Adoption of Innovations to Minimize (AIMs) Exposure to Dust and Fumes in Construction.
Pam Susi, MSPH CPWR, New Jersey
Ph: 856-985-9300
Email: plsusi@aol.com
Abstract:
This project employs a multi-level approach aimed at increasing use of engineering controls to minimize exposure to silica in masonry construction and metal fumes generated from welding. The project emphasizes technology improvement, training, economic tools and codes. With the direction and involvement of CPWR, the project consortium includes Harvard School of Public Health, Hunter College of the City University of New York, the University of Puerto Rico and the International Masonry Institute (IMI). The project is participatory and will actively involve unions representing bricklayers, pipe-fitters, boilermakers, sheet metal workers and ironworkers as well as contractors which employ these trades. In order for engineering controls to reduce exposure:
Controls must be technologically feasible and effective for the environment of their intended use;
Contractors must adopt controls so they are available; and
Workers must use them correctly to ensure effectiveness.
The overriding objectives are two-fold: First, to encourage contractor/employers to purchase, maintain and require use of engineering controls for airborne silica generated during masonry work (especially mortar grinding) and metal fumes generated by welding; and secondly, encourage workers to use equipment provided by employers correctly. Specific aims and project methods include improving controls technology design through coalitions made up of manufacturers, researchers and users; tracking market demand for controls; assessing training needs on technology use; developing needed training programs, creating and employing economic spreadsheet tools to enable contractors to make informed decisions on cost-effective control technology options; identifying and filling in gaps on welding fume exposures in construction; and transferring information on adoption of codes requiring silica control for masonry work to areas where such codes are lacking.
Exposure data for metals not previously sampled (nickel and iron) as well as respirable silica, manganese and hexavalent chromium (Cr VI) will be collected and analyzed to measure the impact of local exhaust ventilation for mortar grinding in the case of silica and welding in the case of metal fumes.
