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In-Depth Survey Report: Field Evaluation of a NIOSH Mini-Baghouse Assembly for Control of Silica Dust on Sand Movers
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2015/02/01
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[PDF-1.68 MB]
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Description:Exposure risks to worker health at unconventional oil and gas extraction sites can include chemicals and inhalation of respirable crystalline silica. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researchers have identified concentrations of respirable crystalline silica at hydraulic fracturing sites that can be over 10 times higher than the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). NIOSH research has identified at least 7 point sources where silica dust can be generated. Engineering controls have been proposed by NIOSH to limit dust generation at some of the known locations of most concern. One of these controls is a NIOSH-developed mini-baghouse assembly, to be mounted on the thief hatches on top of the sand mover, one of the largest sources of dust generation. This report details the results of a trial of the NIOSH mini-baghouse that occurred at Southwestern Energy (SWN) Sand Company in North Little Rock, Arkansas, November 18 - 21, 2013. A bulk sample of the dust collected by the baghouse assembly showed the likely presence of freshly fractured quartz, a particularly hazardous form of respirable crystalline silica. Air samples collected at locations on and around the sand mover with and without the mini-baghouse in place were analyzed for respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica. Results indicate that the mini-baghouse effectively reduced both respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica downwind of the thief hatches. Reduction of airborne respirable dust ranged from 85% to 98%, and reductions in airborne respirable crystalline silica ranged from 79% to 99%. Design changes are proposed to increase the durability and performance of the mini-baghouse, including an improved bag clamp mechanism and improved filter fabric with a modified air-to-cloth ratio. Future trials are planned to determine additional dust concentration reductions achieved through these design changes.
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DOI:10.26616/NIOSHEPHB37311a
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Pages in Document:1-46
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NIOSHTIC Number:20045793
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NTIS Accession Number:PB2015-103707
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Citation:Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, EPHB 373-11a, 2015 Feb; :1-46
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Federal Fiscal Year:2015
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Peer Reviewed:False
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Resource Number:EPHB-373-11a
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