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Coke oven emissions are a complex mixture of particulates, vapors, and gases that result from the destructive distillation of bituminous coal in the production of coke. Coke is used mainly in the production of steel.
Coke oven workers have an increased risk of developing cancer of the lung, urinary tract, and skin. This risk is related to the area of employment and the length of employment. For example, workers employed at the top of the oven have the greatest risk, followed by part-time topside and side oven jobs.
Exposure to coke oven emissions increases the risk of respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema. Smoking habits, previous exposure in a dusty industry or environment, and oven work increase the risk of these diseases.
Effects of exposure, such as cancer, may not show up for 15 to 25 years.
Scope
OSHA’s regulation at 1910.1029 applies to the control of employee exposure to coke oven emissions, but does not apply to working conditions with regard to which other Federal agencies exercise statutory authority to prescribe or enforce standards affecting occupational safety and health.
Regulatory citations
- 29 CFR 1910.1029 — Coke oven emissions
Key definitions
- Coke oven: A retort in which coke is produced by the destructive distillation or carbonization of coal.
- Coke oven emissions: The benzene-soluble fraction of total particulate matter present during the destructive distillation or carbonization of coal for the production of coke.
Summary of requirements
Coke Oven Emission Checklist
- No employee in the regulated area is exposed to coke oven emissions at concentrations greater than 150 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over any 8-hour period. 1910.1029(c)
- A written compliance program is in place. 1910.1029(f)(6)
- Employees are aware of the hazards involved with coke oven emissions. 1910.1029(k)
- A training program has been instituted for all employees who are subject to exposure to coke oven emissions. 1910.1029(k)
- Employee exposure to coke oven emissions is monitored and kept within acceptable levels. 1910.1029(e)
- Employees are provided with proper protective equipment. 1910.1029(g)
- Engineering and work practice controls are used to reduce exposures to a permissible level. 1910.1029(f)
- Caution labels and signs are used to warn of coke oven emissions. 1910.1029(l)
- A regulated area has been established, and marked, where coke oven emissions are released. 1910.1029(d)
- Employees who work with coke oven emissions wash their hands after assigned tasks are completed and before engaging in other activities. 1910.1029(i)
- All employees who work with coke oven emissions have had an initial medical examination. 1910.1029(j)
- A medical surveillance program is in place for employees who become exposed to coke oven emissions. 1910.1029(j)
- Appropriate records are maintained (exposure monitoring, medical surveillance, etc.). 1910.1029(m)
- Employees are instructed in proper first aid and other emergency procedures. 1910.1029(f)(5)