I2: Interesting OSHA Health Cases — Facts From the Field, Part 2

Kansas City Convention Center 

Room: 2505 A 

CM Credit Hours: 1 

This session will review the findings of two of OSHA's most interesting health enforcement cases:

Naphthalene Diisocyanate Air and Dermal Exposures in Urethane Foam Auto Parts Manufacturing
This is a case study of worker air and dermal exposures to naphtha diisocyanate (NDI) in the production of foam parts used in the automotive industry. The inspection was initiated after multiple worker complaints of respiratory illness and as a follow-up to previous inspections at the facility. The case study will provide: 1) a description of work operations; 2) a summary of observed airborne and dermal hazards; 3) the abatement and controls implemented by the employer; and 4) an overview of how OSHA issues citations for chemical substances such as NDI for which there isn't an OSHA PEL/STEL.

Bacteria Produced Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Exposure During Confined Space Entry
This is a case study of two contract workers who were killed when they were exposed to bacteria-produced hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas. The workers subsequently drowned after opening a water line from a drained settling pond in a concrete vault. Four other employees were able to escape, but they were hospitalized due to H2S exposure. The host worksite had classified the vault as a non-permit required confined space (non-PRCS). The case will cover: 1) the unique aspects of the H2S production; 2) exposure pathway; 3) validation of exposures by OSHA medical officers; and 4) proper evaluation of confined space hazards and permitting.

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Recognize hazards in the subject work operations.
• Conduct an exposure assessment for the identified hazards.
• Choose appropriate controls to mitigate the hazards.
• Describe OSHA's approach to inspections for workplace S&H issues 

Intermediate

Q&A

Corporation/Company

All Industries

Manufacturing

Also part of the Virtual Program

Available as part of AIHA Connect OnDemand

Chemical Hazards

Confined Spaces

Hazard Recognition/Exposure Assessment