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Title: Walk-through survey report: control technology for the ceramic industry at American Olean Tile Company, Jackson, Tennessee

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5131003

Health-hazard controls, work processes and control technologies were evaluated at American Olean Tile Company, Jackson, Tennessee in March, 1983. The company employed about 400 workers to produce glazed floor and wall tile from ball clays, pyrophyllite, and flint. Bulk pyrophyllite was crushed, iron removed, and the material dried. Dried material was passed over a screen to sift out large pieces which were then crushed again. Finely crushed material was blended, then passed into a ball grinding mill. Production-size pyrophyllite was transported to a tank, then to a main storage bin. The pyrophyllite material used was an aluminum silicate from an area contaminated with quartz. The entire material particle size reduction process was completely automated, and the grinding area and pyrophyllite storage building was isolated from the main production building. All 16 material transfer points had local exhaust ventilation hoods. The grinding area had a permanently mounted vacuum cleaning system, and annual atmospheric dust sampling was conducted in the pyrophyllite storage and grinding areas. Head protection was required, and other personal protective equipment was provided when needed. The author concludes that the company appears to have effective control systems, and is recommended for an in-depth study.

Research Organization:
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
OSTI ID:
5131003
Report Number(s):
PB-86-225323/XAB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English