Which action addresses air exposure when handling protein powders?

Which action addresses air exposure when handling protein powders?

• A. Weigh powders containing unique allergens in a different area
• B. Cover totes containing allergen-containing ingredients during transfer
• C. Control ventilation over lines where protein powders are dumped
• D. Use dedicated tools

Answer: (C)

Airborne dust from protein powders is a primary air exposure hazard because powders can become aerosolized during handling, especially when dumping lines. The most effective way to reduce this hazard is to implement engineering controls that remove dust from the air at the source. Controlling ventilation over the lines where powders are dumped directly lowers the concentration of airborne particulates workers inhale and minimizes dust spreading to other areas, making it the strongest action for addressing air exposure. Other options focus on limiting contact or containing some dust during transfers, which helps reduce cross-contact or surface contamination but doesn't directly lower the amount of dust in the air as effectively. Weighing in a separate area reduces cross-contact risk; covering totes during transfer helps contain some dust; using dedicated tools minimizes cross-contact between batches. However, these measures don’t address the airborne concentration as directly as controlling ventilation does.

Airborne dust from protein powders is a primary air exposure hazard because powders can become aerosolized during handling, especially when dumping lines. The most effective way to reduce this hazard is to implement engineering controls that remove dust from the air at the source. Controlling ventilation over the lines where powders are dumped directly lowers the concentration of airborne particulates workers inhale and minimizes dust spreading to other areas, making it the strongest action for addressing air exposure.

Other options focus on limiting contact or containing some dust during transfers, which helps reduce cross-contact or surface contamination but doesn't directly lower the amount of dust in the air as effectively. Weighing in a separate area reduces cross-contact risk; covering totes during transfer helps contain some dust; using dedicated tools minimizes cross-contact between batches. However, these measures don’t address the airborne concentration as directly as controlling ventilation does.