Engineering Control in the Workplace

Occupational exposure to lead and other toxic substances can be problematic at the multiple stages of the recycling process. Although much attention has been paid to exposure reduction via ventilation controls or PPE, basic process design is also important. Process modifications may be feasible to eliminate or reduce the generation of emissions, for example  

Exposure can be reduced if machines are used to perform high-exposure tasks, which would thus permit employees to be removed from the area. This is especially useful during the furnace-tapping phase when close proximity to slag and melt taps can result in high personal exposure. Many companies have automated the tapping operation so that it is controlled remotely from an air-conditioned environment. 

A number of other housekeeping measures can be effective. These include  

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