Wood Dust Coventry

Wood Dust Assessment at a Wood Recycling Facility in Meriden

We recently conducted a comprehensive wood dust assessment at a wood recycling facility in Meriden. Our goal was to measure employee exposure to wood dust and other contaminants during their daily activities and recommend measures to ensure a safe working environment.

During our assessment, we focused on areas such as the perimeters, workshop, and zones where machine and forklift operations occur. We specifically monitored for inhalable and respirable dust, including both hardwood and softwood dust.

The results showed that forklift and maintenance operatives were exposed to significant levels of wood dust. Inhalable dust levels for forklift drivers reached 5.65 mg/m³, with hardwood dust concentrations hitting 188.3% of the Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL). Maintenance operatives experienced inhalable dust levels of 4.13 mg/m³, with hardwood dust reaching 137.6% of the WEL. These levels indicate the necessity for improved dust control measures.

To mitigate these exposures, we recommend enclosing forklift cabs and training employees to keep them closed during operation. Enhanced housekeeping practices, like using vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters instead of dry sweeping, will help reduce airborne dust. Additionally, we suggest implementing job rotation to limit individual exposure times and maintaining regular health surveillance for employees.

By following these recommendations, the facility can significantly reduce the risk of wood dust exposure, ensuring a healthier and safer work environment for all employees involved in wood recycling activities.