Control of Dusts From Sanding in Autobody Repair Shops
During autobody repair, sanding removes paint from surfaces and smoothes body panels
repaired with body filling compounds. Airborne dusts produced during these operations may
contain hazardous substances, such as lead and chromium from surface coatings and abra-
sives from sanding discs, that are harmful to the lungs and nervous system of workers. Dust
concentrations may also exceed OSHA standards.
Effective control of worker exposure to dusts from sanding operations on autobody surfaces has
been achieved by use of ventilated mechanical sanders.
VENTILATED SANDERS
Rotary/orbital and straight line/reciprocating sanders, equipped with HIGH VELOCITY, LOW
VOLUME (HVLV) local exhaust ventilation as part of the tool's design, are recommended
because they have been shown to be effective in reducing total dust concentrations during the
sanding of body filling compounds. HVLV ventilated sanders have cut total dust concentrations
to one-tenth the levels produced using unventilated sanders. (See ILLUSTRATION)
Increased cost of sanders equipped with HVLV ventilation is minor compared with nonventilated
sanders. The amount of air used in the ventilated systems is also relatively low. Use of
ventilated sanders can be enhanced by making them convenient to use, for example by
installing retractable, flexible hosing attached to a central vacuum system. Although initial costs
for this system including an air mover, air cleaners, and duct work can be substantial, the
system will help eliminate expensive repaints, shorten clean up time, and extend sandpaper life.
Workers prefer using these HVLV sanders and also reported their use results in a cleaner shop.
For More Information
For a free copy of the report Evaluation of Ventilated Sanders in the Autobody Repair Industry,
or for information on other occupational safety and health issues, call the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health. (NIOSH), at:
*NIOSH is the Federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommenda-
tions for preventing work-related illness and injuries. HAZARD CONTROLS are based on
research studies that show reduced worker exposure to hazardous agents or activities.
Acknowledgments
The principal contributors to this HAZARD CONTROLS are William A. Heitbrink, Division of
Physical Sciences and Engineering, and Jerome P. Flesch, Education and Information Division,
NIOSH.
This document is in the public domain and may be freely copied or reprinted. NIOSH encourages all readers of this HAZARD CONTROLS to make it available to all interested employers and workers.
