Dust Control Handbook for Industrial Minerals Mining and Processing

Figure 6.13. Bag storage shelves shown on left; a robotic arm with suctioncups to place empty bags on fill nozzle shown on right.With a totally automated system, greater production can be achieved. In addition, savings can beachieved with automated systems because they eliminate the worker at the bagging process.Eliminating the need to have workers performing tasks manually reduces their respirable dustexposure, MSD, and lost-time injuries.One aspect that does not change from manual to automated bagging systems is to have an LEVsystem incorporated into the bagging station to capture and remove the dust liberated fromproduct blowback and product "rooster tail." Although workers are not located directly withinthe bag filling area, if the dust is not captured during bag loading and ejection from the fillstation, it will flow out into the work environment and contaminate workers in and around theautomated bag filling system. One very effective technique often used is to enclose the bagfilling area with clear plastic stripping. This provides a physical barrier that indicates thepotential dust-laden air zone to workers and allows the LEV a better opportunity to contain andcapture the dust liberated from bagging.The initial costs of automated systems are much greater than for manual systems. If a costanalysis is performed, costs must be evaluated on a long-term basis, considering the respirabledust exposure and MSD exposure to workers performing the tasks manually.Bagging 173