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Chapter 10 Keeping Your Family Safe Although this worker training manual is generally about preventing respirable crystalline silica exposure for you, the health of others living close to you is also a concern. Questions regarding regulations on air pollution, hazardous waste, and water pollution are frequently asked. This chapter is included only as a basic guide to those areas. Additional and up-to-date information about regulations and rules regarding those subjects can be obtained through your local and state environmental agencies. ALL COMPANIES SHOULD READ THIS CHAPTER. COMPANIES WITH DUST PROBLEMS INSIDE THEIR WORKPLACE ARE MOST LIKELY TO ALSO HAVE DUST PROBLEMS OUTSIDE. * # # IF YOUR COMPANY USES SILICA-BASED ABRASIVES, YOU SHOULD: * Make sure you and other workers don't take silica dusts home. Silica dust can be taken home on contaminated clothing, shoes, or cars. Cars that have open windows or convertible tops down, if parked downwind from the blast operation, can have silica dust settle in them. * Don't let silica dusts pollute the air. Ventilation systems, dust collection systems, blast rooms and containment reduce the amount of abrasive blasting dusts in the inside and outside air. If you have a ventilation system that doesn't include a filtering mechanism, your workplace silica dust problem could turn into a community air pollution concern. We recommend that you include a dust removal mechanism in your ventilation system. Discuss your options with an engineer that specializes in ventilation systems while your system is being designed. Cover all your bases before you begin investing time and money in your ventilation system. * Dispose of hazardous waste properly. We feel that you, once you're aware of these risks, will move quickly and surely to protect your family, other shop employees, and their families. Prevent Silicosis Training 63 Keeping Your Family Safe * # # WHAT ARE THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS? * Air Pollution Regulations. Air pollution regulations generally are written and enforced by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), with oversight by the Environmental Protection Agency. Local governments may promulgate air pollution requirements that are at least as restrictive as, or more stringent than, those of the MDEQ, but few local governments have done so in Michigan (with the exception of Wayne County). Therefore, be aware that local governments may have some additional requirements. Whether or not your shop's ventilation system is required by law to have pollution control equipment included depends on many things including: your shop's operation, how much nuisance dust you release, and your location. * Wastewater Regulations. Regulations governing wastewater and wastewater discharges vary among local municipalities and by specific industry. You should contact your local municipality water district and environmental agency for the regulations and rules specific to your area. * Hazardous Waste Regulations. Hazardous waste regulations specify requirements for the safe handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials from the point of generation (your shop) to its final disposal. The MDEQ can help you understand how these regulations apply to your business and how to dispose of waste properly. The MDEQ has numerous district offices throughout the state. You should contact the appropriate district office for assistance. Prevent Silicosis Training 64 Keeping Your Family Safe Notes Prevent Silicosis Training 65