In matters of employee safety, the term “dry particulates” refers to solid particles that pose risk to individuals if they were to be inhaled.
Dry particulates range in size and severity of the hazard based on the substance being handled, which could include materials such as asbestos, mold, fiberglass, dust, aerosols, and more.
Dry particulates can pose immediate risk if inhaled, or the effects can accumulate based on the amount of exposure over a certain period of time. For example, inhaling asbestos fibers has been shown to increase risk of cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and pleural disease.
Some dry particulates can also pose a hazard if they make contact with the skin. Fiberglass insulation and mold spores can cause skin irritation and other allergic reactions. If these dry particulates remain on your clothing, they can be transferred to your vehicle, home, and other environments where more vulnerable individuals risk contact.
When selecting PPE for dry particulate protection, it’s important to consider the nature of the substance. If respiratory protection is required, make sure you choose the proper respirator or mask to prevent inhalation.
Protective clothing, such as disposable coveralls, should offer a respirator-fit hood if respiratory protection is required to provide greater security around the face and neck. Look for coveralls that offer a high Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate for added comfort during the workday.
When fiberglass is altered in any way (cut, chopped, sanded, or sawed) the dust produced could land on a worker’s skin. When installing fiberglass insulation, contact with the material could result in uncomfortable rashes, or worse, the fibers becoming embedded in the outer layer of skin.
Asbestos abatement is the process of removing or encapsulating asbestos so that it no longer poses a risk to the inhabitants of a structure.
You can read more about asbestos abatement and remediation, as well as PPE recommendations, in this article.
One of the processes for mold remediation is soda blasting (baking soda). Soda blasting increases the risk of mold spore intrusion, and it is effective to also tape above and all the way down the zipper line to block intrusion points. PPE with a storm flap over the zipper makes this easier as it blocks particulates from breaching through the zipper.
Choosing the right disposable coverall depends greatly on your application. The substance or material you’re working with, OSHA recommendations, and other factors impact which coverall you should select.
For help choosing the best disposable coverall for your work environment, speak with a Lakeland specialist.
