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To reduce the risk of silicosis, NIOH recommended intervention
program to the Ministry of Labor, Government of Madhya Pradesh.
An exhaust system with air cleaning device was developed
specially for the slate pencil industry and it was installed
on ten cutting machines. The industrial hygiene survey showed
that the exhaust system was effective in controlling about 95%
of the total airborne dust and 97% of the respirable airborne
dust. The residual dust levels were very close to the TLV. At
present, all the slate pencil factories of Mandsaur District
are using one or other form of the local exhaust system.
NIOH
studies showed that the main source of dust in the agate
industry is the grinding process. For the control of dust, a
local exhaust system containing air-cleaning device was
developed. Evaluation of the exhaust system by dust monitoring
showed that there was 94% reduction in dst levels with the use
of exhaust system. The exhaust system did not interfere with
the work and the workers found it very useful as it
facilitated the work by removing the dust, which hampered
their sight. However, the owners complained of excessive power
consumption. To reduce the power consumption without
compromising with its dust control efficacy, a dust control
device incorporated in the grinder has been developed. At
present many small units have installed this type of exhaust
system.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India
has allocated Rs. 84.00 lakhs for the
Programme on “Prevention and Control of Silicosis in Agate
Workers”. Under this programme, the Institute Scientists are
making constant endeavors to develop the best possible
machine.
Quartz
grinding is one of the most hazardous occupations causing
exposure to almost 100% free silica leading to silicosis in a
matter of few months. NIOH scientists identified the sources
of dust generation and recommended appropriate dust control
measures like, enclosure of dust source, use of powerful
exhaust and humidification of work environment. After
implementation of these control measures, the industrial
hygiene survey showed that the reduction in the total and
respirable air borne dust levels, in the six factories studied
previously, ranged from 80 to 96%. Under one of the programmes
sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt.
of India, NIOH will take up National Programme on Elimination
of Silicosis in which the problems of stone grinders and stone
cutters are going to be the major areas of intervention.
Automatic
asbestos fiber feeding, health education and personal
protective measures were implemented as preventive measures.
The levels of asbestos fibers in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad
factories which were higher than permissable levels came down
to below the permissible levels.
The
preventive measures, such as change of method of work
practice, partial and complete enclosure , health education
and appropriate personal protective equipmentwere recommended.
Dust Control Techniques for Prevention of Pneumoconiosis
Prevention of Green Tobacco Sickness among Tobacco Harvesters
Testing of Hearing Protection Devices
Compensation of Occupational Diseases
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