The Customer
Northeast Stone Manufacturer of Landscaping Products
The Challenge
Our customer was experiencing difficulties controlling the concrete dust generated by their silos during the manufacturing process, which impacted their compliance with OSHA guidelines.
OSHA has set specific requirements for exposure to respirable crystalline silica in the workplace. The permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air over an eight-hour workday. Employers must use designated silica dust control methods as outlined in the construction standard’s table or measure silica exposure and independently determine the best dust control measures. They are required to implement engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection as specified for each task unless they can show that exposure is below the PEL. In this case, since the work was being performed indoors, employers must provide exhaust systems to minimize the accumulation of visible airborne dust.
Concrete and stone processing generates a significant amount of dust. Our customer needed a solution to manage the large quantities of dust produced by their silos during the manufacturing process, ensuring visibility and safety without disrupting workflows. Although our customer had previously installed exhaust systems for the production area, these systems were inadequate in moving the necessary cubic feet per minute (CFM) and airflow to effectively control the dust. Therefore, we needed to explore an alternative solution to manage the dust being produced.
The Solution
The Atlantic Installation team concluded that installing 18 oz, 40-foot-high industrial curtains to enclose the silos and manufacturing equipment, along with the existing exhaust systems, would effectively reduce dust on the production floor. After measuring the site and carefully preparing the drawings, the team installed the industrial curtains to minimize gaps where silica dust could escape, significantly decreasing dust levels during production.
Maintaining a safe and effective working environment is of the utmost importance for any facility. Atlantic Installation prides itself on being able to facilitate safety and functionality across the board.
Contact us today for a full safety evaluation and to learn how we can work together to improve your throughput.
