Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334 Page 1

Evaluation of Exposures to Styrene During 

Ultraviolet Cured-in-place Pipe Installation 

Report No. 2018-0009-3334

January 2019

Ryan F. LeBouf, PhD, CIH

Dru A. Burns, MS

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Page 2 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334

Contents

Highlights...............................................i

Abbreviations ..................................... iv

Summary.............................................. 1

Introduction......................................... 2

Background.......................................... 2

Process Description............................. 3

Methods ............................................... 3

Results .................................................. 8

Discussion .......................................... 10

Conclusions........................................ 11

Recommendations............................. 11

References.......................................... 15

Appendix A: Tables............................ 17

Appendix B: Figures .......................... 20

Acknowledgements........................... 28

The employer is required to post a copy of this report for 30 days at or near the 

workplace(s) of affected employees. The employer must take steps to ensure 

that the posted report is not altered, defaced, or covered by other material.

The cover photo is a close-up image of sorbent tubes, which are used by the HHE

Program to measure airborne exposures. This photo is an artistic representation that may

not be related to this Health Hazard Evaluation.
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334 Page i

We evaluated personal 

task exposures to and area 

emissions of styrene and total 

volatile organic compounds 

during installation of cured-inplace pipe. Styrene exposures 

exceeded the NIOSH short-term 

exposure limit for styrene of 

100 ppm once during grinding 

of a cured pipe when the 

manhole was not ventilated. 

Tasks with the highest exposure 

risks were grinding cured 

pipe and cutting and taping 

the liner. Styrene and total 

volatile organic compound 

emissions at the manhole face 

revealed the effectiveness of the 

ventilators at reducing styrene 

air concentrations during our 

sampling. We recommend 

ventilating the manholes 

at all times during the tasks 

where employees might be 

exposed to uncured or cured 

liners including cutting and 

taping liners, installing packers, 

installing light trains, and 

grinding cured pipes.

Highlights of this Evaluation

The Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and 

Health received a management request in October 2017 from an installation company who 

repaired underground pipes using ultraviolet cured-in-place pipe. The request stated a desire 

to investigate styrene levels at the worksites to determine whether exposures were controlled 

using current practices and identify any areas for improvement. 

What We Did

● We conducted an initial visit during February 5-6, 2018; during this visit we measured 

personal task-based exposures to styrene and 

divinylbenzene.

● We conducted a second visit during June 6–7, 

2018; during this visit we measured personal 

task-based exposures to styrene and total 

volatile organic compounds

● During both visits, we measured total volatile 

organic compounds at the face of the manhole 

using a photoionization detector and styrene 

concentrations at the face of the manhole using 

a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer.

● We collected bulk samples of cured liner for 

styrene emissions testing.

What We Found

● One personal exposure to styrene during 

grinding a cured pipe (140 parts per million 

[ppm]) exceeded the 15-minute short-term 

exposure limit of 100 ppm when the manhole 

ventilator blower fan was not used.

● The next highest exposure to styrene occurred 

during cutting and taping of the liner (51 ppm) 

when the manhole ventilator blower fan was 

not used.

● No personal exposures exceeded the short-term 

exposure limit to styrene when the manhole 

ventilator blower fans were used.

● Increases in styrene and total volatile organic 

compounds area air concentrations were 

associated with activities occurring in the 
Page ii Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334

manhole and showed a reduction in measured styrene when the manhole ventilator 

blower fans were used.

● Styrene was emitted from cured liner.

What the Employer Can Do

● Provide employees with training on potential hazards such as styrene exposure.

● Require employees to continue to immediately bag excess liner material and 

contaminated gloves.

● Require employees to continue to ventilate the manholes at all times during the tasks 

where employees might be exposed to uncured or cured liners including cutting and 

taping liners, installing packers, installing light trains, and grinding cured pipes.

● Monitor the ventilator flexible duct for unnecessary bends that can reduce air supply 

and ensure it only has one 90° bend at the point of entry into the manhole.

● Require employees to be clean shaven before donning N95 respirators.

● Encourage employees to report health symptoms related to styrene exposures to their 

healthcare provider and the health and safety officer.

● Conduct additional sampling for styrene if employees report health symptoms or a 

change occurs to processes, materials, or work practices. 

What Employees Can Do

● Continue to immediately bag excess liner material and contaminated gloves.

● Continue to ventilate the manholes at all times during the tasks where employees can 

be exposed to uncured or cured liners including cutting and taping liners, installing 

packers, installing light trains, and grinding cured pipes.

● Ensure the manhole ventilator flexible duct only has one 90° bend at the point of entry 

into the manhole.

● Shave daily when using N95 respirators (dust masks).

● Report health symptoms related to styrene exposure to your doctor and the health 

and safety officer. Health symptoms might include changes in color vision, tiredness, 

feeling drunk, slowed reaction time, concentration problems, balance problems, hearing 

loss, or respiratory symptoms (such as cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest 

tightness).
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334 Page iii

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Abbreviations

ACGIH® American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists

APF Assigned protection factor 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CIPP Cured-in-place pipe 

FTIR Fourier transform infrared spectrometer

IDLH Immediately dangerous to life or health

IARC International Agency for Research on Cancer

LOD Limit of detection

μg Microgram

mg/(kg∙h) Milligrams per kilogram hour

mL Milliliter 

NAICS North American Industry Classification System

NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

OEL Occupational exposure limit

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

ppm Parts per million

PID Photoionization detector

REL Recommended exposure limit

RH Relative humidity

STEL Short-term exposure limit

TVOC Total volatile organic compound

TLV® Threshold limit value

TWA Time-weighted average

UV Ultraviolet

VOC Volatile organic compound 
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334 Page 1

Summary

In October 2017, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for 

Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the management of an 

ultraviolet cured-in-place pipe installer regarding styrene exposures at the worksites. The 

request sought to determine whether exposures were controlled using current practices and 

identify areas for improvement. We conducted an initial visit during February 5–6, 2018, 

and performed preliminary sampling at one site per day. We conducted a second visit during 

June 6–7, 2018, and performed additional sampling at one site per day. We monitored one 

installation each day. Both visits consisted of collecting personal breathing zone air samples 

for styrene. Both visits also consisted of area sampling for total volatile organic compounds 

and styrene using real-time monitors. During the second visit, we collected real-time total 

volatile organic compound exposures by placing monitors on employees. We collected bulk 

samples of cured pipe for styrene emissions testing.

One personal exposure during grinding a cured pipe was above the NIOSH short-term 

exposure limit of 100 parts per million when the manhole ventilation blower fan was not 

being used to provide dilution of air from outside the manhole. No personal exposures were 

above the NIOSH short-term exposure limit when the manhole ventilator blower fans were 

used. Area sampling results for total volatile organic compound and styrene emissions at 

the manhole face increased when cured-in-place pipe installation activities occurred in the 

manhole and demonstrated a reduction in measured styrene when manhole blower ventilators 

were used. 

