HSE identifies phosphate and other fertilisers as dusty cargoes that can generate large quantities of airborne dust and states that dusty cargo exposures can affect the lungs; the specific health effects depend on the material and contaminants.
Source: HSE: Dusty cargoes — phosphate and other fertilisers ↗Dust entry
Phosphate fertilizer dust
Dust generated during bulk handling and transport of phosphate and other fertilizer cargoes.
Airborne form
dust
The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.
Health effects
respiratory irritationoccupational respiratory disease concerndust explosion hazard under some conditions
Evidence
Controls
- enclosed transfer
- local exhaust ventilation
- dust suppression
- exposure monitoring
- appropriate respiratory protection