What are the health hazards associated with the wool industries?
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Transcript of Health Hazards In The Wool Industry
Hazards
Health Hazards In The Wool Industry
•feed rollers and swifts of various types of preparatory opening machines (e.g., teasers, willeys, garnetts, rag-grinding machines and so on)
•licker-in or taker-in and adjacent rollers of scribbling and carding machines
•intake between swift and doffer cylinders of scribbling, carding and garnetting machines
•rollers and fallers of gill-boxes
•back shafts of drawing and roving frames
•traps between the carriage and headstock of mules
•projecting pins, bolts and other securing devices used on the beaming-off motion of warping machines
•squeeze rollers of scouring, milling and cloth-wringing machines
•intake between cloth and wrapper and roller of blowing machines
•revolving-knife cylinder of cropping machines
•blades of fans in pneumatic conveying systems (any inspection panel in the ducting of such a system should be at a safe distance from the fan, and the worker should have indelibly impressed on his or her memory the length of time it takes for the machine to slow and come to a stop after the power has been cut off; this is particularly important since the worker clearing a blockage in the system usually cannot see the moving blades)
•the flying shuttle, which presents a special problem (looms should be provided with well-designed guards to prevent the shuttle from flying out of the shed and to limit the distance it might travel should it fly).
Various chemicals are used—for example, for degreasing (diethylene dioxide, synthetic detergents, trichloroethylene and, in the past, carbon tetrachloride), disinfection (formaldehyde), bleaching (sulphur dioxide, chlorine) and dyeing (potassium chlorate, anilines). The risks include gassing, poisoning, irritation of the eyes, mucous membranes and lungs, and skin conditions. In general, prevention relies on:
•substitution of a less dangerous chemical
•local exhaust ventilation
•care in labelling, storage and transport of corrosive or noxious liquids
•personal protective equipment
•good washing facilities (including shower baths where practicable)
•strict personal hygiene.
As in every section of the textile industry, large machines with rapidly moving parts pose both noise and mechanical injury hazards. Dust can also be a problem. The highest practicable form of guarding or enclosure should be provided for such generic parts of the equipment as spur gear wheels, chains and sprockets, revolving shafting, belts and pulleys, and for the following parts of machinery used specifically in the wool textile trade
Noise, inadequate lighting, and the high temperatures and humidity levels required for wool processing may have a deleterious effect on general health unless they are strictly controlled. In many countries, standards are prescribed. Steam and condensation may be difficult to control effectively in dyeing sheds, and expert engineering advice is often needed. In weaving sheds, noise control presents a serious problem on which much work remains to be done. A high standard of lighting is necessary everywhere, particularly where dark fabrics are being manufactured.
Hazards and Their Prevention