![]() ![]() There are various ways of limiting the spread of dust by introducing water into your processes. Using an industrial vacuum with an explosion-proof motor or using an air shower is always preferable to a broom and a compressed-air blow gun (which is prohibited anyway!) in order to avoid creating clouds of dust. Modifying the process or work materials, such as replacing silica with a harmless substance for cleaning with abrasive blasting.Ĭleaning the premises and the equipment is basic protection.By establishing an authorized maximum daily duration for an activity or by prohibiting access to certain facilities when they’re in operation. Improving the ventilation by increasing the number of air changes and the fresh-air intake in order to reduce the dust concentration.Even so, in some applications, like abrasive blasting, it’s the only way to ensure 100% protection of your team’s health. In accordance with the occupational health and safety standards, the employer must consider all means for managing workers’ exposure to contaminants before using personal protective breathing equipment. Variable Frequency Drive Controllerīreathing zone imaginary bubble Masks: the last option.Industrials Laundry Dryers Heat Recovery Unit.Integrated Energy Recovery Make-Up Air Units.This article is not subject to US copyright law. ![]() Mention of company names and/or products does not constitute endorsement by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The partnership, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Harvard School of Public Health, the Boston University School of Public Health, PetroLabs Inc., and Heritage Research Group, appreciates the involvement of E & B Paving (Indianapolis, Ind.), Mathy Construction LC (Onalaska, Wisc.), and Milestone Contractors LP (Indianapolis, Ind.) and would like to extend a special thanks to all the workers for their cooperation with this study. This study was sponsored by the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) and the State Asphalt Pavement Associations (SAPA). An analysis of the highest exposure results and field notes revealed a probable association between these exposures and the use of diesel oil, use of a diesel-powered screed, elevated HMA paving application temperatures, lubricating and working on broken-down equipment, and operation of a broom machine. Also, the highest diesel oil results were much higher in concentration than the highest B-100 results. Box plots illustrating the diesel oil results were more variable than the B-100. Samples were also screened for PACs containing 4- to 6-rings using fluorescence spectroscopy.Īrithmetic means, medians, and box plots of the PBZ data were used to evaluate trends in the data. Thirty-three individual polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) were determined using GC with time-of-flight mass spectrometry results were presented as either the concentration of an individual PAC or a summation of the individual PACs containing either 2- to 3-rings or 4- to 6-rings. Total organic matter was determined using gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization detection and provided qualitative information about other exposure sources contributing to worker exposure besides asphalt emissions. Total particulates and the benzene soluble fraction were determined gravimetrically. Background and field blank samples were also collected daily. Twenty-four PBZ samples were collected from a reference group of concrete workers, who also worked in outdoor construction but had no exposure to asphalt emissions. An additional 36 PBZ samples were collected on days when B-100 (100% biodiesel, containing no petroleum-derived products) was used as a substitute releasing/cleaning agent. ![]() ![]() One-hundred-seven PBZ samples were collected from HMA paving workers on days when diesel oil was used as a releasing/cleaning agent. Goals of this report are to present the personal-breathing zone (PBZ) data, discuss the impact of substituting the releasing/cleaning agent, and discuss work practices that resulted in the highest exposure concentration for each analyte. An exposure assessment of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) paving workers was conducted to determine which of four exposure scenarios impacted worker exposure and dose. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |