Pulp & Paper Mills
Mills turn wood chips into pulp and then paper, using heat, pressure, chemicals and huge machines. The process runs around the clock, so workers face fast-moving rollers, hot liquids, toxic gases and dust every shift.
- Mill Workers
- Maintenance
- Contractors
Main hazards
- Nip points and rolls: rotating rolls on paper machines and winders can pull in hands and clothing. Never reach into running rolls. See Machine Guarding.
- Chemicals and gases: hydrogen sulfide, chlorine dioxide, sulfur compounds, caustic soda and acids. See Hydrogen Sulfide and Chlorine.
- Steam and hot liquor: burns from pipes, digesters and boilers. See Steam Systems.
- Confined spaces: tanks, digesters, chip bins and vessels. See Confined Spaces.
- Combustible dust from wood and paper fibers, which can explode. See Combustible Dust.
- Heavy loads: huge paper rolls can tip or roll, and cranes and lift trucks move them.
- Slips and falls on wet floors and from high platforms.
- Noise, heat and vibration.
Controls
- Lockout/tagout for every maintenance and clearing task, with group lockout for large lines. See Group Lockout.
- Use guards, interlocks and rope-pull or e-stops near nips. Use tools designed to feed paper, not hands.
- Continuous gas monitoring in areas where hydrogen sulfide or chlorine dioxide can leak, with alarms and escape respirators. See Gas Detectors.
- Follow process safety procedures for chemical systems. See Process Safety Management.
- Control dust with housekeeping, collection and ignition source control.
- Keep walking surfaces dry and use handrails. Wear fall protection at edges.
- Wear hearing protection, safety glasses, flame-resistant clothing where required, and chemical protection as needed.
Mill safety checklist
- I know where the nip points are and never reach into running machines
- I lock out before cleaning, clearing or repairing
- I carry or have access to a gas detector and escape respirator in gas areas
- I follow permits for confined space and hot work
- I report leaks, spills and dust buildup
Standards & references
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