Part 2:
A twelve point strategy for dust control in the workplace
1.
Carry out a risk assessment:
Before commencing work, undertake an examination of any dust that may be present. Consider the dangers connected with a given dust as well as the types of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, skin contact) and how they occur. This will inform your plan of action for dealing with the dust and for mitigating the risks to your workers. Use this data to create policies, procedures and control measures with emergency procedures in place wherever necessary. These findings, as well as the control steps, must be documented for businesses with more than five employees, so keep this in mind moving forward.
2.
Prevent dust formation:
The less dust you have to begin with, the better! So, start with elimination or substitution of dusty materials for less hazardous alternatives. Whenever possible, opt for pellets instead of powdery substances and choose dust-suppressed materials or pastes instead of dry mixes. You can also reduce dust through specialised techniques (i.e. wet cutting) instead of dust-producing processes like grinding or sawing.
3.
Control dust exposure:
Some dust may be inevitable, so you’ll want to keep dust as segregated as possible while also limiting the amount of people exposed to it. Enclose dust and dust-generating processes or create physical barriers so that dust is isolated. Use ventilation systems and dust collection devices to reduce dust. You should also try to automate tasks or use mechanical handling systems so that workers are distanced from the particles.
Implement procedures to limit dust exposure. These may include tasks like damping down materials and decreasing drop heights. Use a vacuum cleaner or wet methods to keep floors and surfaces tidy and to clean up any spills. Make sure to rotate workers on dusty tasks to decrease prolonged exposure and modify their schedules to include adequate rest times.
4.
Install LEV systems:
If there’s no way of enclosing dust completely, use Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems to get rid of any contaminated air in the building. LEVs should be custom built per process and fitted directly onto the machines. These should be inspected at least every 14 months by a qualified professional.
5.
Provide PPE/RPE:
All relevant employees must wear suitable PPE/RPE such as masks and respirators in order to protect them against dust. Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) users should be properly face fitted and trained. If gloves are needed, the worker should be taught how to use them without contaminating his or her skin.
6.
Provide protective clothing:
To reduce contamination, employees should use protective clothing when needed, keeping it separated from personal clothing. Changing areas should be close to dusty tasks and easily accessible. Protective clothing should be left at work and laundered regularly.
7.
Provide washing facilities:
Near dust sources, provide easy-to-reach washing facilities that enable employees to clean dust from their bodies and clothes before going home. The nature of these facilities will depend on the degree of dust contamination as well as the type of dust they’re exposed to.
8.
Clean facilities and equipment frequently:
Make a regular cleaning plan that doesn’t increase dust levels in the air (e.g. vacuuming using HEPA-filtered devices). All dust control systems also need regular maintenance.
9.
Educate/Train Staff and encourage participation:
Ask workers for their help in identifying and managing dust hazards. Provide clear communication on control measures and make sure workers are fully trained on processes. Staff should also be educated on the health risks their jobs may pose and on the dangers of the dust(s) they'll be encountering. Keep the lines of communication open so your staff will feel comfortable coming to you with any feedback.
10.
Have an emergency plan:
Develop procedures for dealing with incidents related to dust such as spills, fires, explosions, or equipment breakage. Make sure all workers are familiar with such procedures and are equipped with the necessary tools to safeguard themselves in an emergency situation.
11.
Constantly monitor the workplace:
Put in place measures to evaluate dust levels and their health consequences through the use of dust meters and biological monitoring. Review the dust control plan according to your results. Symptoms experienced by workers must be reported and necessary actions taken.
12.
Document your actions:
Keep a record of your dust control measures, training and incidents to ensure adherence and to help make improvements. Sophisticated reporting tools such as EcoOnline facilitate timely reporting and help with monitoring chemical exposure.