to the National Safety Council (NSC). According to NSC, the average total incurred cost of an “over-exertion” injury is $42,883/claim, and the average total incurred cost of a “strain/sprain” injury is $31,521/claim.

Manual bagging in a sand mine processing plant is a highly physical job. There are six physical workplace …

Assessing The Health And Safety Aspects Of Reboiler Maintenance Activities, William Svendsen

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Maintenance on equipment at an oil and gas facility is an everyday occurrence in Alberta, Canada. Due to their inherent hazards, especially from explosion, fire and chemicals, these facilities (refineries and upgraders) are tightly regulated places in which to work. In these plants, hazards can come in many different shapes and forms; all of which must be mitigated to ensure the safety of both the equipment and the workers. Examples of such hazards include hydrogen sulphide (H2S), naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), ergonomics and noise.

The intent of this survey was to determine if there were any gaps in Client …