Control Technology and Exposure Assessment for Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica: Stone Monument Manufacturing at Hirons Memorial Works, Inc. Mount Orab, Ohio, March 2003

摘要

Worker exposure to crystalline silica was monitored during an abrasive blasting operation where stone monuments were being manufactured. A stencil was placed over the stone, and then abrasive blasting was used to produce the engravings by removing stone not covered by the stencil. The primary engineering control in use at this site was an exhausted enclosure with a face velocity of 160 fpm. Area and personal samples were collected during the survey to measure how much respirable silica was produced by this process. Further reductions in workers' exposures can be affected by enclosing the abrasive agent recycle chute, providing a vacuum for the worker to clean his clothing instead of using compressed air, and using a vacuum and/or wet wipe to remove dust from the completed monument and enclosure.