Occupational risks associated with electronics demanufacturing and CRT glass processing operations and the impact of mitigation activities on employee safety and health

Cascade Asset Management, LLC has been engaged in electronics recovery since April 1999. Since that time, it has processed more than 4.5 million pounds of computers and other electronic equipment for reuse or recycling. The company operates a testing, refurbishing, demanufacturing and shredding facility, as well as a cathode ray tube glass-to-glass processing center in Madison, Wisconsin. As a result of these activities, Cascade has been presented with a variety of health and safety issues related to its operations. This paper provides details on occupational health and safety testing protocols and results, with a specific emphasis on the impact of operational and training improvements to mitigate exposure to potential harm from airborne contaminants and other environmental hazards.