Styrene was emitted from the uncured and cured resin. Emissions testing of the cured liner 

revealed emission factors that could cause styrene air concentrations to be in the parts per 

million range in manholes for sewers and storm water drains during cured-in-place pipe 

installation. For example, during grinding of the cured pipe, the surface area available for 

emissions increased, and the trapped styrene was released, leading to an increase in measured 

styrene exposures during this task. 

Dilution ventilation appeared to be effective at reducing personal exposures to below the 

NIOSH short-term exposure limit for styrene during the two cured-in-place pipe installation 

sampling events reported here. We recommend continued use of the manhole ventilation 

blower fans. We recommend additional sampling if employees report health symptoms 

associated with styrene exposure, such as excessive tiredness, changes in color vision, 

slowed reaction time, concentration problems, balance problems, feeling drunk, hearing loss, 

or respiratory symptoms. We also recommend additional sampling if work site conditions 

change in a way that could increase employee exposures to styrene such as changes to 

processes, materials, or work practices.

 

 
Page 2 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334

Introduction

In October 2017, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for 

Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the management of an 

ultraviolet (UV) cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) installer regarding styrene exposures at the 

worksites to determine whether exposures were controlled using current practices and 

identify areas for improvement. We conducted sampling during two site visits where we 

assessed personal task exposures to styrene, measured emissions of styrene and volatile 

organic compounds (VOCs), and collected bulk samples of cured liner. We conducted 

preliminary sampling during February 5–6, 2018, during installation of two sewer pipe 

repairs. In March 2018, we provided results from the preliminary sampling to the company. 

We conducted additional air sampling during June 6–7, 2018, during installation of two storm 

drain pipe repairs. In July 2018, we provided sampling results from the industrial hygiene 

survey to the company.

Background

CIPP

CIPP is a trenchless technology used to repair sanitary sewer, stormwater, and drinking water 

pipes. A flexible uncured resin-impregnated liner is inserted into a damaged pipe and then 

cured in place with hot water, steam, or ultraviolet light to a hard finish to assume the shape 

of the host pipe [NASTT 2015]. There are different types of resins used during the CIPP 

process, such as styrene-based polyester resin, non-styrene resin, vinyl ester resin, and epoxy 

resins [Goodman 1998]. The cured resin is what ensures a water-tight seal. Once hot water, 

steam, or UV light has cured the resin, it cools to a stable temperature and the pipe is ready 

for use. If lateral pipes off the repaired pipe are present, holes are cut in the repaired pipe 

walls for access to the lateral pipes. CIPP installation crews often work in confined spaces 

(e.g., manholes). Confined space entry permits are often required based on the operations and 

scope of work [OSHA 2018a]. 

Styrene

Styrene is a colorless liquid and VOC that occurs naturally in small amounts in certain plants 

and foods; styrene is commercially produced and used in the manufacture of reinforced 

plastics and synthetic rubbers [ATSDR 2010]. Work-related exposure to styrene occurs 

primarily by inhalation and skin contact; some health effects associated with styrene exposure 

are tiredness, changes in color vision, slowed reaction time, concentration problems, balance 

problems, feeling drunk, or hearing loss [ATSDR 2010; Campo et al. 2014; Estill et al. 2016]. 

Styrene exposure is also a potential risk factor for non-malignant respiratory disease among 

workers in industries using styrene [Nett et al. 2017]. Asthma and obliterative bronchiolitis 

cases have been reported among styrene-exposed workers [Culliman et al. 2013; Moscato et 

al. 1987]. In March 2018, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) changed 

the classification of styrene from possibly carcinogenic to humans to probably carcinogenic 

to humans based on limited evidence in humans and sufficient evidence in experimental 

animals for carcinogenicity [IARC Monographs Vol 121 Group]. 
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334 Page 3

Process Description

A schematic of the installation process is presented in Figure 1. The process starts when a 

repair order is received by the company. The company then places an order from the liner 

manufacturer, who produces the liner at a wet-out facility, where resin (greenish color) is 

embedded in the fiberglass liner. The liner has an inner film and a thicker outer film (plastic) 

that is heat-sealed, completely contains the liner, and controls styrene emissions. The liner is 

folded, placed in a plastic bag, and crated for delivery. At the installation site, the pipe that 

needs to be repaired might be cleaned with high-pressure water or by some other means. 

During the site visits, manhole entry was conducted according to permit-required confined 

space entry safety protocols including tie-offs to a safety harness attached to the bottom man 

and air monitoring for hazardous atmospheres such as oxygen deficiency in the manhole. 

The pipe was checked using a camera robot that pulls the first rope through the pipe before 

laying the liner. One end of the liner was secured by a rope used to pull the liner through 

the section of pipe in need of repair. Depending on the length of the repair, the liner can be 

pulled through the pipe by hand or using a third man winch. The liner was sometimes placed 

on a piece of plastic, called a slip sheet which lays on the bottom of the pipe. The slip sheet 

was coated with vegetable oil as a lubricant. The liner was pulled through the pipe, and each 

end was cut and taped by the bottom man, leaving approximately 26 inches of excess liner 

in place on each end to allow for the rest of the installation steps to be completed. The resin 

should not contact water as this negatively affects curing. If water contacts the resin, it turns 

from green to white. A device called a packer was attached to the blower side of the liner 

using ratchet straps. Air was blown through the liner to inflate it. The 14-foot light train was 

checked by firing all the UV bulbs before being placed in the liner on the cure side. A packer 

was installed after the light train was pulled to the opposite end (blower side). The packers do 

not make an air-tight seal. The setup was checked using a camera and then cured. The light 

train was hooked to a cable on a truck that pulls the train at a known speed depending on the 

pipe diameter and liner thickness. An operator monitored the curing in terms of pressure, 

temperature, and speed. The speed was slow at the beginning and end of the pipe to allow for 

curing of the ends but can be increased to a maximum proprietary speed at the center of the 

pipe. The excess cured pipe was cut using an angle grinder. Fast-setting concrete was used to 

smooth the pipe edges. The inner film was pulled out from the cured liner and the outer liner 

stays. The install was checked again with a camera and any lateral pipes sealed by the CIPP 

were cut using self-propelled or manual cutters (attached to ropes). Typical CIPP repairs are 

200 feet to 400 feet with the longest at approximately 950 feet.

Current Practices to Control Exposures

The company reported immediately bagging excess liner and contaminated gloves to help 

control exposures to styrene. The company also recommended their employees operate 

a ventilation blower fan during tasks requiring interaction with uncured or cured liner to 

provide ambient dilution air to the manholes.
Page 4 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334

Methods

The objectives of the investigation were to evaluate styrene exposures and emissions during 

CIPP installations and to identify tasks associated with higher exposure risks. Styrene 

was chosen as the target for sampling because it was the primary volatile component of 

the resin system associated with negative health effects from exposures. We monitored 

styrene exposures and emissions during CIPP installations during February 5–6, 2018, and 

again during June 6–7, 2018. Before the site visits, we reviewed safety data sheets and 

communicated with the company to learn about the installation process, work force, and 

current best practices for controlling exposures. We held opening and closing meetings with 

management and employees during both visits. 

