The Client requested Braun Intertec perform an Industrial Hygiene (IH) assessment for the Client facility in Garland, Texas to determine worker exposures, assess exposure controls and provide safety recommendations.
To determine worker exposure to welding fumes, noise, copper, beryllium and aluminum, one of our Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) conducted:
- Air sampling
- Noise monitoring
- Sound Pressure Level (SPL) Survey
- Report on Findings
Industrial hygiene assessments recognize, evaluate and help eliminate or control conditions where employee exposure to contaminants may create adverse health effects. In order to determine worker exposure to the compounds copper, beryllium and aluminum – Braun Intertec collected personal air samples from workers’ breathing zones for up to 8 hours of the workers’ shift. During their shift, workers are at risk if they are exposed to contaminants above permissible exposure limits (PELs). Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published PELs for specific contaminants that employees may be exposed to when performing tasks such as welding, torch cutting, sanding and grinding. OSHA also has a beryllium standard that requires additional administrative and engineering control measures when employees are exposed above the PEL.
Additionally, high levels of exposure to noise in the workplace can causeirreversible hearing loss. To identify the potential for employees to suffer damage to their hearing from noise-induced hearing loss, we collected noise dosimetry data for up to 12 employees working in various areas of the Site and performed a Sound Pressure Level (SPL) survey of facility production areas utilizing a noise dosimeter/sound level meter.
Finally, we provided the Client a comprehensive written report of findings, including an assessment of exposure controls, conclusions and recommendations to improve worker safety and reduce employee exposure below the published OSHA PELs and action levels.
