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See full-size image below with participants identified
Reducing Silica in Lateral Drilling of Concrete - a poster presentation
(Click on graph to view PDF of entire poster.) 
(AIMs Project Researchers have also collaborated with Dr. Rempel, UCSF in evaluating the impact of a local exhaust ventilation system in conjunction with an ergonomic jig for reducing silica exposure in concrete drilling operations. (Click on above graph to view photos and information.) |
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Pam Susi, MSPH
CPWR, New Jersey
Ph: 856-985-9300
Email: pam_susi@comcast.com
Year One:
Previous research has established the need for engineering controls for fumes generated during welding and silica dust generated during tuck-pointing. While controls exist that reduce exposure to varying degrees, researchers agree there is room for improvement. In addition, these controls are rarely used on construction sites. This research team draws on resources and contacts from the previous grant cycle to identify effective local exhaust ventilation systems in construction then the team will use industry partnerships and apprenticeship training to encourage greater and more effective use of the equipment. Pilot research revealed that apprentice welders using local exhaust ventilation (LEV) were still subject to high levels of exposure to hazardous metal fumes because they had limited or no training in how to position and use the LEV equipment. The expanded research team met in Chapel Hill, N.C., in November of 2010 to begin planning and coordinating activities for this four-year project. CPWR’s new r2p Director, Robin Baker, MPH, joined the research team for part of the meeting to map out possible dissemination strategies to make sure research findings have a wide reach and are likely to increase demand for this equipment within the industry.
Research Team, left to right: Sergio Caporali, PhD, University of Puerto Rico; David Feldscher, Pipefitter L.U. 120; Marc Weinstein, PhD, Florida International University; Mike Flynn, ScD, University of North Carolina; Robin Baker, MPH, UC-Berkeley/CPWR; Mark Goldberg, PhD, Hunter College; Mike Cooper, MPH, CIH, The Lippy Group; Pam Susi, MSPH,
CPWR; Robert Herrick, ScD, Harvard University; John Meeker, PhD, University of Michigan. |
Abstract:
This project employs a multi-level approach aimed at increasing use of engineering controls to minimize exposure to silica during masonry work and to metal fumes generated from welding.
In order to reduce exposures to silica during tuck-pointing and metal fumes from welding, local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems that are viewed as viable by the industry must be available, they must be effective and they must be used correctly. This project aims to conduct research to support those ends. Partnerships will be used to identify, evaluate and promote the use of LEV for silica generated during tuck-pointing and metal fumes generated during welding. Recent reductions in occupational exposure limits for welding fume components (hexavalent chromium and manganese) are expected to increase employer interest in using LEV for welding fumes. An additional training component aimed at equipping apprentice welders with the knowledge, ability and willingness to use LEV correctly is included. This project will be carried out under the direction and with the support of CPWR and a consortium of researchers from Harvard School of Public Health, Hunter College of the City University of New York and the University of Puerto Rico. Additional consultative support will be provided by Dr. Mike Flynn of the University of North Carolina and Dr. John Meeker of the University of Michigan. The project is participatory and will involve unions representing bricklayers, pipe-fitters, boilermakers, sheet metal workers and ironworkers as well as contractors who employ these trades. Specific aims are to:
1) identify and rank commercially available LEV for controlling silica generated during tuck-pointing operations and metal fumes generated during welding using industry partnerships.
2) test the efficacy and effectiveness of 3 of the most highly rated commercially available LEVs for silica and 3 of the most highly rated commercially available LEVs for welding fumes.
3) Develop a diffusion strategy to disseminate information on the need for and availability of LEV for silica generated during tuck-pointing operations and metal fumes during welding.
4) develop and test a pilot training program to promote awareness of welding fume hazards and general principles in the correct use of LEV for welding fumes among apprentice welders.
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