Floor Buffer Guidelines
Floor buffers can expose employees to
noise, hazardous materials, and hazards related to combustible gas
storage. To assess these hazards Environmental Health and Instructional
Safety (EH&IS) conducted exposure monitoring during the operation of
these machines. The following sections describe the potential hazards
and precautions for buffing operations.
Asbestos
Filters obstructed by wax dust made
asbestos detection impossible, but abrasive action, burnishing, and
mechanical treatment of unsealed vinyl asbestos floor tile (VAT) can
trigger an asbestos fiber release above acceptable levels. Routine
maintenance of vinyl asbestos floor tiles (VAT) does not expose
custodians to significant concentrations of airborne asbestos
except when these tiles have been stripped of their protective
finish and dry buffed. A floor finish coating of VAT floors,
non-abrasive polishing pads, and speeds at or below 190 rotations per
minute can help prevent the release of airborne asbestos fibers. Please
use these precautions:
- Strip, burnish, and buff wet and sealed tile floors only.
- Strip floor tiles as infrequently as possible.
- Custodial staff should receive training on the safe operation of the
machines, pads, and floor care chemicals used at CSUF before stripping
floors.
- Use the low speed setting while stripping floors.
- Select the least abrasive pad for stripping operations.
- Do not over-strip, and stop stripping when the old coat is removed.
Over-stripping can damage the floor and may cause the release of
asbestos fibers.
- Do not operate a floor buffer with an abrasive pad on un-waxed or
unfinished floors.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Exposure monitoring results of 500 ppm
for CO2 fell below the Cal/OSHA PEL of 5000 ppm while employees were
operating buffers. No specific precautions are recommended.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Exposure monitoring results indicate
that carbon monoxide did not exceed the Cal/OSHA Permissible Exposure
Limit (PEL) of 25 ppm while employees were operating buffers. No
specific precautions are recommended.
Dust
Exposure monitoring results of 0.87 mg
per cubic meter of air fell below the Cal/OSHA PEL of 10 mg per cubic
meter of air. No specific precautions are recommended.
Noise
The noise level produced by the
propane buffer is considered high. Hearing protection such as ear plugs
and ear muffs are recommended during usage of the machine. Personal
noise dosimeter results indicate that employees are not exposed to noise
over the Cal/OSHA action level requiring enrollment in the Hearing
Conservation Program and use of hearing protection.
Propane Refilling
Only trained and qualified personnel may refill propane containers.
Propane Storage
Storage of propane should occur in
identified well ventilated storage containers outside of the buildings.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal regulates storage of the propane
and prohibits its storage in unapproved locations within the buildings
such as custodial "hopper rooms" or break areas. The applicable
California Regulations include Title 19 Sections 3.14, 3.15, and 3.19.
Respiratory Protection
Floor buffer operation does not
require the use of a respirator due to low exposures to carbon monoxide,
dust, and carbon dioxide. Also, adherence to the asbestos precautions
should reduce the need for employees to wear respirators. Floor buffer
operators may voluntarily choose to wear a respirator and should contact
EH&IS for approval before doing so.
Scheduling
Because of the noise and odor produced
by propane buffers, propane buffing should normally cease prior to 7:00
a.m. or normal business hours. Notify Central Plant (ext. 2432) before
operating buffers to set the building ventilation to 100% outside air
during their operation. Please do not forget to provide Central Plant
the location and time needed for ventilation.
Operation of propane buffers is a
sensitive topic and a point of numerous complaints from the campus
community. Please be empathetic to these feelings and comply with the
above procedures. If you have any related questions, call EH&IS at ext.
7233.
Revised: 2/24/2006 SB