HAZARD CONTROL -
CONTROL OF WOOD DUST FROM AUTOMATED ROUTERS
CUP BRUSH
SEALS
DESIGN SHEET
From the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Description of
Hazard
Automated routers have been found to create significant amounts
of wood dust. Workers exposed to wood dusts have experienced a
variety of adverse health effects such as eye and skin irritation,
allergy, reduced lung function, asthma, and nasal cancer. Therefore,
the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
recommends limiting wood dust exposures to prevent these health
problems.
Description of
Controls
NIOSH researchers found that the wood dust generated by automated
routers is generally not adequately controlled. To address this
problem, researchers designed and tested a new control system that
substantially reduced dust emissions.
Jet Stripper System
Automated routers, consisting of a moving router head and table, are
capable of routing in any direction. These high speed machines
generate substantial amounts of wood dust. Generally, the wood dust
is controlled by a -local exhaust system located at the router head.
Despite this control, significant amounts of wood dust are emitted
into the workroom. A computer controlled Jet Stripper System was
developed to control these emissions. (See picture above.) This
system consists of 24 jets combined into 8 operational units
uniformly located around the inside periphery of the brush holder.
The Jet Stripper and brush surround the router bit. The jets are
supplied with pressurized air and are activated by pneumatic valves
as needed. The air slows down the dust particles so they can be
collected by the local exhaust hood. Testing shows that this system
reduces wood dust emissions by 90 percent. The Jet Stripper does not
interfere with the operator, requires minimal maintenance and is
inexpensive to install and operate. This control can also be used
with conventional, one dimensional routers with some modification.
This dust control device is not currently commercially available.
Call NIOSH for more information.
For More Information
To obtain more information about controlling this hazard, or for
information on other occupational health and safety issues, call the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), at
1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674).
NIOSH is the federal agency responsible for conducting research and
making recommendations for preventing work-related illness and
injuries. HAZARD CONTROLS are based on research studies that show
reduced worker exposure to hazardous agents or activities.
Acknowledgments
The principal contributors to this HAZARD CONTROLS are Jennifer L.
Topmiller, Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering, and Jerome
P. Flesch, Education and Information Division, NIOSH.
This Hazard Controls
is DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 96-123.
back to Staple Set
Flexible Strip Brushes
back to Cup Brushes
back to Catalog |
|