During the initial visit in February 2018, we observed two CIPP installations in sewer pipes. 

The crew consisted of a project manager, a foreman, and four laborers including two bottom 

men and two top men. A bottom man entered the manhole on the cure side and the blower 

side. A top man assisted by handing them tools and supplies as needed. The cure truck was 

located adjacent to the cure side and contained the light train and cure monitoring equipment, 

which was controlled by an operator. The blower truck was located adjacent to the blower 

side and contained the liner and air supply equipment to inflate the liner. The service truck 

was located adjacent to the cure side and contained tools needed for the installation such 

as winches and cutters. The process at each installation site took approximately one day. 

The first installation occurred on the afternoon of February 5, 2018, during which an 8-inch 

diameter, 40-foot sewer line was repaired. The manholes were not ventilated. Manhole depth 

was 5.5 feet on the cure side and 3.5 feet on the blower side. The second installation occurred 

on the morning of February 6, 2018, during which an 8-inch diameter, 195-foot sewer line 

was repaired, and the manholes were ventilated with rescue ventilators rated at 722 cubic feet 

per minute of air with a 90° bend (Figure 2). The second repair was a connected section of 

the sewer line from the previous day. 

During the second visit in June 2018, we observed two CIPP installations in storm water 

pipes. The crew consisted of a foreman, seven laborers including two bottom men and two 

top men. A bottom man entered the manhole on the cure side and the blower side. A top man 

assisted them by handing tools and supplies as needed. The additional laborers provided 

support as needed. The cure truck was located adjacent to the cure side and contained 

the light train and cure monitoring equipment, which was controlled by an operator. The 

blower truck was located adjacent to the blower side and contained the liner and air supply 

equipment to inflate the liner. The service truck was located adjacent to the cure side and 

contained tools needed for the installation such as winches and cutters. The process at 

each installation site took approximately one day. The first installation occurred on June 6, 

2018, during which a 30-inch diameter, 94-foot storm drain line was repaired. The second 

installation occurred on June 7, 2018, during which a 3-foot diameter, 99-foot storm drain 

line was repaired. The manhole openings were approximately two feet wide and 13 feet deep 

with a five feet chamber diameter. The manholes were ventilated during sampling on both 

days with rescue ventilators rated at 709 cubic feet per minute of air with a 90° bend.
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334 Page 5

Personal Protective Equipment

During both visits, we observed the use of high visibility gear, shirts with minimum 3-inch 

sleeves, hard hats, steel-toed shoes, and safety goggles for all onsite employees. We observed 

bottom men using disposable Tyvek® protective coveralls with hoods, N95 disposable filtering 

facepiece respirators (during grinding), safety goggles, and disposable medical-grade nitrile 

gloves during grinding the cured pipe. We noted facial hair on employees that reduced the 

effectiveness of the N95 disposable respirators. We observed considerable noise levels 

coming from the compressor blower on the blower truck during inflation of the liner. We did 

not measure the sound levels. The health and safety officer for the company reported that the 

operator of the compressor truck uses ear muffs, and employees within 25 feet of the truck 

use ear plugs. 

Styrene Air Sampling and Analysis Using Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration (OSHA) Method ORG-89

We collected personal air samples for styrene and divinylbenzene on coconut shell charcoal 

tubes coated with 4-tert-butylcatechol using Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

(OSHA) Method ORG-89 [OSHA 1991]. Divinylbenzene was not an expected emission 

from the process, but we were able to assess divinylbenzene air concentrations using this 

technique. Samples were collected at 50 milliliters per minute. Pumps were calibrated before 

and after sampling with the average flow rate used for calculating air concentrations. Samples 

were desorbed in 1 mL of toluene for 30 minutes with occasional shaking and analyzed by 

Maxxam Laboratories in Novi, MI. The limits of detection (LODs) were 0.9 micrograms (μg) 

for styrene and 1.0 μg for divinylbenzene. The limits of quantitation were 3.0 μg for styrene 

and 7.9 μg for divinylbenzene. Samples were not analyzed for divinylbenzene on the second 

visit (June 2018) as no divinylbenzene was measured above the detection limit on the first 

visit (February 2018). In February 2018, we collected 15 personal task air samples. In June 

2018, we collected 39 personal task air samples. We did not collect full-shift air samples 

because the majority of the employees’ shift was spent outside the manhole, away from 

sources of styrene emissions.

The sampling strategy for these task-based samples was not designed for comparison to 

exposure limits, but when the samples were collected for 15 minutes, we directly compared 

them to applicable occupational exposure limits to determine whether they had been 

exceeded. We collected short-term samples during assumed higher-level styrene exposure 

tasks including (1) cutting and taping the uncured liner, (2) installing the light train and 

packers, and (3) grinding the cured pipe. These tasks require the bottom man to be present 

in the manhole and the top man to be at the top of the manhole to assist. During preliminary 

sampling in February 2018, air samples were collected for the entire duration of tasks 

requiring the bottom man to be in the manhole. In June 2018, sampling for the task “grinding 

cured pipe” was sometimes divided into three components: pre-grinding, grinding, and postgrinding. The sampling was divided to identify the worst-case, maximum styrene exposures 

during this task. 

Area Air Sampling and Analysis Using Evacuated Canisters

We collected instantaneous area air samples for VOCs using evacuated canisters. The 
Page 6 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334

evacuated canister sampling setup consisted of a 450-mL evacuated canister equipped 

with an instantaneous flow controller designed for a short sampling duration (less than 

30 seconds). Instantaneous samples were taken by opening the evacuated canister to grab 

a sample of air at the face of the manhole to identify fugitive emissions from the liner 

installation process. 

The canister air samples were analyzed using a pre-concentrator/gas chromatograph/mass 

spectrometer system [NIOSH 2018], with the addition of acetaldehyde, acetonitrile, and 

styrene to the list of quantified compounds. The LOD was 0.0008 parts per million (ppm) 

for styrene based on a 1.5-times dilution factor, which is typical for instantaneous samples. 

However, LODs are dependent on the pressure inside each canister after the samples have 

been collected, and they can be higher or lower than typical values. 

Real-time Air Sampling

Handheld photoionization detectors (PID; Tiger®, Ion Science Ltd, Cambridge, UK) were 

used to measure concentrations of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) in the air at the 

face of the manholes for both visits. This detector is non-specific, responding to chemicals 

with ionization potentials below the energy of the lamp (10.6 electron volts). The detection 

range of the Tiger is 0.001 ppm to 20,000 ppm (isobutylene). A Fourier transform infrared 

spectrometer (FTIR; DX4040, Gasmet Technologies, Inc., Toronto, Ontario) was also used 

to measure real-time styrene air concentrations at the face of the manhole for both visits. 

