Dusts Produced During Cutting of Modern Splinting Bandages

Authors

R. Wytch, University of Aberdeen
D. W. Gregory, University of Aberdeen
R. Clayton, TBA Industrial Products
D. Wardlaw, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

Abstract

Previous work carried out by the authors (Wytch et al ., 1988a) has shown that airborne dust generated during removal of orthopaedic casts with a power saw could represent a respiratory hazard. Further work has been carried out on all types of splinting bandage currently available in the United Kingdom to assess the potential dust hazard when sawing these materials. It has been shown that although plaster of Paris bandage produces significant concentrations of airborne dust, most of the polyurethane-impregnated fabric bandages generate extremely low levels of dust and in the case of the non-glass fabrics, the level is insignificant. However, it has been found that all types of splinting bandages generate particles small enough to reach the final divisions of the lungs. It is therefore recommended that a dust extraction unit is used when all types of splinting bandages are being removed with a power saw.

Recommended Citation

Wytch, R.; Gregory, D. W.; Clayton, R.; and Wardlaw, D. (1991) "Dusts Produced During Cutting of Modern Splinting Bandages," Cells and Materials: Vol. 1: No. 2, Article 7.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cellsandmaterials/vol1/iss2/7