NIOSH —

Control of Wood Dust From Orbital Hand Sanders

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Orbital hand sanders have been found to create significant amounts of wood dust. Workers
exposed to wood dusts have experienced a variely 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.

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NIOSH researchers found that the wood dust generated by orbital hand sanders is often poorly
controlled. To address this problem, researchers designed and tested a new control system for
these hand sanders that significantly reduced dust emissions.

@ DUST CONTROL SYSTEM

Orbital hand sanders are extensively used in woodworking processes. The dust from these
sanders is generally not controlled although some are equipped with dust removal capabili-
ties. However, even the sanders having dust removal do not effectively control the wood dust
generated by the sanding operation. Therefore, a new control approach was developed. A
Dust Control Plenum was designed and tested on an orbital sander. (See ILLUSTRATION)
The plenum fits between the sanding pad and the sander body and has a series of exhaust
slots along its edges. An exhaust connection on the top of the sander pad connects the
plenum with a vacuum source. Laboratory tests show that the plenum reduces wood dust
emissions by approximately 90 percent. The plenum does not interfere with the operator's
activities, requires no special maintenance, is inexpensive to operate, and can be used on any
sander, pneumatically or electrically powered. This dust control device is not currently com-
mercially available. Call NIOSH for more information.

“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.

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% U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health CENTERS FOF BIOEATE QONTROL

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Seplember 1996


ILLUS TION: DUST CONTROL PLENUM FOR ORBITAL HAND SANDERS

EXHAUST PLENUM

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PLENUM SANDER PAD

EXHAUST OPENING
U.S. Patent Pending* i Ilustrator:; Daniel S. Watkins

*For other than single use, contact NIOSH Technology Transfer Coordinator (513/841 4321}.

For More Information

To abtain more information about controlling this hazard, or for information on other occupational
health and safety issues, call NIOSH at:

[ 1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674)

A technical article Controlling Wood Dust from Orbital Hand Sanders has been accepted for
publication. Also, a videotape New Control for Orbital Hand Sanders, Tape #208, 5 minutes, may
be borrowed free of charge.

This document is one in a series of seven HAZARD CONTROLS concerning wood dust control
techniques listed below that are available free upon request from NIOSH:

HC4 Control of Wood Dust from Horizontal Belt Sanders

HC5 Control of Wood Dust from Shapers

HC6 Control of Wood Bust from Automated Routers

HC7 Control of Wood Dust from Large Diameter Disc Sanders
HC8 Control of Wood Dust from Random Orbital Hand Sanders
HC9 Control of Wood Dust from Orbital Hand Sanders

HC10 Control of Wood Dust from Table Saws

Acknowledgements

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 document is in the public domain and may be freely copied or reprinted. NIOSH encourages all
HAZARD CONTROLS be made available to all interested employers and workers.

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 96-126