The detection range of the FTIR for styrene was 0.16 ppm to 200 ppm. A background FTIR 

spectrum was collected daily with zero grade nitrogen. During the second visit, personal 

PID monitors (CUB, Ion Science Ltd) were used to measure time-resolved peak TVOC 

exposures on the bottom man and top man. The detection range for the CUB was 0.001 ppm 

to 5,000 ppm (isobutylene). The PIDs were calibrated daily onsite with zero air and 10 ppm 

isobutylene for the Tigers and 100 ppm for the CUBs. CUB and Tiger instrument responses 

were converted to styrene using the manufacturer’s response factor (0.45). Temperature 

and relative humidity (RH) were monitored using Extech Hygro-Thermometer pens (FLIR, 

Nashua, NH).

Headspace and Emissions Testing of Cured Pipe Liner

We collected two bulk samples of cured pipe liner from the initial visit, one from each 

day. We collected one bulk sample from the first day of the second visit. All samples were 

stored at room temperature in multiple layers of polyethylene bags. Headspace analysis 

was performed on the two bulk samples from the initial visit. For headspace analysis, 

we transferred approximately one gram of solid bulk material into a sealed 40-mL amber 

volatile organic analysis vial and let it rest for 24 hours at room temperature (70°F) in the 

laboratory. Then 2 mL of headspace air was transferred to a 450-mL canister and pressurized 

to approximately 1.5 times atmospheric pressure. Using the canister analysis system, the 

concentrations were calculated in ppm of analytes in the headspace as an indicator of 

emission potential. 

VOC emissions testing was performed on one sample from each visit. Bulk #2 from the first 

visit was tested twice. The first test was performed 38 days after collection. The second test 
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334 Page 7

was performed 157 days after collection. Bulk #3 from the second visit was tested once, 48 

days after collection. Approximately one gram of solid bulk material was transferred into 

a VOC emissions testing system (μ-CTETM Micro-chamber/Thermal ExtractorTM, Markes 

International, Inc., Sacramento, CA) and flowed 54% relative humidity (RH) air at 40 

milliliters per minute with the chamber temperature conditioned to 25°C. VOC samples were 

collected on multi-bed thermal desorption tubes (Universal Tubes, Markes International, Inc.) 

for one minute at increasing time intervals (i.e., five measurements at two minute intervals, 

six measurements at five minute intervals, five measurements at ten minute intervals, and 

two measurements at 15 minute intervals) for two hours. Background VOCs were measured 

for 19 minutes from the chamber air flow before introduction of the sample. Thermal 

desorption tube samples were analyzed in the Respiratory Health Division’s Organics 

Laboratory (NIOSH, Morgantown, WV) using an Ultra-xr/Unity-xr analysis system (Markes 

International, Inc.). Emission factors were calculated based on the mass of material tested, 

the air flow rate, and the testing chamber volume.

Exposure Limits

We use mandatory (legally enforceable) and recommended occupational exposure limits 

(OELs) when evaluating workplace hazards. OELs have been developed by federal agencies 

and safety and health organizations to prevent adverse health effects from workplace 

exposures.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) [Mandatory]

The U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA ceiling limits are legal limits that are enforceable 

in workplaces covered under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. OSHA permissible 

exposure limits represent the legal maximum for a time-weighted average (TWA) exposure 

to a physical or chemical agent over a work shift [OSHA 2017]. OSHA short-term exposure 

limits (STELs) are the legal maximum average exposure for a 15-minute time period. Some 

chemicals also have an OSHA ceiling value that represent levels that must not be exceeded at 

any time. For styrene, the OSHA TWA is 100 ppm, and the OSHA ceiling value is 200 ppm 

[OSHA 2018b]. OSHA does not have exposure limits for divinylbenzene.

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) [Recommended]

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) is a professional, 

not-for-profit scientific association that reviews existing published, peer-reviewed 

scientific literature and publishes recommendations for levels of substances in air. These 

recommendations are called threshold limit values (TLVs®) [2018a]. ACGIH TLVs are 

not standards; they are health-based guidelines derived from scientific and toxicological 

information. ACGIH provides TLV-TWA guidelines that are levels that should not be 

exceeded during any 8-hour workday of a 40- hour workweek. ACGIH also provides TLVSTEL guidelines that are 15-minute exposure levels that should not be exceeded during a 

workday. For styrene, the ACGIH TLV is 20 ppm, and the ACGIH TLV-STEL is 40 ppm 

[ACGIH 2018a]. Styrene TLVs are currently under review with a proposed reduction in the 

exposure limits and modification to the notations (See Notice of Intended Changes) [ACGIH 

2018b]. For divinylbenzene, ACGIH TLV is 10 ppm; ACGIH does not have a TLV-STEL for 

divinylbenzene. 
Page 8 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) [Recommended]

NIOSH provides recommended exposure limits (RELs) as TWA concentrations that should 

not be exceeded over an 8 or 10-hour work shift, during a 40-hour workweek [NIOSH 2010]. 

RELs are intended to be protective over a 45-year working lifetime. NIOSH also provides 

STELs that are 15-minute TWAs. For some chemicals, NIOSH has Immediately Dangerous 

to Life or Health (IDLH) values. An IDLH value is a concentration of an air contaminant that 

can cause death or immediate or delayed permanent adverse health effects, or prevent escape 

from such an environment. For styrene, the NIOSH REL is 50 ppm, the NIOSH STEL is 100 

ppm, and the IDLH is 700 ppm. For divinylbenzene, the NIOSH REL is 10 ppm. NIOSH 

does not have a STEL for divinylbenzene. 

Statistical Analysis 

We performed analyses using Excel (Microsoft®, Redmond, WA), JMP version 12 (SAS 

Institute Inc., Cary, NC), and SAS version 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc.). When the measured 

values presented in the report are from samples below the LODs they are denoted by a “<” 

symbol.

Results

Styrene Air Sampling and Analysis Using Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration (OSHA) Method ORG-89

For February 2018 sampling, pump flow rates decreased by no more than 10.6% and 

increased by no more than 7.1%. Changes in pump flow rate did not substantially affect 

results or interpretation of results as the sampling durations were short. Temperature and RH 

ranged from 38°F to 56°F and 42% RH to 54% RH on February 5, 2018 and 35°F to 43°F 

and 76% RH to 63% RH on February 6, 2018. Styrene personal task air sampling results 

for CIPP sewer liner installation in February 2018 are presented in Table 1. Measurable 

concentrations of styrene when working in the manhole (bottom man) ranged from less than 

0.2 ppm to 140 ppm. All styrene measurements collected on employees working outside 

the manhole (top man) were below the detection limit of 0.3 ppm. Ventilating the manholes 

during the second day (February 6, 2018) generally reduced personal exposures to styrene 

except for grinding the cured pipe on the blower side. Only one task exposure exceeded the 

NIOSH STEL of 100 ppm. This exposure was 140 ppm, which is below the OSHA ceiling of 

200 ppm, and occurred on the first day in the manhole on the cure side during grinding the 

cured pipe. All divinylbenzene results were less than 0.4 ppm, which is below the limit of 

detection for the analysis. 

