Concrete Factory

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ray Butler on April 24, 2009 at 3:19pm

Hello Martha, Respiratory Protection is a sensitive subject; I would recommend in consulting a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and have them to perform a site survey.
That way they (CIH) can make a determination on the types of respirator will be required and that will reduces your exposures. Here in California your Supposed to have written Respiratory Protection Program, within that program you will have to spell out, what your methods of controls are; Engineering (Ventilation, Fume Hoods etc.) or PPE (i.e. Dust Mask N-95, APR’s, SCBA’s etc.) it’s a lot of things to consider when issuing a dust mask. If and employee wants to wear a mask and buy it, because he/she is sensitive to dust. I as and employer I would needs to perform a survey on the type work he/she performs and determine what method we be used to control the exposure.
With all that said Consult a CIH!
Good Luck!

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Permalink Reply by Maritha Hammond on April 27, 2009 at 9:28am

Ray,

Thanks for your reply

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Permalink Reply by RiskAnalytics, LLC on May 5, 2009 at 8:10am

I'd agree with Ray. You need a baseline to test your exposures against going forward, and to make an educated decision on protecting your employees with what kind of mask(s) to purchase for them. IF you do not consult a Hygenist the only thing you will be doing is hurting your employees in the long run. The Hygenist will take samples, give you results, and recommendations on the type of mask your employees should be wearing. Not every employee may require the same type of mask as well depending on their typical work conditions.

Does the country you work in require insurance? If so, do you have a designated insurance professional who services your company like a Loss Control Representative or Consultant? The may be able to pay for the Hygenist to do the service for you if so.

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Permalink Reply by Tom Trauger on April 24, 2009 at 7:46pm

Maritha first consult your country regulations regarding exposure to dust and silica.
An N95 dust mask offers minimal protection. Better than nothing. A N100 respirator will provide better protection. If you can wet the dust down this would be better. Conduct air sampling if possible.
Good luck

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Permalink Reply by Maritha Hammond on April 27, 2009 at 9:28am

thanks

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Permalink Reply by Sheryl Feldhans on April 28, 2009 at 2:03pm

We use Moldex 2300N95. all my guys are happy with them. One that might do a better job and seal to the face better is the 3M Faceseal style, like 8212 N95. But I think these make my face perspire. Not comfortable.
We are not a concrete factory but we do blend and transfer powdered minerals (cement & cement by-product powders) pneumatically. I find much better improvements by working on controlling the dust. My guys are much more comfortable wearing their masks when they don't really need them. Less dust = Less discomfort.

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Permalink Reply by Maritha Hammond on April 29, 2009 at 6:23am

Sheryl,
Thanks for your reply, i am looking into this

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Permalink Reply by Gokhan on November 11, 2009 at 3:02am

Hi Maritha,

I am very new member of this group. Common point is that I am also currently working in same sector as you do. I am OHS coordinator of Cement and concrete. If you need more reagrding PPE I can do my best.

Regards

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Permalink Reply by Omar Fundora on December 3, 2009 at 1:48pm

Ms. Hammond,

the problem with most dust masks is the fit. You can trust that for particles in the range of 5 microns to 10 microns, the filter will do its job. Make sure you know the size of the dust particles you are trying to filter first before you make your selection. If you are dealing with dust particles that are smaller than 5 microns, I would recommend you use a canister mask/goggles or full face. Even though you may find a dust mask company that claims they can filter a smaller size dust particle than 5 microns. The reason for this recommendation is the poor face fit quality of most dust masks. OSHA requires a Respiratory Program if you go the route of the canister masks in the US. The need for a cardio/respiratory questionaire- test by a physician is required prior to assigning an employee to wear a canister mask

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