HEALTH ALERT
Housekeeping
Good housekeeping practices can greatly reduce miners’ exposures to respirable dust and silica.
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Dusty work clothes are a significant source of secondary exposures
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Regularly wash work clothes including jackets and sweatshirts
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Install and use solutions such as cleaning stations and booths
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Compressed air cannot be used to clean clothes!
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Dirt and dust can be carried into work areas on miners’ boots
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Install boot washing stations near production areas
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Install boot brushes outside of equipment cabs, control rooms, and offices
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Cloth seats can collect and release dust every time they are used
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Use leather and vinyl chairs in equipment, break rooms, and offices
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Wipe down chairs regularly
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Wash equipment and floors on a regular basis
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Start by slowly wetting the area with a wide spray nozzle, then move the wetted material with a more forceful nozzle
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Use floor sweeping units and HEPA vacuums in high-traffic areas
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Use a sweeping compound to reduce dust when dry sweeping
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