For June 2018 sampling, pump flow rates changed by more than 5% for 29 of 39 samples 

collected, but the resultant change in air volume collected did not substantially affect the 

reported results or the interpretation of the results as the sampling durations were short. For 

example, the reported styrene air concentration for the 28.3% drop in flow rate would be 1.2 

ppm versus 1.0 ppm when the average flow rate is used. Temperature and RH ranged from 

70°F to 74°F and 50% RH to 57% RH on June 6, 2018, and 69°F to 79°F and 49% RH to 
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334 Page 9

62% RH on June 7, 2018. Styrene personal task air sampling results for CIPP storm water 

liner installation in June 2018 are presented in Table 1. Bottom man task exposures to styrene 

ranged from 0.6 ppm to 33.5 ppm. The tasks of cutting and taping the liner and grinding the 

cured pipe had the two highest exposures at 31.3 ppm and 33.5 ppm, respectively. The task 

of pre-grinding the cured pipe on the blower side (June 7, 2018) had a measured styrene 

concentration of 23.7 ppm that might have been influenced by two minutes of grinding. The 

task of grinding the cured pipe was higher on the blower side than the cure side. Top man 

task exposures to styrene were generally lower than bottom man exposures. Top man task 

exposures ranged from less than 0.1 ppm to 2.7 ppm. All measured exposures were less than 

the NIOSH STEL of 100 ppm. 

Air Sampling and Analysis Using Evacuated Canisters

Area styrene air concentrations at the manhole face are presented in Table 3 for both 

visits. The manhole was only ventilated on February 5, 2018. Instantaneous styrene air 

concentrations collected during the task of grinding the cured pipe on the cure side were 

reduced from 51.2 ppm to 47.3 ppm when the ventilator was used. Styrene air concentrations 

during the cutting and taping the liner on the cure side was reduced from 5.8 ppm to 4.1 ppm 

when the ventilator was used. For the second visit, styrene air concentrations at the manhole 

face ranged from 0.1 ppm to 40.8 ppm. The maximum value occurred during the grinding 

the cured pipe. The minimum value occurred during two tasks: installing the packers 

and grinding the cured pipe. The minimum occurring during grinding the cured pipe was 

surprising given the task and the associated bottom man tube measurements at 33.5 ppm, but 

this might have been a result of when the instantaneous sample was collected in relation to 

when the grinding occurred. 

Real-time Air Sampling

FTIR styrene air concentrations at the manhole face correlated well with activities and 

processes occurring in the manhole. “Cutting/Taping Liner and Installing Packer” task 

occurred between 2:51 and 3:09. Figure 3A depicts an example of this relation for the blower 

side on February 5, 2018, where styrene air concentrations were observed to increase to 

4.2 ppm during “Cutting/Taping Liner and Installing Packer” compared with the same task 

with a ventilator blowing ambient air into the manhole where styrene air concentrations 

peaked at 1.1 ppm (Figure 3B). FTIR styrene air concentration began to increase during the 

process of “Curing,” during which time employees were not present in the manhole but was 

depressed when comparing ventilated to non-ventilated curves. Styrene air concentrations 

were higher for “Grinding Cured Pipe” on the blower side than “Cutting/Taping Liner and 

Installing Packer” for both days, which is consistent with styrene sorbent tube sampling 

results (Table 1). Comparing grinding between days, styrene air concentrations only briefly 

reached a valley of 4.0 ppm between curing and grinding on the first day and were below 2.0 

ppm before grinding on the second day. Styrene concentrations rapidly increased to 24.0 ppm 

during grinding on the first day (Figure 3A) and increased to 21.0 ppm on the second day 

(Figure 3B), and rapidly decreased to below 2.0 ppm within minutes after grinding on both 

days. 

As with the FTIR styrene measurements, PID TVOC air concentrations at the manhole face 
Page 10 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334

correlated well with activities and processes occurring in the manhole. Figure 4 depicts an 

example of this relation for the blower side on June 7, 2018. Multiple TVOC peaks up to 50 

ppm styrene adjusted were observed for “Cutting/Taping Liner.” Once the end was taped, 

TVOC air concentrations were much lower (no more than 10 ppm) for “Installing Packer.” 

Employees were not present in the manhole on the blower side during “Feeding Light Train 

from Cure Side” or “Curing.” Both durations for these activities are approximate. All the 

grinding tasks had multiple transient peak concentrations with the highest measured peak 

concentration at 177 ppm during “Grinding Cured Pipe.”

Bottom man personal sampling of TVOC (styrene adjusted) exposures revealed peak 

exposures up to 140 ppm (Figure 5). The exposure pattern correlated well with task activity 

and proximity to cured and uncured liner material. 

VOC Emissions Testing of Cured Pipe Liner

Styrene was emitted from the cured material of bulk #1 (June 5, 2018) and bulk #2 (June 6, 

2018) during headspace analysis. Bulk #1 had a headspace styrene concentration of 1,300 

ppm per gram. Bulk #2 had a headspace styrene concentration of 5,100 ppm per gram. Bulk 

#3 was not tested.

For VOC emissions testing, background chamber styrene concentrations were not detected or 

less than 0.07% of the measured test concentrations at each time point. Maximum emission 

factors were 500 mg/(kg∙h) and 750 mg/(kg∙h) for Bulk #2 and 850 mg/(kg∙h) for Bulk #3. 

Bulk #1 was not tested.

Discussion 

CIPP is a pipe repair method for sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and drinking water pipes 

increasingly used in the United States [Whelton et al. 2017]. The CIPP method involves 

inserting an uncured resin-impregnated liner into a damaged pipe and curing it in place with 

hot water, steam, or UV light. During this evaluation, UV was used as the curing method. 

Styrene air concentration emissions from hot water and steam CIPP curing methods are likely 

different leading to varied employee exposures. 

We measured styrene exposures and emissions during installation of CIPP liners. One 

personal exposure during grinding the cured pipe was above the NIOSH STEL of 100 ppm 

when the manhole ventilator blower was not being used to provide dilution air from outside 

the manhole. No personal exposures were above the NIOSH STEL when the manhole 

ventilator blowers were used. 

