A New Leak Test Method for Enclosed Cab Filtration Systems

by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Enclosed cabs are an engineering control that can provide a safe, comfortable, and healthy work environment for equipment operators. Most modern day enclosed cabs have heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems for maintaining a comfortable temperature and a breathable quantity of air for its occupant(s). Various levels of filtration can be incorporated into the HVAC system to improve the ventilation quality of the air inside the cab by removing outside airborne pollutants such as dusts, chemical aerosols, and vapors. Outside air leakage around the intake filter into the HVAC system can notably diminish the cab's filtration system effectiveness [Heitbrink et al. 2003; NIOSH 2008]. A poorly sealed cab HVAC/filtration system can be difficult to recognize because of its concealed system components and the invisible nature of some airborne pollutants that can penetrate the cab.

40 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2013