In an automobile parts manufacturing facility, numerous industrial hygiene related hazards present with the various equipment and processes used. Firstly, having a mechanical power press presents a noise hazard as a result of the sound made while operating it that exceeds the approved exposure level. Similarly, the machining process produces noise due to metals rubbing against each other. It also uses a specific fluid that have poses a chemical hazard to the employees. During welding of stainless steel, the process generates smoke comprising of metal fumes and gas, with chromium being the hazardous element from the process. Welding transforms chromium to a chemical state which presents a chemical hazard to the workers.
During powder coating on the automobile parts, various chemical hazards present such as exposure to chemicals used in cleaning the parts. As powder coating takes place, combustible vapors and dust from the spraying process are released (Powder Coater, 2005). Exposure to these elements presents a hazard to workers. Another hazard is electric shock from the electrical equipment employed in charging the powder coating. Additionally, the compressed air used in the powder coating process presents a hazard from inadvertent inhalation. Prolonged exposure to butadiene used in cleaning the nozzles poses a hazard of inhalation to the workers. On the other hand, the shipping area presents hazards arising from the electric forklifts used in the movement of materials. Depending on the section deployed, employees face exposure to various hazards such as physical hazards, noise, and chemical hazards.
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Towards understanding the exposure levels for each of the hazard areas, specific methods of accurately gathering the information will be carried out through sampling of every employee at every work station. Firstly, sampling on the metal press area will involve requiring each worker to wear a noise dosimeter that will record the level of sound pressure they are exposed to for the entire shift. This will indicate the day-to-day noise exposure for every worker. The noise dosimeter measures the exact level of sound pressure which is valuable in determining the particular times of the day with massive noise effects and the tasks engaged in during those specific times. At the machine shop, the noise dosimeter will be used similarly to the metal press area. However, chemical exposure will require obtaining the SDS for the metalworking fluid to determine the exposure precautions. The SDS applies for different chemicals towards identifying the needed protection measures for handling each chemical (Fuller, 2015). Concerning the welding area, the main task is measuring exposure to hexavalent chromium. NIOSH recommends the personal sampling pump with a polyvinyl chloride filter for sampling exposure to hexavalent chromium. Every employee will put on a personal sampling pump containing polyvinyl chloride filter with corresponding polystyrene cassette filter holder. Samples will be obtained throughout the employee’s shift.
As for the powder coating area, the vapors and coating powders from the process as well as the cleaning agents pose hazards to the workers. As such, different sampling methods will be applied for every process stage on separate days to measure the exposure to every chemical hazard. A personal sampling pump will apply for xylene and methyl ethyl ketone and used in line with manufacturer’s indications. Similarly, a sampling pump containing a medium for filter collection will apply for the vapor and combustible dust sampling. On the other hand, a personal air sampler will apply for exposure to butadiene. Regarding the receiving and shipping area, all the above methods will apply in measuring exposure to the various hazards.
Due to the threat posed by the various hazards, several control methods would be effective for reducing risk. To begin with would be mitigation of the noise in the metal press area. Hearing protection with at least 20 dB a NRR would be effective in safeguarding workers from noise in the metal press area. In the welding shop, workers would wear personal protective gear when welding stainless steel to protect from chromium fumes. Furthermore, ventilation enhancement would be necessary towards improving system efficiency. As for the powder coating area, the hazards of the entire operation as well as the coating powders would require mitigation. Firstly, evaluation would be necessary to determine the existence and efficiency of the ventilation system. Where a ventilation system is absent, it would be critical to forward a project request towards putting in place a ventilation system. This would ensure that the facility begins implementing an effective ventilation system to reduce exposure to the various chemicals.
At the same time, the employees will be required to put on respiratory protection to avert exposures to the various chemicals. It is worth noting that every worker will require a medical evaluation to make certain that their medical condition allows them to put on a respirator. Afterwards, they would be fit tested to ensure that the proper size respirator is obtained for each one of them. Subsequently, they would receive training on the use and maintenance of the respirator and lastly, creating a schedule for chemical cartridges for use in the process with clear indications on intervals of cartridge changes. The same measures would be applied for the various hazards identified in the receiving and shipping area.
References
Fuller, T, P. (2015). Essentials of Industrial Hygiene. Itasca, IL: National Safety Council.
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA-3373-hexavalent-chromium.pdf
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2009). Hexavalent chromium . Retrieved Retrieved June 15, 2018 https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA-3373-hexavalent-chromium.pdf
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2013). Controlling hazardous fumes and gases during welding. Retrieved June 15, 2018 https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHAFS3647Welding.pdf
Powder Coater. (2005). Safe powder coating guidelines. Retrieved from: http://www.powder-coater.com/safe-powder-coating-guidelines.pdf
