PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-702
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 702
MAY 2011
11
PS 702
MAY 11
Follow local environmental laws and Army regulations to dispose of gloves, clothing,
rags, respirator cartridges and waste water.
C
admium is a silver-white metal
element that’s commonly used as
a protective coating, a hardener,
a battery component and a paint
pigment. That means it’s all over any
motor pool.
Unfortunately, cadmium is also
a known carcinogen and can cause
lung and kidney damage. That’s
why Soldiers should do everything
possible not to expose themselves
to it. Normally, grinding and sanding
produce particle sizes that will
not be airborne. However, don’t
use compressed air to clean work
benches, parts and areas because
cadmium dust can produce an
inhalation hazard. Keep the hazard
limited to a skin and ingestion
hazard. Maintain a clean work
environment and wash frequently.
You are most at risk to cadmium
exposure while grinding, sanding
or welding metal parts, particularly
bearings and axles. The fine cadmium
particles get into the air where
you can unknowingly inhale them,
especially if compressed air is used
to clean or dry parts. This can also
spread cadmium particles to adjoining
areas like break rooms and offices.
•±
Welding, sanding and grinding
should be done in areas that can
be washed to remove cadmium
waste. These processes are best
done outside the shop to reduce
inhalation hazards. People not
involved should stay away from
these processes
•±
Use exhaust ventilation to capture
cadmium dust at its source. Ensure
the work environment is periodically
evalutated by industrial hygenists or
safety professionals to provide
adequate and appropriate protection.
•±
Never shake or blow dust that might
contain cadmium off clothing. That
just puts the cadmium in the air
where it can be inhaled.
•±
Don’t wash contaminated clothing
with non-contaminated clothing.
•±
Keep your home free of possible
cadmium contamination by leaving
work clothing in designated work
locker areas.
•±
Wash your hands and face as soon
as possible after doing any repairs
that might produce cadmium dust.
•±
Do not
smoke, eat or drink in work area.
•±
Regularly wash work areas. Do not
use a shop vac to clean since it may
spread the cadmium through its
exhaust.
Safety and Industrial Hygiene…
Beware
of
Cadmium
in the
Motor Pool
here are some ways
to protect yourself
and your fellow
repairmen when
grinding, sanding or
welding…
cadmium
is covering
the entire
motor
pool!
is therE
nothing to
be done?!
Wear a respirator and protective
clothing, such as coveralls, as determined
by a qualified industrial hygenist.
702.10-11.indd
1-2
3/28/11
10:32 AM
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