NIOSH hazard controls HC4 - control of wood dust from horizontal belt sanders.
Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 96-121, (HC 4), 1996 Sep; :1-2
Abstract
Wood dust generated during the operation of horizontal belt sanders puts the operators of such equipment at risk for skin and lung irritation as well as reduced pulmonary function and nasal cancer. In an attempt to better control this dust NIOSH presents the use of a new ventilation system which can be easily built into new belt sanders or added to existing ones. The use of this new equipment reduced wood dust emitted into the workroom by more than 75%. The system consisted of two devices: a narrow Auxiliary Hood and an Air Jet Stripper. The Auxiliary Hood was located between the belt surface and the worktable downstream from the sanding operation. The Air Jet Stripper was located inside the main exhaust hood. Using these two devices together effectively cut down on the wood dust entering the work space without hindering the operation of the worker. The Jet Stripper also cleaned the belt, reducing the frequency of belt changes required. At present this control device is not commercially available.
Keywords
Power-tools; Woodworkers; Woodworking-industry; Dust-control; Airborne-dusts; Wood-dusts; Control-technology; Exhaust-ventilation
Document Type
Numbered Publication; Hazard Control
Identifying No.
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 96-121; HC-4
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
