Dust load in silicon production and occupational risks

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to study the characteristics of dust generated in technological processes in the production of silicon in the Irkutsk Region, as well as to assess dust load and occupational risks of the shop workers. Using chemical and X-ray phase analysis methods, as well as electron microscopy, it was shown that silicon dust contains more than 80% of silicon dioxide, which is a source of increased hazard for the workers of the enterprise. Also, using the scoring method, the questionnaire method, and the method of assessing the individual occupational risk level, it was established that the individual occupational risks of the studied occupations range from 1.1 10-3 to 3.3 10-3. The increased concentration of finely dispersed man-made silicon production waste confirms the need to take organizational and technical measures to reduce the dust load, including the creation of economic conditions for pelletizing the batch.