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Mining Publication: Bag and Belt Cleaner Reduces Employee Dust Exposure
Keywords: Bagging Hazards and exposures Respirable dust Stackers
Original creation date: March 1997
Authors: AB Cecala, RJ Timko, AD Prokop
Peer Reviewed Journal Article - March 1997
Download PDF Document (0.33 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 00238825
Rock Prod 100(3) 1997 Mar:41-43
A system to reduce occupational dust exposure during bag loading and stacking operations in the metal mining industry was developed. The system, known as the Bag and Belt Cleaner Device (B&BCD), was developed by NIOSH, and designed to clean the surfaces of 50 and 100 pound (lb) bags and conveyor belts while the bags were transported to stacking locations. Cleaning reduces dust exposure for bag stackers, other workers, and the end users of the bagged material. The B&BCD used a combination of stationary and rotating brushes and airjet nozzles to clean material from the bag surfaces and conveyor belt. It was ten feet long and incorporated into the conveyor line. Rotating brushes and compressed air jets cleaned the tops and bottoms of the bags. The stationary brushes plus compressed air jets cleaned the sides. A chain conveyor was used along the total length of the B&BCD which allowed product material removed from the bags to fall into a hopper. Product collected was recycled back into the process using a screw conveyor. The B&BCD was evaluated at two silica sand bagging facilities using 50 and 100lb paper bags. Average respirable dust concentrations measured at one site were reduced from 0.99 to 2.02mg/m3, to 0.63 to 1.89mg/m3. Bag surface vacuuming measurements indicated that vacuum bags gained only 9 to 17 grams (g) per loading and stacking run using B&BCD versus 46 to 171g when it was not used. Measurements made at the second site indicated B&BCD decreased respirable dust exposures by an average of 24%. The authors conclude that B&BCD is effective and practical for cleaning product bags at mineral processing facilities.
Image of publication Bag and Belt Cleaner Reduces Employee Dust ExposurePeer Reviewed Journal Article - March 1997
Download PDF Document (0.33 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 00238825
Rock Prod 100(3) 1997 Mar:41-43
See Also
EVADE Software - 2.4.6
Evaluation of Engineering Controls at Bagging Operations to Reduce Exposures to Respirable Crystalline Silica Dust
Infographics: Helping Mines Control Respirable Silica Dust
Methods to Lower the Dust Exposure of Bag Machine Operators and Bag Stackers
An Overview of Fundamental and Emerging Technologies to Monitor and Control Respirable Dust in Underground Coal Mines in the United States
Particulate Penetration of Porous Foam Used as a Low Flow Rate Respirable Dust Size Classifier
Selected Publications on EVADE Software, Helmet-CAM, Dust Exposure, and Behavioral Studies
Technology News 463 - Machine-Mounted Continuous Respirable Dust Monitor
Technology News 509 - A New Method to Clean Dust From Soiled Work Clothes
Using Ventilation Control Technology to Reduce Respirable Dust Exposures at U.S. Metal/Nonmetal Mining Operations
Page last reviewed: September 21, 2012
Page last updated: September 21, 2012
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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