📋 One-Page Site-Specific Audit Checklist

Mulch Production Center – Wood Dust Safety & Compliance

General

• Updated inventory of processed woods (verify no treated/painted wood).
• SDS available & accessible for all materials.
• Workers trained on wood dust hazards (carcinogenicity, fire/explosion, PPE).

Exposure & Controls

• Personal inhalable dust sampling conducted in last 12 months.
• Results below 2 mg/m³ inhalable (hardwood, EU binding OEL) or lower if local law stricter.
• Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) present at grinders, chippers, conveyors, bagging.
• LEV airflow tested/verified (smoke test or capture velocity measurement).
• General ventilation adequate; no visible dust plumes indoors.
• Dust collectors NFPA-compliant (spark detection, explosion vents, grounded).

Housekeeping & Fire Safety

• No compressed-air sweeping.
• HEPA vacuums / wet cleaning in place.
• Surfaces visibly free from >1/32 inch (~0.8 mm) dust layers.
• Ignition source control: grounded equipment, hot-work permits, no smoking.
• Combustible Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA) performed / updated.

PPE & Training

• Respirators (N95/P100 or equivalent) provided if LEV insufficient.
• Respirator program in place: fit-testing, training, medical clearance.
• Eye protection, gloves, protective clothing available/used.

Monitoring & Health

• Health surveillance: baseline respiratory screening & periodic follow-up.
• Neighboring environment assessed (boundary dust monitoring).
• Incident log maintained for dust exposures, fires, or near-misses.

Audit Sign-off

Auditor: _____________ Date: _____________

Corrective Actions: ______________________

📑 Sample SOPs

A. Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Maintenance SOP

Purpose: Ensure LEV controls capture wood dust effectively.

Frequency: Daily visual check; quarterly full inspection.

• Daily
  • Inspect ducts & hoods for blockages/damage.
  • Verify airflow visually (dust capture, smoke tube test).
  • Record findings in logbook.
• Weekly
  • Empty dust collection bins safely.
  • Check duct connections for leaks.
• Quarterly
  • Measure capture velocity (per NIOSH guidance).
  • Replace/clean filters.
  • Verify grounding/bonding of ducts.
• Annual
  • Commission airflow testing by certified industrial hygienist.

B. Cleaning/Housekeeping SOP (No Compressed Air)

Purpose: Minimize combustible/carcinogenic wood dust accumulations.

• Daily
  • HEPA vacuum production areas, especially ledges/surfaces.
  • Wet mop floors where safe.
• Weekly
  • Inspect elevated surfaces, ducts, beams for accumulations.
  • Vacuum dust >1/32 in thick.
• Prohibited:
  • Compressed air blowdown.
  • Dry sweeping without HEPA vacuum.
• Disposal:
  • Collect waste in sealed, grounded containers.
  • Empty outdoors into designated dumpsters.

C. Respirator Program SOP (Template)

Purpose: Protect workers when dust > OEL or LEV insufficient.

Program Elements (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134)

• Respirator selection (N95 for nuisance; P100 for high exposures).
• Medical clearance before assignment.
• Annual fit-testing.
• Worker training (donning/doffing, maintenance).
• Cartridge/filter change schedule.

Supervision:

• Designated Respiratory Protection Program Administrator.
• Maintain written records of fit tests, training, clearance.

D. Dust Collector Inspection Log

Machine ID: ______ Location: ______ Inspector: ______ Date: ______

🌬️ Monitoring Neighboring Household Exposure

To check if nearby communities are exposed to fugitive wood dust:

1. Perimeter Air Monitoring

• Place inhalable dust samplers (IOM samplers with filters) or low-cost PM10/PM2.5 monitors along the facility fence line.
• Run during operating hours and compare concentrations to background (control site away from plant).
• Action threshold: Perimeter PM > local ambient background by >50% = investigate.

2. Dust Deposition Gauges

• Install passive deposition plates around site perimeter (sticky pads or petri dishes).
• Analyze collected dust gravimetrically or microscopically to confirm wood particles.

3. Community Complaints & Surveys

• Log complaints of dust/nuisance from neighbors.
• Periodically survey nearby households on dust perception.

4. Meteorological Tracking

• Combine dust monitoring with wind direction/speed data to see if emissions travel toward homes.

5. Mitigation if Exposure Detected

• Install windbreaks, enclose dusty conveyors, or plant vegetative barriers.
• Relocate high-dust operations indoors with LEV.