Inhalable Dust Assessment – Medical Supply Warehouse

Toronto and Area’s Asbestos, Indoor Air Quality and Mold Inspection Professionals

Environmental Services Group (ESG) was retained to perform a dust exposure assessment at a medical supply warehouse following concerns about airborne cellulose dust from shipping containers. The assessment aimed to evaluate worker exposure and identify potential mitigation measures to improve workplace safety.

Scope of Work

The assessment involved personal and area sampling to measure inhalable dust concentrations, supplemented by real-time monitoring using a DustTrak DRX particulate aerosol monitor. The sampling focused on unloading operations for a container with visibly dusty product boxes, ensuring the assessment represented worst-case conditions.

Key Activities

  • Conducted personal air sampling on two employees during a 5-hour unloading shift and placed an area sampler at the receiving dock.
  • Deployed a DustTrak DRX monitor to assess particulate levels in various size fractions (PM1, PM2.5, respirable, PM10, and total dust).
  • Documented work processes, including pallet construction and handling, which occasionally aerosolized settled dust.

Findings and Recommendations

  • Results: Dust levels were significantly below regulatory limits, with inhalable cellulose concentrations measuring less than 1% of Ontario’s allowable exposure limits. Particulate levels remained low, with minor fluctuations observed during specific tasks.
  • Recommendations: Wet sweeping, HEPA vacuuming, or wiping are advised to further minimize dust generation. Workers should wear protective eyewear and follow good hygiene practices to mitigate irritation risks.

Outcome

ESG’s findings confirmed that current work conditions did not pose a significant inhalable dust hazard. The recommendations provided a practical approach to maintaining worker safety while ensuring compliance with provincial occupational health standards.

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