Applying Your Knowledge:
Protecting Against Silica |
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| Floyd
runs a small foundry. He has determined that the amount of airborne crystalline
silica at his shop exceeds the OSHA permissible limit. He is now trying to decide
the best way to protect his workers. Floyd is not sure which type of control would
be the best to implement for the long run. This foundry uses a specialized sand
casting method to manufacturer critical parts. |
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| What should
Floyd do? |
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Train workers in better practices
Though Floyd will want to implement
better work practices, this is not the best solution because it relies on employees
conforming to the work practices and not making any unauthorized changes to them.
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Protective Equipment
This is probably the best immediate means to
provide protection of Floyd's workers, but it is not the best long-term solution for Floyd
because of the costs involved in setting up and maintaining a respiratory protection
program, and the possibility that workers may not follow the program completely.
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Engineering Control
Yes. This is the best permanent solution
for Floyd because it reduces the hazard at the source of the silica, reduces the reliance
on programs which may not be followed, and is usually a low cost when compared to the life
expectancy of the controls.
Back to Protecting Against Silica |
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Silica Substitute
While this would be the best choice in many
circumstances, due to the nature of the casting method and the need for consistency, this
is not Floyd's best choice.
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