Control Technology and Exposure Assessment for Electronic Recycling Operations, UNICOR Marianna Federal Correctional Institution, Marianna, Florida

摘要

Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a study of the recycling of electronic components at the Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI) facilities (aka, UNICOR) in Marianna, Florida, in August, 2007 to assess worker exposures to metals and other occupational hazards, including heat, associated with these operations. The electronics recycling operations at Marianna can be organized into four production processes: (1) receiving and sorting, (2) disassembly, (3) glass breaking operations, and (4) packaging and shipping. A fifth operation, cleaning and maintenance, was also addressed but is not considered a production process per se. It is known that lead, cadmium, and other metals are used in the manufacturing of electronic components and pose a risk to workers involved in recycling of electronic components if the processes are not adequately controlled or the workers are not properly trained and provided appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment.