Chris Rodinis

February 15th, 2013

http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/hesis/Pages/default.aspx

This post is about workplace safety in an e-waste recycling facility.

Some of the hazards that workers confront are: injury risk, loss of hearing and exposure to toxic dust, vapors or chemicals.

These are dangers to be taken seriously because slacking in this area can have lethal consequences. Ultimately employers are required to provide a workplace that is safe.
Employees have a responsibility to follow safety procedures.

The link  http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/hesis/Pages/default.aspx has the fact sheet about worker safey. The fact sheet is a breakdown of hazards and describes procedures to follow so that workers are protected.

With all the hazards facing e-waste recycling workers, having a robust safety program in place can help reduce accidents.

A robust safety program would include:

• Controls that minimize exposure to toxic dust
• Tools and lifting devices that reduce stress on the body
• Protective clothing along with safety glasses to avoid cuts and eye injuries
• Hearing protection to stop hearing loss

Employers responsibilities include:

• Identifying and controlling hazards
• Regular inspections
• Correcting unsafe conditions
• An injury and illness prevention program
• Provide safe tools and equipment
• Worker safety training

Workers responsibilities include:

• Wear personal protective equipment including, ear and eye protection, gloves and even respirations if necessary
• Working with supervisors for continuous improvement of safety issues
• Report unsafe conditions
• Share safe work practices with new employees

Not for Shredding

• Batteries
• CRT’s
• Toner cartridges
• Capacitors
• Plasma panel glass
• Fluorescent bulbs
• Ink cartridges
• Mercury-containing components

Dust Knowledge:

• “E-waste disassembly, shredding, compacting, and glass breakage create fine dust. This dust may contain metals such as lead, cadmium, or beryllium, as well as flame-retardant chemicals. This dust can affect workers’ health. They can breathe it in or swallow it if dust gets on their hands or food. Depending on what is in the dust, even small amounts can be bad for them.”

Dust Abatement

• Make sure your dining break area is always clean

• Always provide soap, warm water and towels
• Require uniforms, smocks, coveralls and work shoes
• Supply tools for manual disassembly of electronics
• Remove components from CRT prior to shredding

Dust Protection

• All work areas must be kept clean
• Remove/Sort components as much as possible before shredding
• No broom sweeping allowed
• Use wet mops or a HEPA-filtered vacuum
• No eating or smoking while processing e-waste
• Wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking or using the restroom
• Drinking water must be in closed bottle
• Shower at the end of your shift and at work if possible
• Before going home change clothes and shoes if possible
• Keep dirty work clothes and shoes seperate
• For broken CRT glass mist the broken glass with water the mop or HEPA-vacuum

Protection from Toxins (Employer best practices)

• Provide changing facilities and showers onsite
• Provide lockers for clean clothes storage
• If cadmium or lead are present: measure dust levels
• For cadmium or lead dust use HEPA-filter vacuum or wet mops
• Local exhaust ventilation is required
• If lead is found at 30 micrograms per cubic meter then blood tests are required
• Provide respirators when dust is not controlled by ventilation
• If worn must be medically certified for a good seal and provide training
• When toxins exceed limits employers have additional requirements
• Results of air monitoring should be clear and explained if necessary
• Ask for a blood level test from your employer or your doctor
• High levels of dust exist near shredder
• Use a respirator when cleaning up broken CRT glass and for other dusty tasks. A half-mask respirator with filters can reduce the amount of dust you breathe in.
• Do a seal check every time you put on the respirator (you will learn how to do this in training).
• Remove your respirator only after leaving the respirator use area.

Cuts and lacerations

• Provide cut-resistant gloves
• Eye protection is required
• Wear safety glasses for disassembly,shredding, compacting, and glass handling. If you (or a neighbor) are using a hammer, mallet or grinder, use a face shield

Noise reduction

• Reduce noise by minimizing vibration on the work table with rubber matting
• Establish a hearing conservation program
• Use ear muffs

Body Protection

• Provide material handling aids such as dollies, hand trucks, lifters, and turntables
• Provide grip-enhancing gloves
• Provide adjustable work tables
• Provide tool suspension equipment
• Arrange your work station to minimize lifting, twisting, reaching, and carrying
• Get help when lifting heavy objects, bend at the knees, don’t twist your body

For more information on e-waste or computer recycling please visit: www.Ewastewiz.com