Styrene was emitted from the uncured and cured resin. The emissions from cured resin were 

likely caused by small amounts of unreacted, residual styrene. Levels of styrene detected in 

headspaces within enclosed, unventilated vials containing cured liner were much higher than 

those that would be expected to be present in manholes where the liner is installed. Many 

factors might affect air concentrations of styrene in manholes, including the amount of liner 
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334 Page 11

material present, manhole dimensions, engineering controls used such as dilution ventilation, 

and administrative controls such as removing and containing excess cured liner. The levels 

of styrene detected during emissions testing of cured liner are higher than would be expected 

under normal installation conditions caused by higher air exchange rates in the laboratory 

test chambers and larger exposed surface area of the edges. Residual styrene in milligram 

quantities might be trapped in the cured resin and slowly released from the exposed surface. 

Emissions testing of the cured liner revealed emission factors that could produce parts per 

million range air concentrations in the manholes for sewers and storm water drains observed 

during our investigation. During grinding of the cured pipe, the surface area available for 

emissions increases, and the trapped styrene was likely released leading to an increase in 

measured exposures during this task. 

Dilution ventilation appeared to be effective at reducing personal exposures to below the 

NIOSH STEL for styrene during the two CIPP installation sampling events reported here. 

We recommend continued use of manhole ventilation blowers. We recommend additional 

sampling if employees report health symptoms associated with styrene exposure, such 

as upper respiratory tract irritation, central and peripheral nervous system effects, high 

frequency hearing loss, and deficits in color vision. We also recommend additional sampling 

if work site conditions change in a way that could increase employee exposures to styrene 

such as changes to processes, materials, or work practices.

We did not specifically test for exposures to additional chemicals. Evacuated canisters used 

to collect instantaneous estimates of styrene air emission can also be used to measure other 

VOCs. Styrene overwhelmed these samples and made them ineffectual at identifying other 

VOCs. Additional chemicals are present in the resin system as components to thicken the 

resin or facilitate curing. Chemical breakdown products might also be present in emissions. 

Some of these additional chemicals have been identified in emissions from UV-cured CIPP 

installations [Li et al. 2018]. 

Conclusions 

Installation of CIPP liners measured during this evaluation emitted styrene. We identified 

work tasks that might pose an occupational exposure risk to emitted styrene. These risks 

were reduced by operating manhole ventilating blower units during the following tasks: 

cutting and taping liners, installing packers, installing light trains, and grinding cured 

pipes. Work processes implemented by the company before our visit were also likely 

effective at minimizing styrene emissions. These processes included bagging excess liner 

immediately and changing gloves regularly when they come into contact with liner resin. 

Recommendations are made to protect respiratory health by reducing employee exposures to 

as low as reasonably achievable. 

Recommendations 

On the basis of our findings, we recommend the actions listed below. We encourage the CIPP 
Page 12 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334

installer to use a labor-management health and safety committee or working group to discuss 

our recommendations and develop an action plan. Those involved in the work can best set 

priorities and assess the feasibility of our recommendations for the specific situation at the 

CIPP installer. We recommend additional sampling for styrene personal exposures if the 

installation process or materials change, or you expect the styrene air concentrations have 

increased for any reason. 

Our recommendations are based on an approach known as the hierarchy of controls. This 

approach groups actions by their likely effectiveness in reducing or removing hazards. In 

most cases, the preferred approach is to eliminate hazardous materials or processes and 

install engineering controls to reduce exposure or shield employees. Until such controls 

are in place, or if they are not effective or feasible, administrative measures and personal 

protective equipment might be needed. 

Engineering Controls

Engineering controls reduce employees’ exposures by removing the hazard from the process 

or by placing a barrier between the hazard and the employee. Engineering controls protect 

employees effectively without placing primary responsibility of implementation on the 

employee. 

1. Continue to ventilate the manholes at all times during the tasks where employees 

might be exposed to uncured or cured liners including cutting and taping liners, 

installing packers, installing light trains, and grinding cured pipes.

2. Ensure the manhole ventilator flexible duct only has one 90° bend at the point of entry 

into the manhole.

Administrative Controls

The term administrative controls refers to employer-dictated work practices and policies 

to reduce or prevent hazardous exposures. Their effectiveness depends on employer 

commitment and employee acceptance. Regular monitoring and reinforcement are necessary 

to ensure that policies and procedures are followed consistently.

1. Continue to remove and contain excess liner immediately and change gloves regularly 

when they come into contact with liner resin.

2. Encourage bottom men to take breaks out of the manhole when needed.

3. As needed, conduct noise surveys by the compressor truck to ensure the level of 

hearing protection used by employees near the compressor blower is appropriate. 

4. Ensure employees understand potential hazards (e.g., styrene, confined space, noise) 

in the workplace and how to protect themselves. OSHA’s Hazard Communication 

Standard, also known as the “Right to Know Law” [29 CFR 1910.1200] requires that 

employees are informed and trained on potential work hazards and associated safe 

practices, procedures, and protective measures.
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334 Page 13

5. Employees should report new, persistent, or worsening symptoms (such as tiredness, 

changes in color vision, slowed reaction time, concentration problems, balance 

problems, feeling drunk, hearing loss, shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, chest 

tightness) to their personal healthcare providers and to a designated individual at this 

workplace. Employees with new, persistent, or worsening symptoms should share this 

report with their healthcare providers.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment is the least effective means for controlling hazardous 

exposures. Proper use of personal protective equipment requires a comprehensive program 

and a high level of employee involvement and commitment. The right personal protective 

equipment must be chosen for each hazard. Supporting programs such as training, change-out 

schedules, and medical assessment might be needed. Personal protective equipment should 

not be the sole method for controlling hazardous exposures. Rather, personal protective 

equipment should be used until effective engineering and administrative controls are in place.

1. Provide NIOSH-certified respirators fitted with organic vapor cartridges to protect 

against styrene if employees experience respiratory irritation, or additional sampling 

shows personal short-term exposures in excess of 100 ppm styrene. An assigned 

protection factors (APF) is the level of respiratory protection that a respirator is 

expected to provide when used appropriately. Hood powered air-purifying respirators 

have an APF of 25 meaning the styrene short-term air concentrations might be up 

to 2,500 ppm (100 ppm 25), and an employee can be expected to be protected in 

this environment when wearing the respirator. Advantages of the loose-fitting hood 

powered air-purifying respirators are employees might have facial hair, they provide 

air flow over the face which might assist with combating thermal stress, and they 

do not require fit testing. Annual training and a respiratory protection program are 

required. The OSHA APFs can be found in Table 1 of OSHA Respiratory Protection 

Standard at https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_

table=STANDARDS&p_id=12716. 

 If mandatory respiratory protection is used, a written respiratory protection program 

is required by the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (CFR 29 1910.134), or the 

equivalent state standard in states with Federal OSHA-approved State Occupational 

Safety and Health plans. 

