In-depth survey report: high-velocity low-volume exhaust of manual sanding operations at Navistar, Columbus Plastics Plant, Columbus, Ohio.
Authors
O'Brien DM; Cooper TC; Gressel MG; Martinez KF; Todd WF
Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, ECTB 167-11, 1988 Feb; :1-23
Abstract
Dust controls for hand held sanders and routers were evaluated at the Columbus Plastics Facility of Navistar (SIC-3713), Columbus, Ohio. The facility used the sheet molding compound (SMC) process to produce truck and auto body parts. Compressed air exhausts from two of the sanders were equipped on a trial basis with a rubber hose to exhaust tool air at ceiling height. A high velocity low volume hood and portable blower/dust collector was obtained on trial. In the SMC production areas, local exhaust ventilation was used to remove styrene (100425) vapors. Cooling was provided by pedestal fans directed at the workers near the heated presses and in the sanding areas. Only about half of the workers used disposable dust masks and then only when sanding. Integrated air sampling and airflow measurements indicated that the highest dust exposures were for the routing operation on the air deflector assembly. This was the only dust exposure above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for fibrous glass (14808607). The authors conclude that the high velocity low volume hood tested reduces dust concentrations 64 to 100 percent. The authors recommend that the installation of hoods for the sanding operation should be considered. Pedestal fans should be removed to reduce cross/contamination, and an alternative to compressed air cleaning of freshly sanded parts should be found.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Survey; Field-Study; Region-5; Dust-control; Hand-tools; Ventilation-systems; Respiratory-protection; Airborne-fibers; Airborne-dusts
CAS No.
100-42-5; 14808-60-7
Document Type
Field Studies; Control Technology
NTIS Accession No.
PB88-204672
Identifying No.
ECTB-167-11b
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
