Possible Solutions

Engineering controls and personal protective equipment are two methods used for controlling wood dust exposure. Engineering controls, the preferred approach, typically includes an exhaust ventilation system with collectors placed at points where dust is produced. Personal protective equipment is another short term solution to wood dust exposure. Respirators may be worn to remove hazardous particulates (dusts) and gases. The selection of appropriate respirators requires a thorough knowledge of the workplace, the potential chemical contaminants and their concentrations. The use of respirators also requires implementation of a respiratory protection program.

The following resources contain information to help control exposures.

• NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2005-149, (September 2007). Provides a physical description, exposure limits, measurement method, personal protection and sanitation, first aid, respirator recommendations, exposure routes, symptoms, target organs, and cancer sites.
  • Wood Dust
• Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication Number 81-123, (January 1981). Contains information on identification, physical and chemical properties, health hazards, exposure limits, exposure sources and control methods, monitoring, personal hygiene, storage, spills and leaks, and personal protective equipment.
• Hazard Controls. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The following pages describe control methods for certain tools:
  • Control of Wood Dust From Horizontal Belt Sanders. HC4, Publication No. 96-121, (1996).
  • Control of Wood Dust From Shapers. HC5, Publication No. 96-122, (1996).
  • Control of Wood Dust From Automated Routers. HC6, Publication No. 96-123, (1996).
  • Control of Wood Dust From Large Diameter Disc Sanders. HC7, Publication No. 96-124, (1996).
  • Control of Wood Dust From Random Orbital Hand Sanders. HC8, Publication No. 96-125, (1996).
  • Control of Wood Dust From Orbital Hand Sanders. HC9, Publication No. 96-126, (1996).
  • Control of Wood Dust From Table Saws. HC10, Publication No. 96-127, (1996).
• Improper Installation of Wood Dust Collectors in the Woodworking Industry. OSHA Hazard Information Bulletin (HIB), (May 2, 1997).
• Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV). Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Woodworking National Interest Group.
• NIOSH Numbered Publications. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

For additional information about possible solutions, see OSHA Safety and Health Topics Pages on:

• Hand and Power Tools
• Hazard Communication
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Respiratory Protection
• Ventilation