NIOSH hazard controls HC12 - control of organic dusts from bedding choppers in dairy barns.
Source
Morgantown, WV: 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. 97-103, (HC 12), 1997 Apr; :1-2
Abstract
Hazards associated with use of bedding choppers in dairy barns were considered in this leaflet. During the chopping of bales of hay or straw for dairy cow bedding, microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi may released into the air in such quantities as to cause respiratory hazards. These hazards include acute and chronic respiratory and systemic problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and organic dust toxic syndrome. By the addition of small quantities of water to the bales of hay and straw before chopping, worker exposure to airborne organic dusts can be reduced 80%. To guard against the remaining dust generated, additional controls may be used. Control methods included substituting less contaminated hay for bedding chopping when bales are visibly contaminated with mold, and use of respiratory protective equipment. Carbon-monoxide (630080) poisoning may result from using gasoline powered bedding shoppers, and other gasoline powered engines inside barns and other structures. Ventilation should be improved, and the use of electrically powered bedding choppers can eliminate this hazard.
Keywords
Animal-husbandry-workers; Microorganisms; Dust-control; Airborne-dusts; Dust-exposure; Respiratory-protective-equipment; Ventilation-systems; Toxic-gases
Document Type
Numbered Publication; Hazard Control
Identifying No.
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-103; HC-12
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
