Chapter 2 – Factors that influence RCS generation and exposure
High energy, dry processes tend to create the most dust. These include, but are not limited to drilling, grinding, mixing, crushing, bagging, and bulk handling. For more information about specific industrial processes, you can reference the detailed NEPSI Task Sheets!
Click on each of the images to find out other critical factors.
When you’ve read them all click ‘NEXT’ to move on!
Crystalline silica content of the material being processed
Crystalline silica content of the material being processed
With content percentages ranging from 0 to almost 100, it’s critical to know the percentage of free crystalline silica in the mineral you’re working with. You can find specific percentages in the NEPSI Good Practice Guide, or in technical information provided by material suppliers. If in doubt, ask them.
How fine the material being processed is
How fine the material being processed is
Three fractions are important when working with dust: the inhalable, thoracic, and respirable dust fractions. However, for crystalline silica, the respirable dust fraction is the most important due to its potential health effects in humans. Depending on the material you’re working with, the particle size may vary significantly. Raw materials that are fine powders may already contain particles that are in the respirable size range. Other raw materials may start off quite coarse, but they become finer in our high-energy industrial processes.
Moisture content of the material being processed
Moisture content of the material being processed
The moisture content of a material is typically expressed as a percentage by weight. Water helps to suppress dust, so materials that have higher moisture content will tend to give off less dust when handled and used. Remember that raw materials with high moisture content can dry out during handling and use in our industrial processes, making them dustier.
Duration of exposure to high dust levels
Duration of exposure to high dust levels
In case of prolonged exposure to excessive levels of this dust, it becomes difficult to clear the respirable dust from the lungs and an accumulation of dust can lead to irreversible health effects.
English 
Bulgarian 
Croatian 
Czech 
Danish 
Dutch 
Estonian 
Finnish 
French 
German 
Greek 
Hungarian 
Italian 
Latvian 
Lithuanian 
Maltese 
Polish 
Portuguese 
Romanian 
Slovak 
Slovenian 
Spanish 
Swedish