SUCCESSFUL REDUCTION OF SILICA EXPOSURES AT A SANITARY WARE POTTERY

Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a joint survey with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) to measure crystalline silica exposures and evaluate the adequacy of the existing control measures for reducing these exposures at a sanitary w...

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Published inAmerican Industrial Hygiene Association journal Vol. 54; no. 10; pp. 600 - 606
Main Authors Cooper, Thomas C., Gressel, Michael G., Froehlich, Phillip A., Caplan, Paul E., Mickelsen, R. Leroy, Valiante, David, Bost, Pat
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States American Industrial Hygiene Association 01.10.1993
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects
Aluminum
Ceramics
Departments
Disease prevention
Dust
Employees
Household Articles
Humans
Lung diseases
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Occupational Exposure - prevention & control
Occupational safety
Raw materials
Sensors
Silica
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Surveillance
Workers
Workplace - standards
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Summary:Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a joint survey with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) to measure crystalline silica exposures and evaluate the adequacy of the existing control measures for reducing these exposures at a sanitary ware pottery. This survey found that 95% of the personal and area samples from the Slip House, Casting, Glaze Spray, and Glaze Preparation Departments exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Level (87% exceeded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Permissible Exposure Level) for crystalline silica. Three years later, a follow-up survey found statistically significant reductions in respirable crystalline silica exposures in two of four plant departments, and statistically significant reductions in area concentrations in all four plant departments. These reductions were accomplished through a combination of automating and enclosing the batching system in the Slip House and by replacing the mold parting compound with a nonsilica material, altering the method of dry sweeping, cleaning of castings while damp, improving exhaust ventilation at the spray booths, and improved housekeeping.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-1
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ISSN:0002-8894
2163-369X
DOI:10.1080/15298669391355116