Dust control is a critical consideration for MRF operators.
While material recovery facilities (MRFs) might not be the first-place people think of when considering dusty working conditions, given the nature of the work performed there – disassembling and breaking down items into their component waste materials – and broad stream of waste received, significant dust generation occurs. Specifically, the processing of paper, organics and metal waste can result in significant dust generation. And as MRFs are enclosed facilities, high concentrations of dust can build up inside presenting challenges to both the workers and the processing equipment. Dust control for MRFs is critical to protecting its workers.
Dust is generally defined as tiny solid particles of waste (both organic and inorganic) matter. While dust particles can range in size, airborne dust is typically 500 microns or less in diameter. Larger dust particles pose a threat to MRF machinery and equipment as they can compromise moving parts and therefore necessitate more cleaning and additional preventative maintenance. More importantly, smaller dust particles (10 microns in diameter or smaller) can pose a threat to worker health.
While dust can be an eye irritant, smaller dust particles that are able to avoid being trapped in the nose, throat or upper respiratory tract and are able to reach the lungs are of particular concern. Inhaled dust can irritate lungs and create choking hazards. Even more concerning, some types of inhalable organic dust can lead to exposure to airborne microorganisms and their byproducts and related health concerns. Moreover, dust inhalation can be especially dangerous for individuals with certain underlying health conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes.
While workers in MRFs should always wear appropriate personnel protective equipment (PPE), such as particulate dust masks, respirators and eye protection, MRF operators would be well advised to address dust generation through appropriate procedures and practices, such as a Fugitive Dust Control Plan, and engineering controls such as the deployment of specialized equipment like the ASPRA® Agro line of air purification systems offered by Byers Scientific.
Originally designed and developed by VFA Solutions for the agricultural market, the ASPRA® Agro air purification system is capable of removing large dust concentrations from large air spaces. It effectively removes course dust from the air, reducing PM10 emissions, and can even help address some smaller dust particles. Byers Scientific has identified MRFs as an ideal application environment for the ASPRA® Agro air purification system given their high dust loads in a confined environment. Moreover, as an air purification device focused on removing dust from the air rather than trapping it on the ground, the ASPRA® Agro does not require water, like many traditional dust suppression systems (e.g., misting systems), and is therefore much more resource efficient. ASPRA® Agro units are self-cleaning and make for a low maintenance addition to existing MRF dust control efforts and can demonstrate a further commitment to not only the longevity of its processing equipment but the safety and health of the facility’s most valuable asset, its workers.
For more information about the ASPRA® Agro line of products and how it can help address dust at your MRF, please click here.
