LEAD EXPOSURES DURING THE SEGMENTS OF THE LADLING CYCLE AT A NON-FERROUS FOUNDRY.

A study was made of the lead exposures to the ladle attendant in a brass foundry since this work involved the highest exposure levels. A preliminary time and motion study was used to define the major existing worker practices and four exposure-related segments. The study measured the lead exposure in these segments through 12 cycles on each of 5 days. It was concluded that the mould-pouring segment in this particular foundry was the one for which engineering controls or respiratory protection were essential. The lead exposure in the other three segments (tapping, ladle transfer and waiting) could probably be abated by inexpensive changes in work practices, administrative controls and/or local engineering controls. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]