Walk-Through Survey Report: Control Technology for Bag Opening, Emptying, and Disposal at 3M, Grove City Plant, Grove City, Ohio

摘要

A walk through survey was conducted at 3M Grove City Facility (SIC-3069), Grove City, Ohio in March 1983 to assess automatic bag opener and a bag compactor used to control dust during bag opening, dumping, and disposal. This equipment was used to empty carbon-black, clay, and other materials from bags and to charge the bagged materials into a mixer. Dust exposure was minimized because bag opening, emptying, and disposal was accomplished automatically in an almost complete enclosure. Workers were isolated from dust generation after the bag entered the bag opening machine. Equipment was operated from a control panel remote from the operation. Local exhaust ventilation was used to keep dusty air in the enclosure. Workers were trained to handle bags carefully to prevent breakage. Spills were cleaned immediately with a broom or a vacuum system attached to the central exhaust ventilation system. Dermal exposure was minimized by use of rubber gloves, respirators, and coveralls. Monthly safety meetings were held and monitoring surveys were conducted periodically by the corporate industrial hygiene staff. The author concludes that the bag opener and bag compactor appear to be very effective at dust control. An indepth survey of this equipment is recommended.