MSHA Housekeeping - Health Alert

"Good housekeeping practices can greatly reduce miners' exposures to

respirable dust and silica.

Dusty work clothes are a significant source of secondary exposures

Regularly wash work clothes including jackets and sweatshirts

Install and use solutions such as cleaning stations and booths

Compressed air cannot be used to clean clothes!

Dirt and dust can be carried into work areas on miners' boots

Install boot washing stations near production areas

Install boot brushes outside of equipment cabs, control rooms, and offices

Cloth seats can collect and release dust every time they are used

Use leather and vinyl chairs in equipment, break rooms, and offices

Wipe down chairs regularly

Wash equipment and floors on a regular basis

Start by slowly wetting the area with a wide spray nozzle, then move the wetted material with a more forceful nozzle

Use floor sweeping units and HEPA vacuums in high-traffic areas

Use a sweeping compound to reduce dust when dry sweeping"

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