Glass bead and Abrasive Shot

[crevel]

The company I work for does metal heat treating and the hand blaster and wheelabrators (2) are in the same enclosed room. What is the best way to explain to my boss that exposure to the glassbead and abrasive shot, which containes 4% silica, over time can cause health problems. Also, is the PEL, based on the time spent in this room, an even greater factor since both materials may be dusting the users at the same time?

 

[aspearin1]

I suggest you post again in the Occupational Safety Forum. More than likely, to convince an employer that he needs to make a change, you may need to install a breathing monitor on your operator (Vacuum pump with filter) or a particle counter to determine counts at particular particle sizes. Each PEL is likely based on a maximum particle size that can easily be inhaled or is airborne.

ChemE, M.E. EIT
"The only constant in life is change." -Bruce Lee