ASBESTOS & HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
to hazardous substances but also consider the effect of their work on those working in the surrounding area.
NSEQUENCES OF HARMFUL ACE EXPOSURE LEVELS
TEN UNDERESTIMATED IN RISON TO THE IMMEDIATE OF INJURIES.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and occupational asthma. Silicosis is a progressive disease where the accumulation of respirable crystalline silica particles in the lungs causes an inflammatory reaction, leading to tissue damage and scarring. This can progress, leading to complications that can result in disability or death. COPD, more commonly associated with smoking, is also a significant cause of occupational deaths. Individuals diagnosed with COPD suffer from an obstruction of the airways, which become inflamed and narrowed. Lung function is impaired and affected workers are often diagnosed with work-related emphysema or chronic bronchitis. 15% of all diagnosed COPD cases are work-related, resulting in around 4,000 deaths each year.
LIMITING EXPOSURE The construction site environment presents a range of health risks, the nature and extent of which can vary between areas of the same site. As activities and materials on site are constantly changing, so must risk assessments and control measures put in place. This will ensure that construction workers not only protect themselves from exposure
www.tomorrowshs.com
The HSE outlines workplace exposure limits (WELs) to construction dust and other hazardous substances to limit exposure levels in the workplace. For silica dust, a guideline of no more than 10 milligrams per cubic metre (mg/ m3) for inhalable dust and 4mg/m3 for respirable dust is set. However, it should be noted that there is no recommended ‘safe’ exposure level to construction dust, just varying levels of risk. The law requires employers to manage construction dust exposure by ensuring that employees are inhaling levels well below guideline amounts.
BREATHING EASIER To assess which employees are at highest risk of exposure to construction dust, a specialist advisor such as an occupational hygienist may be required to attend site and provide guidance on the level of risk posed by particular dusts. Activities where construction dust may be present in high concentrations include:
• Wall chasing • Grinding and sanding • Block and stone cutting • Drilling • Sweeping floors
• Cutting of softwood, hardwood and wood based products
• Movement of rubble during site clearance
• Demolition • Carpentry
Once the hazard has been recognised, reasonably practicable control measures must be developed and applied to protect the workforce. In the first instance a risk assessment should be carried out, including accurate measurement of dust levels. These must be monitored regularly to ensure that dust control measures are being maintained. In order to reduce exposure, dust should be eliminated through the use of alternative construction methods or less risky materials wherever possible. Work should also be organised to reduce airborne particles through the use of less powerful tools or industrial dust extraction methods. If dust remains,
respiratory protective equipment (RPE) should be worn as a last resort.
“FIGURES FROM THE HSE HIGHLIGHT A GROWING NUMBER OF LUNG DISEASES AND RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES CAUSED BY THE INHALATION OF CONSTRUCTION DUST PARTICLES.”
When considering the correct type of RPE, the activity being undertaken and the workplace environment should be assessed by the employer to determine whether a disposable, reusable half mask, full face mask or powered air unit is most suitable. Disposable masks are most appropriate for short duration applications, providing a maintenance free protection solution, while full face masks provide integrated eye and face protection. Powered air respirators are also available for longer duration applications, helping to reduce burden on the lungs and increase wearer acceptance, as well as helping with PPE compatibility. For all applications a P3 filter is recommended for high efficiency protection. Face fit testing is also a legal requirement when using any type of tight fitting RPE, with the exception of powered air solutions, as this will ensure that it is providing the correct level of protection.
The construction industry has made huge strides in recent years to increase site safety and ultimately to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities at work. What is often less recognised is that the industry also experiences a high risk for health issues. The rise of reported long latency illnesses as a result of exposure to and inhalation of construction dust affects thousands of workers every year and will continue to affect the health of future generations if not adequately controlled and protected against today.
www.arco.co.uk/constructiondust
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