Cotton Dust Safety, Cotton Mill Employee Safety

 Cotton dust safety is an important topic that should be discussed at all cotton mill safety meetings. Cotton dust is made of small particles of cotton, soil, fungi or pesticides. It is often present during the processing of cotton. Cotton dust can be very dangerous that is why you must take the proper safety precautions when working in a cotton mill. Cotton dust can begin be causing minor breathing problems that eventually turn into serious health conditions.

Signs Of Cotton Dust Illnesses

There are several symptoms that are associated with cotton dust sicknessess. A few of those symptoms include tightness in your chest, wheezing, coughing, chills, weakness and difficulty breathing. These symptoms are usually present at the begin of a more serious illness. Bronchitis emphysema and asthma are are few of the most common illnesses caused by cotton dust. Another disease caused by cotton dust is byssinosis. It is more commonly refered to as “Brown Lung”. When caught early it can be treated but left undiagnosed for to long it can be fatal.

Staying Safe While Working With Cotton Dust
while working around cottton there are several safety procedures you should follow at all times. It is important to always wear your safety equipment to help reduce and prevent your chances of inhaling the small dust particles.

OSHA requires that all cotton mills check the levels of cotton dust at least once every six months. During these routine air checks the air must be tested during one eight hour period. The test must be performed during each shift and in all work areas. Employers must allow their employees to watch the test if they wish to participate. All employees must be notified of your findings within a five day period. If the levels are above OSHA standards warning signs must be posted in those areas and employees are to be give a detailed description on how the problem is being taken care of.

Person respiratory systems can be used but are often not needed. A basic face mask should help reduce the amount of dust that enters your lungs. You should also wear gloves and clothes that completely cover your body. This will prevent dust particles from getting onto your skin.

OSHA Facts About Cotton Dust Safety

While working with cotton, cotton dust will often arise in the air while handling the cotton and processing the cotton.

What Substances Can Be Found In Cotton Dust? – Cotton dust may contain several different substances. OSHA indicates that the dust may constitute particles of fibers, various bacteria, different soil compositions, an array of pesticides, as well as fungus and other non-cotton materials.

What OSHA Regulations Govern Cotton Dust? – OHSA has several regulations and guidelines that concern safety practices where dust hazards are concerned.

Do Individual States Have Any State Specific Safety Dust Regulations? YES! 25 states as well as the Virgin Islands & Puerto Rico have adopted their own specific dust safety regulations. These regulations for the most part mimic the OSHA standards for safety.

Are Training Classes Offered Anywhere For Cotton Dust Safety? – Yes, you can find classes available where you can learn how to administer screening pulmonary function tests to employees who may have been exposed to cotton dust. There are also some excellent resources available for furthering your education, however these by no means take the place of a proper training class.

• y8e937b9090c09e835dd0412b5b7ea010c.jpg