Current Intelligence Bulletin 42: Cadmium (Cd)

NIOSH is requesting the assistance of airport managers and editors of appropriate trade journals in notifying fueling service operators about the risks to workers who fuel jet aircraft. Oil companies may, through their routine inspection services provided to operators, be especially effective in controlling the risk. NIOSH investigators conducted an evaluation of the occupational health hazards to workers who fuel jet aircraft. During the investigation, we learned that two workers had died in or near their refueling vehicles. Although carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning was not suspected at the time of the deaths, a combination of the unusual location of the engine exhaust (under the front bumper), the deterioration of rubber seals (boots) around the gear shift lever and the pedals, and the fact that the workers spend a considerable amount of time sitting in idling vehicles (especially during poor weather), led us to measure CO levels in the truck cabs. Dangerous concentrations of CO were found. The company involved instituted maintenance procedures and work practice rules requiring that the windows be kept open whenever the truck is occupied. However, recent spot checks suggest that many operators of airport refueling services are unaware of the risk, and therefore have not taken precautions to prevent dangerous concentrations of CO.

Current Intelligence Bulletin 42: Cadmium (Cd)