FOCUS ON SAFETY By Katharina Busch


KATHARINA BUSCH is a content contributor for Arinite, a London-based health and safety consultancy which focuses on appropriate safety training, risk assessments and risk management in many diff erent industries.


Arinite (Health and Safety Consultancy) provides service and support to a diverse customer base including fi nancial companies, retail chains, schools, manufacturers, assembly plants, warehouses, transport companies, social enterprises, and leisure facilities across the UK and Ireland.


www.arinite.co.uk • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •


Knowledge is power when exposed to life-threatening chemicals and materials


MANY workers come across potential health hazards on a daily basis and certain industries, such as chemical or woodworking, are notorious for posing risks to worker's health. The hidden dangers of seemingly harmless materials, like ink or fl our, can have severe, long-term eff ects on health and well-being if exposed regularly. For 2018/2019, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work is running a nationwide campaign to improve the management and handling of dangerous substances. The campaign’s aim is to educate employees and employers alike about the harmful consequences of exposure, and to inform on how to avoid and safeguard against hazards arising from dangerous substances.


One of these dangerous substances is dust. Dust can


be a particularly fatal material with many of its potential health risks life threatening such as skin disorders,


rhinitis, asthma, and cancer. Dust commonly found in the


workplace includes silica (dust from rocks, sand clay, bricks,


concrete, etc), grain and fl our, asbestos, or wood dust.


The HSE estimates the number of silica-related workplace fatalities in the UK to be about 500 annually, while 4,000 workers are said to die of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder every year – a lung condition commonly linked to dust inhalation.


26 TBH November, 2018 How equipment can help


Wearing the correct PPE and using control equipment is just as essential to staying safe and following hygiene procedures. Dust comes as a by-product of many tasks, such as cutting brick or concrete, demolition work, sanding wood, abrasive blasting, or rock drilling, and the quantity and type of wood dust will determine what control measures are necessary. The best way to capture dust before it can enter the lungs is to install LEV (local exhaust ventilation) systems that can control the output at the source as it is being produced. When using a LEV, the worker/installer’s responsibilities include:


• Ensuring that fans and air cleaners correspond to the number of machines being used to achieve a balanced LEV system;


• Installing a smooth duct design with minimum bends;


• Checking whether the hood design is controlling dust emission and exposure by running a lamp- or smoke generator check;


• Maintenance work for VFR (volume fl ow rate) and air transport velocity;


• Cleaning fi lters if required. Choosing the best solution


Despite fulfilling the legal requirements, dust extraction systems should be simple to use and efficient in keeping the operation cost down. Nowadays, many extraction systems can provide excellent safety at an affordable price, which makes it easy for employers to choose a good fit for their purpose. Depending on what materials are


needed and in what quantity, many manufacturers offer tailored solutions to match individual requirements. Whether it’s wood dust or airborne particles (such as GRP, aluminium, titanium or flour extraction), systems look different depending on the site and task at hand. Therefore, it is important to not choose a cheap and simple one-fit- all solution, but to assess the situation anew with the help of a H&S consultant. Furthermore, industrial vacuums, vacuum attachments, and air scrubbers for power tools can help to keep the workplace dust- free and healthy. A consultant can advise on how to position the extraction system and how to establish negative air pressure to draw dust to the extraction.


Knowledge is power


Dust can be encountered in many situations – but there are other, just as dangerous substances that need to be considered. Acids, paint, pesticides or petroleum products are well-known to be dangerous and are commonly treated with caution. Yet, more people are exposed to chemical or biological substances than those working in chemical industries; hair dye, spray paint, lacquer, or glue, can all cause illnesses if workers are not equipped with the right tools and knowledge to safeguard themselves. Making sure every substance in the work process is identifi ed, reported, labelled, and discussed is important to make sure staff can handle the situation appropriately. Only a safe and healthy working environment will produce high- quality work and help workers and the company grow sustainably.


www.toolbusiness.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32