Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: CHEMICAL

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to radiofrequency (RF) radiation in excess of the American National Standards Institute limits (reference ANSI Standard C95.1-1991). Employees engaged in heatsealing of automobile soft tops were exposed to RF radiation in excess of the ANSI limits of 200 mA (Induced Current Method, Time Weighted Average for One Second or TWA1 sec, both feet). On 3/6/95, the right side shuttle operator of heatsealer #20 (Kabar S.N. 10322 FS) was exposed to an average RF current of 781 mA, TWA1 sec, which is approximately 3.9 times the ANSI limit. Employees operating this heatsealer have also experienced electrical shocks due to the RF-induced current. In addition to the electrical shock hazard, overexposure to RF radiation can result in thermal effects such as heat stress, cataracts, and functional disturbances in the pituitary - gonadal system. Adverse non-thermal effects include changes in the electrical activity of the brain, altered conditional reflex behavior, changes in the chemical composition of the blood, and changes in the endocrine and immunologic systems. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to develop and implement a comprehensive RF radiation management program which will reduce employees' exposure level to the lowest level practicable. The program should include the following elements: 1. Ensure that grounded shielding is installed on all radiating elements of the heatsealer including the work application fixture ( power transmission electrode) and the RF power generating console. 2. Maintain the maximum, practical distance between the employees and the source of RF energy emission. 3. Institute a periodic inspection and maintenance program to keep the units operating within the manufacturer's specifications and maintain the integrity of the shielding devices to minimize stray RF emissions. 4. Have heatsealer operators stand on non-conductive platforms or mats to reduce their contact with the ground which will reduce their absorption of RF energy. 5. Periodically monitor and map the RF emissions so that shielding may be optimized and "hot spots" may be identified and eliminated. 6. Train the employees regarding the characteristics and hazards of RF radiation and the steps that they may take to minimize their exposure. Abatement Normally Will Be Multistep As Follows: STEP 1 -Within 30 days institute abatement methods #2 (maximum practical distance), #3 (inspection/maintenance), #4 (nonconductive platforms/mats), and #6 (employee training). Also within 30 days, submit to the Area Director a detailed written plan which covers all abatement elements. DATE BY WHICH MULTI-STEP SHALL BE ABATED - 05/08/95 STEP 2 -Within 60 days, institute abatement methods #1 (grounded shielding), and #5 (monitoring/mapping). DATE BY WHICH MULTI-STEP SHALL BE ABATED - 06/08/95 STEP 3 -Abatement shall have been completed by the implementation of feasible engineering and/or administrative controls upon verification of their effectiveness in achieving compliance.