This is a report of the findings of a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) study of technology used to control worker exposure to chemical and physical health hazards in foundries. The study was performed primarily through review of functioning control methods in 24 ferrous and nonferrous foundries and by a review of the literature. The processes selected provide a representative coverage of the industry relative to the number of exposed workers, the severity of the hazards, different control techniques and common operations.The report provides quick reference to control methods for the 26 processes studied.Each of the processes has two worksheets upon which the hazards are identified and the appropriate case history studies or literature references to control methods are listed. Advantages and limitations of each control method are summarized on the worksheets and the control are presented in separate sections. Conclusions concerning the existence and effectiveness of the control measures, as well as recommendations for further research and development, are presented.

Contract No. 210-77-0009. October 1978.