Preliminary Survey Report: Control Technology for the Ceramic Industry at Acme Brick Company, Malvern, Arkansas

摘要

Health hazard control methods, work processes, and existing control technologies used in the manufacture of brick were surveyed at Acme Brick Company (SIC-0325), Malvern, Arkansas in June, 1983. The company employed about 32 workers to produce structural brick from alluvial clay, free clay, shale, and aggregate. A potential hazard existed from silica (14808607) exposure since the clays contained about 20 percent quartz. Raw materials were transported in a cab enclosed front end loader to feeders that delivered the materials to a crusher. Blended coarsely crushed material was moved by conveyor to a hammer mill for fine crushing. Production size product was transported by overhead conveyor to storage silos in the production building. The entire material particle size reduction process was completely automated. The clay preparation building and raw material storage area were isolated from the production building, and only two workers performed the crushing and grinding operations. Material transfer points had removable covers, and a water mist spray was used on one conveyor of each line. The operation was monitored from a totally enclosed air conditioned control room. Head and eye protection were required. The author does not recommend an in depth study of control technologies of the company.