Harm that develops slowly.
WHY IT IS NEGLECTED
The harm is invisible until it is permanent.
WHAT WOOD DUST CAUSES
Respiratory disease Nasal and sinus conditions Skin irritation Asthma
WHY HARDWOOD DUST DESERVES PARTICULAR CARE
Some species present greater risk than others.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Extraction at source, on every dust-producing machine.
WHY AT SOURCE
Dust captured at the machine never enters the air.
WHAT TO PROVIDE ALONGSIDE
Respiratory protection for sanding and where extraction is insufficient.
WHY SANDING SPECIFICALLY
It produces the finest dust, which penetrates deepest.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT EXTRACTION
Adequate capacity for the machines running Ducting kept clear Filters and bags emptied and maintained
WHY MAINTENANCE
Full bags and blocked filters make extraction ineffective.
WHAT TO AVOID
Sweeping or blowing dust.
WHY
It suspends it in the air where it is inhaled.
WHAT TO USE
Vacuum extraction for cleaning.
WHAT NOISE CAUSES
Permanent hearing loss, gradually and painlessly.
WHAT TO PROVIDE
Hearing protection, and require its use.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
Reducing noise at source, where possible.
WHAT FIRE RISK EXISTS
Dust accumulation Finishing materials and their vapours Rags soaked in certain finishes
WHY OILY RAGS DESERVE SPECIFIC MENTION
Some finishing oils generate heat as they cure and rags can ignite without any flame.
WHAT TO DO
Store them in a sealed metal container or spread them to dry flat.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Housekeeping that prevents accumulation.
