Control of Wood Dust from Disc Sanders

Abstract

Association between nasal cancer and other health effects and occupations involving exposure to wood dust has been clearly established in the literature. This article reports on the research that has been conducted by scientists at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to reduce wood dust emissions from large-diameter disc sanders. An air jet stripper system was developed to be used in conjunction with existing local exhaust ventilation to reduce dust emissions. The system consists of a set of jets located inside the local exhaust hood. The jets are supplied with pressurized air. The control system, combined with currently existing controls, reduced wood dust emissions (area and breathing zone) by an average of 60 percent. Laboratory results were confirmed by field tests conducted at a wood furniture manufacturing plant. The control system does not interfere with the worker's activity, requires minimum maintenance, and is inexpensive to install and operate. This system also may extend the life of sanding discs by dislodging wood dust from the sanding surface.