Developing and managing an industrial hygiene program.

Establishing a comprehensive industrial hygiene program at a major manufacturing location can be a formidable task, even when many of the basic elements are available. The growth of a manufacturing location often requires a change in industrial hygiene operational methods, as well as an increase in staff size. A successful six-step approach used at a major manufacturing location is described. The steps include: 1) learning the management system; 2) defining IH concerns; 3) establishing IH priorities, goals and objectives; 4) defining the business needs; 5) communicating the business needs; and 6) managing the program and measuring progress.

Control of cobalt exposures during wet process tungsten carbide grinding.

Pneumoconiosis has been reported in tungsten carbide manufacture; past studies have suggested that adverse cobalt exposures may occur from wet process tungsten carbide grinding. This study shows that wet process tungsten carbide grinding without local exhaust can cause adverse cobalt exposures. Controls are summarized.