Dust problem costs companies $1 M in fines

HEPA filters can remove particles
and dust as well as pathogens.

After an OSHA inspection showed willful, serious, repeat and other violations, a trailer manufacturing company and subsidiary have been cited with proposed penalties of almost $1 million.

The inspectors found that workers were exposed to unguarded machinery, fall hazards and large amounts of potentially hazardous dust.

This was not the first time the companies had been cited for hazards like these. Previous abatement fixes were abandoned to accommodate production, according to OSHA.

OSHA took the opportunity to remind employers that they have a responsibility to keep their workers safe and healthy.

Source: BLR

The health effects of dust

Dust describes small particles in the air that can be inhaled through the nose and mouth.

If the dust is small enough it can penetrate deep into the lungs. Exposure to dust has been linked to cancers of the lungs, throat and nose, lung conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, asthma, allergies and even heart disease, among others.

If the dust is allowed to build up, it can also be an explosive hazard.

Air filters remove airborne dust

An industrial air cleaner with HEPA filtration, pre-filters, bag filters and/or micro-HEPA can remove up to 99.97% of airborne particle at 0.3 microns and keep the air clean.

Some of the filters are also cleanable or washable.

Find out more about Electrocorp’s air cleaners for woodshops, art restoration and many other commercial applications, or contact us directly.