2. Please be aware that N95 disposable filtering facepiece respirators are not protective 

against styrene. In cases of dual exposure to dust and styrene, NIOSH-certified organic 

vapor cartridges (for styrene) and particulate cartridges/filters (for the dust) would 

be warranted. If voluntary N95 disposable filtering facepiece respirators are used 

for dust exposure ensure potential N95 users receive a copy of Appendix D of the 

OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (or equivalent State OSHA Agency document) 

(https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.134AppD).
Page 14 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334

Information about Appendix D and voluntary use of respirators can be found on the 

OSHA website at https://www.osha.gov/video/respiratory_protection/voluntaryuse_

transcript.html. 

Smoking Cessation Program

Prevention of smoking-related lung disease is important and makes the detection of workrelated adverse effects easier. We recommend implementing a smoking cessation program 

to assist employees to stop smoking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers 

tools and resources for setting up a smoking cessation program [CDC 2018].
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334 Page 15

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Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334 Page 17 Table 1. Personal task measurements for styrene using OSHA method ORG-89, February 2018 Sampling Duration (min) ene Styr (ppm) Ventilator Used Task Name itleJob T Location Sample Date 2/5/2018 BLOWER SIDE BOTTOM MAN CUTTING/TAPING LINER AND INSTALLING PACKER No 6.9 18 2/6/2018 BLOWER SIDE BOTTOM MAN CUTTING/TAPING LINER AND INSTALLING PACKER Yes 1.2 25 2/5/2018 BLOWER SIDE BOTTOM MAN PULLING LINE No (0.5) 15 2/5/2018 BLOWER SIDE BOTTOM MAN GRINDING CURED PIPE No 51.4 21 2/6/2018 BLOWER SIDE BOTTOM MAN GRINDING CURED PIPE Yes 51.6 29 2/5/2018 CURE SIDE BOTTOM MAN CUTTING/TAPING LINER No 17.2 11 2/6/2018 CURE SIDE BOTTOM MAN CUTTING/TAPING LINER Yes 0.73 36 2/5/2018 CURE SIDE BOTTOM MAN INSTALLING LIGHT TRAIN AND PACKER No (0.8) 14 2/6/2018 CURE SIDE BOTTOM MAN INSTALLING LIGHT TRAIN AND PACKER Yes <0.2 19 2/5/2018 CURE SIDE BOTTOM MAN GRINDING CURED PIPE No 140 15 2/6/2018 CURE SIDE BOTTOM MAN GRINDING CURED PIPE Yes 17.6 15 2/6/2018 BLOWER SIDE TOP MAN ASSISTING WITH CUTTING/TAPING LINER AND INSTALLING PACKER Yes <0.2 23 2/6/2018 BLOWER SIDE TOP MAN ASSISTING WITH GRINDING CURED PIPE Yes <0.2 29 2/6/2018 CURE SIDE TOP MAN ASSISTING WITH CUTTING/TAPING LINER Yes <0.1 33 2/6/2018 CURE SIDE TOP MAN ASSISTING WITH GRINDING CURED PIPE Yes <0.3 15 Note: OSHA=Occupational Safety and Health Administration, ppm=parts per million, min=minutes, < indicates a value below the detection limit, ( ) indicates a value between the detection limit and quantitation limit.

Appendix A: Tables
Page 18 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334

Table 2. Personal task measurements for styrene using OSHA method ORG-89 with manhole 

ventilated, June 2018 

Sampling Styrene Date Location Job Title Task Name Duration (ppm) (min)

6/6/2018 BLOWER SIDE BOTTOM MAN CUTTING AND TAPING LINER 31.3 30

6/6/2018 BLOWER SIDE BOTTOM MAN GRINDING CURED PIPE 33.5 68

6/6/2018 BLOWER SIDE BOTTOM MAN INSTALLING PACKER 3.8 55

6/6/2018 BLOWER SIDE BOTTOM MAN LEAK CHECKING PACKER BEFORE 

CURING 3.2 22

6/6/2018 BLOWER SIDE BOTTOM MAN TAPPING CURED PIPE (1.9) 4

6/6/2018 BLOWER SIDE TOP MAN ASSISTING WITH CUTTING AND 

TAPING LINER (0.3) 32

6/6/2018 BLOWER SIDE TOP MAN ASSISTING WITH GRINDING 

CURED PIPE 1.7 67

6/6/2018 BLOWER SIDE TOP MAN ASSISTING WITH INSTALLING 

PACKER (0.2) 40

6/6/2018 BLOWER SIDE TOP MAN ASSISTING WITH LEAK CHECKING 

PACKER BEFORE CURING <0.2 24

6/6/2018 CURE SIDE BOTTOM MAN POST-GRINDING CURED PIPE (0.6) 14

6/6/2018 CURE SIDE BOTTOM MAN CUTTING AND TAPING LINER 27.1 30

6/6/2018 CURE SIDE BOTTOM MAN GRINDING CURED PIPE 7.9 20

6/6/2018 CURE SIDE BOTTOM MAN INSTALLING LIGHT TRAIN AND 

PACKER 3.3 64

6/6/2018 CURE SIDE BOTTOM MAN PRE-GRINDING CURED PIPE 7.7 29

6/6/2018 CURE SIDE TOP MAN ASSISTING WITH CUTTING AND 

TAPING LINER <0.1 30

6/6/2018 CURE SIDE TOP MAN ASSISTING WITH INSTALLING 

LIGHT TRAIN AND PACKER <0.1 55

6/6/2018 CURE SIDE TOP MAN ASSISTING WITH GRINDING 

CURED PIPE 0.2 64

6/7/2018 BLOWER SIDE BOTTOM MAN CUTTING AND TAPING LINER 10.6 34
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334 Page 19

Date Location Job Title Task Name Styrene 

(ppm)

Sampling 

Duration 

(min)

6/7/2018 BLOWER SIDE BOTTOM MAN GRINDING CURED PIPE 29.2 25

6/7/2018 BLOWER SIDE BOTTOM MAN INSTALLING PACKER 1.3 77

6/7/2018 BLOWER SIDE BOTTOM MAN POST-GRINDING CURED PIPE 8.5 27

6/7/2018 BLOWER SIDE BOTTOM MAN PRE-GRINDING CURED PIPE 23.7 22

6/7/2018 BLOWER SIDE BOTTOM MAN TAPPING CURED PIPE 5.6 6

6/7/2018 BLOWER SIDE TOP MAN ASSISTING WITH CUTTING AND 

TAPING LINER 1.0 34

6/7/2018 BLOWER SIDE TOP MAN ASSISTING WITH GRINDING 

CURED PIPE 2.7 68

6/7/2018 BLOWER SIDE TOP MAN ASSISTING WITH INSTALLING 

PACKER (0.1) 76

6/7/2018 BLOWER SIDE TOP MAN ASSISTING WITH TAPPING CURED 

PIPE (1.0) 5

6/7/2018 CURE SIDE BOTTOM MAN CUTTING AND TAPING LINER 31.0 61

6/7/2018 CURE SIDE BOTTOM MAN GRINDING CURED PIPE 18.5 33

6/7/2018 CURE SIDE BOTTOM MAN INSTALLING PACKER 1.5 73

6/7/2018 CURE SIDE BOTTOM MAN INSTALLING PACKER 5.0 31

6/7/2018 CURE SIDE BOTTOM MAN PRE-GRINDING CURED PIPE 5.1 31

6/7/2018 CURE SIDE BOTTOM MAN INSTALLING PACKER 2.9 27

6/7/2018 CURE SIDE BOTTOM MAN INSTALLING PACKER 0.9 47

6/7/2018 CURE SIDE BOTTOM MAN POST-GRINDING CURED PIPE 4.8 15

6/7/2018 CURE SIDE TOP MAN ASSISTING WITH CUTTING AND 

TAPING LINER 1.1 62

Table 2 (cont). Personal task measurements for styrene using OSHA method ORG-89 with manhole 

