Industrial Hygiene

Bunzl Extrusion, Yakima, Washington 

Fulcrum was retained by a local extrusion manufacturer to complete sound-level monitoring associated with employee noise exposure and to generate a data-set upon which areas of elevated noise generation could be identified for specific engineering mitigation design. During a three week period, Fulcrum monitored each of more than 15 specific work tasks ranging from extruder operators, fabrication professionals, QA/QC staff, and maintenance professions throughout the facility.  

Completion of the employee exposure monitoring permitted Bunzl to modify hearing protection type and use and prepared the data necessary for facility engineers to evaluate sound barriers to the loudest equipment and areas of the facility. 

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Cherry Avenue, Yakima, Washington

The Cherry Avenue project represented a typical residence in a typical neighborhood. Permits for renovation were obtained and cleanup and modernization fully occurring when the property developer requested inspection of electrical wiring upgrades in the partial basement of the space. Upon entering the space, the Labor and Industries inspector suffered acute respiratory distress. Fire and ambulance personnel responded to the emergency and similarly suffered respiratory distress. Fulcrum was retained by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries to complete an investigation to identify the likely source of respiratory distress. Fulcrum’s investigation included assessment for mold, volatile organic compounds, pepper spray, mace, methamphetamines, etc. Fulcrum’s assessment was used to select personal protective equipment for inspector use to complete the required site inspections.

United States Bureau of Reclamation, Chandler Canal, Chandler, Washington

Fulcrum was directed under an existing contract to complete an Inhalation Exposure Assessment during application of Aqualastic ^TM. While Aqualastic has been applied on this and other canal systems through the Pacific Northwest, USBR has previously contracted industrial painters/applicators in the provision of the service. Recently USBR solicited and purchased equipment and training services to begin performing Aqualastic application. Fulcrum completed sampling during application of Aqualastic and document that while an exposure to the primary chemical constituent was present, the level of exposure was sufficiently managed to reduce respiratory protection.