In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Union Tank Car, Cleveland, Texas during railroad tank car repair. Respiratory irritation had been reported by several workers. The company refurbishes, repairs and performs routine maintenance on railroad tank cars. During arc gouging, welding, cutting and interior sweeping on railroad tank cars, workers were exposed to levels of arsenic, iron, nickel, and nitrogen-dioxide which constituted a health hazard. Potential hazards also existed in exposures to isocyanates, chromium, and asbestos. Urine tests suggested occupational exposure to arsenic. The authors conclude that health hazards existed during arc gouging, welding, cutting and interior sweeping on railroad tank cars; during car maintenance activities, potential hazards existed from exposures to contaminants. The authors recommend that engineering controls, improved respiratory protection, and administrative controls be instituted to prevent both routine overexposures and acute exposure incidents.


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    Title :

    Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 91-053-2320, Union Tank Car, Cleveland, Texas


    Contributors:
    A. Sussell (author) / R. Shults (author)

    Publication date :

    1993


    Size :

    50 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English