ventilated, June 2018 
Page 20 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334

Date Location Job Title Task Name Styrene 

(ppm)

Sampling 

Duration 

(min)

6/7/2018 CURE SIDE TOP MAN ASSISTING WITH INSTALLING 

PACKER (0.1) 107

6/7/2018 CURE SIDE TOP MAN ASSISTING WITH PRE-GRINDING 

CURED PIPE (0.2) 63

6/7/2018 CURE SIDE TOP MAN ASSISTING WITH TAPING LINER (0.3) 16

Note: OSHA=Occupational Safety and Health Administration, ppm=parts per million, min=minutes, < indicates a 

value below the detection limit, ( ) indicates a value between the detection limit and quantitation limit.

Table 2 (cont). Personal task measurements for styrene using OSHA method ORG-89 with manhole 

ventilated, June 2018
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334 Page 21

Table 3. Area styrene air concentrations at manhole face using instantaneous evacuated canisters, 

February and June 2018

Styrene Date Location Task Name (ppm)

2/5/2018* BLOWER SIDE CUTTING AND TAPING LINER AND INSTALLING PACKER 6.9

2/5/2018* CURE SIDE CUTTING AND TAPING LINER 5.8

2/5/2018* CURE SIDE INSTALLING LIGHT TRAIN AND PACKER 0.4

2/5/2018* CURE SIDE GRINDING CURED PIPE 51.2

2/6/2018 CURE SIDE CUTTING AND TAPING LINER 4.1

2/6/2018 CURE SIDE INSTALLING LIGHT TRAIN AND PACKER 0.1

2/6/2018 CURE SIDE GRINDING CURED PIPE 47.3

2/6/2018 BLOWER SIDE BEFORE GRINDING CURED PIPE 2.4

2/6/2018 BLOWER SIDE GRINDING CURED PIPE 31.7

6/6/2018 CURE SIDE CUTTING AND TAPING LINER 1.8

6/6/2018 CURE SIDE INSTALLING LIGHT TRAIN AND PACKER 4.9

6/6/2018 CURE SIDE GRINDING CURED PIPE 1.0

6/6/2018 BLOWER SIDE CUTTING AND TAPING LINER 16.6

6/6/2018 BLOWER SIDE INSTALLING PACKER 0.1

6/6/2018 BLOWER SIDE LEAK CHECKING PACKER BEFORE CURING 7.8

6/6/2018 BLOWER SIDE GRINDING CURED PIPE 0.1

6/7/2018 CURE SIDE GRINDING CURED PIPE 20.8

6/7/2018 BLOWER SIDE CUTTING AND TAPING LINER 5.1

6/7/2018 BLOWER SIDE INSTALLING PACKER 0.9

6/7/2018 BLOWER SIDE GRINDING CURED PIPE 40.8

6/7/2018 BLOWER SIDE POST-GRINDING CURED PIPE 7.5

Note: ppm=parts per million.

*Ventilator was only used on 2/5/2018.
Page 22 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334

Appendix B: Figures

Figure 1. Schematic of ultraviolet cured-in-place pipe installation. Note: Bottom men wear 

safety harnesses attached to a personnel winch on the tripod above the manhole. Bottom men 

are not in the manhole during curing.
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334 Page 23

Figure 2. Manhole ventilation blower used to provide dilution ventilation to manhole during 

CIPP installation tasks, February 6, 2018.
Page 24 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334

Figure 3. FTIR styrene air concentrations at the manhole face on the blower side (A) without 

ventilator running on February 5, 2018 and (B) with ventilator running on February 6, 2018.

uary 6, 2018. 

A 

B 
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334 Page 25

Figure 4. Total volatile organic compound (TVOC; styrene adjusted) air concentrations at the 

manhole face on the blower side with ventilator running, June 7, 2018.

Figure 5. Bottom man personal exposures to total volatile organic compounds (TVOC; 

styrene adjusted) during installation of 30-inch, 94-foot section of storm water pipe liner on 

June 6, 2018.
Page 26 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334

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Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334 Page 27

Keywords: NAICS 237110 (Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures), Virginia, curedin-place pipe (CIPP), styrene, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), trenchless technology, 

confined space
Page 28 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0009-3334

The Health Hazard Evaluation Program investigates possible health hazards in the workplace 

under the authority of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. § 669(a)

(6)). The Health Hazard Evaluation Program also provides, upon request, technical assistance 

to federal, state, and local agencies to investigate occupational health hazards and to prevent 

occupational disease or injury. Regulations guiding the Program can be found in Title 42, Code 

of Federal Regulations, Part 85; Requests for Health Hazard Evaluations (42 CFR Part 85).

Disclaimer 

The recommendations in this report are made on the basis of the findings at the workplace 

evaluated and might not be applicable to other workplaces.

Mention of any company or product in this report does not constitute endorsement by the 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Citations to Web sites external to NIOSH do not constitute NIOSH endorsement of the 

sponsoring organizations or their programs or products. NIOSH is not responsible for the 

content of these Web sites. All Web addresses referenced in this document were accessible as 

of the publication date.

Acknowledgments

Desktop Publisher: Tia McClelland

Availability of Report

Copies of this report have been sent to the employer and employees at the facility. The 

state and local health department and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

Regional Office have also received a copy. This report is not copyrighted and may be freely 

reproduced.

This report is available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2018-0009-3334.pdf.

All other HHE Reports can be found at http://www2a.cdc.gov/hhe/search.asp.

Recommended citation for this report:

NIOSH [2019]. Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposures 

to styrene during ultraviolet cured-in-place-pipe installation. By LeBouf 

RF, Burns DA. Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute 

for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH HHE Report No. 2018-0009-

3334. 
To receive documents or other information about

occupational safety and health topics, contact NIOSH

Telephone: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)

TTY: 1-888-232-6348

email: cdcinfo@cdc.gov

or visit the NIOSH website at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh

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