Controlling Wrapping and Labeling Fumes in Air Force Commissaries.
Abstract
This report evaluates the potential for worker exposure to irritating or toxic air contaminants generated by film cutting and labeling operations in Air Force commissaries. Air Force commissaries were surveyed to determine the types of equipment, plastic wraps and labels in use. A USAF Environmental Health Laboratory (USAFEHL) team evaluated the effectiveness of a heated rod cutter in reducing emissions from PVC wrap during hand wrapping operations. Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory personnel at Wright-Patterson AFB OH performed mass spectrometric thermal analyses for identification of the thermal decomposition products of labels used by Air Force commissaries. Label weight loss measurements as affected by heating temperature and heating time were conducted by USAFEHL personnel. Emissions from film wrapping and cutting operations can be minimized by replacing hot wire hand wrap cutters with heated rods, maintaining all film sealing pad temperature below 149 C (300 F), maintaining label heating block temperatures below 204 C (400 F) and minimizing label heating time by avoiding manual operation of the labelers. Machine temperatures should be calibrated at least semi-annually and workers should be periodically instructed in use and adjustment of the equipment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA024852
Entities
People
- Harry P. Guy