Technical assistance report no. TA-77-58: King Soopers, Inc.: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Abstract

A Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance survey was conducted by NIOSH on June 23, 1977, at the King Soopers Inc. (SIC-5141), Denver, Colorado. The survey was prompted by a request from the management regarding the concern of 6 affected employees about possible overexposure during the burning of polyvinyl-chloride (9002862) wrap. Based on the results of air sampling which failed to reveal the presence of detectable levels of polyvinyl-chloride decomposition products in the breathing zone of the 4 workers present during the survey, it appears that a toxic situation did not exist at the time of evaluation. Three of the 6 employees did complain of upper respiratory irritation caused by fumes coming from the hot wire used to cut the polyvinyl-chloride film. One worker was on workmen's compensation due to overexposure to fumes from the plastic wrap. Recommendations are made for improving working conditions and preventing potential exposure