Posted By J Knight Definitely ban paper, and computers, or better still, ban work as it seems to be this which causes all the H&S problems. I thought all dusts were included in COSHH, and presumably this would include paper dust, but also presumably not in the tiny quantities produced by a shredder. Paper dust propelled by static can mimic fleas though (see at least a couple of previous threads on this forum), causing red marks on victim's legs and being able to carry 250 times their own body weight; no, that's ants, and its not even Friday... John

Posted By Fred Pratley What - Guilty until proven innocent without a shred of evidence! Again? Still keeps me in a job! Mayybe all those people known NOT to die from cancer when working in papermills might be a clue!

Posted By Robert S Woods Just to clarify things. John Knight has pointed out that paper overalls might not be a good idea given the subject of the posting and suggests pure silk. I was thinking of Tyvek Protec type coated overalls as this would ensure that the asbestos in the said garment was sealed in and not friable. They would however have to be a management system to ensure that if torn or damaged they could be double bagged marked and sent to a specialist disposal company. Better still get them a suit of armour and a diving lessons.

Posted By Robert K Lewis But the Bends is a recognised disease from such an activity as diving Bob

Posted By John Murgatroyd Too much about cancer, try asthma, emphysema and bronchitis etc http://www.pacehealthand...r.Markowitz-SepOct04.htm

Posted By Robert S Woods Don't whatever you do let them read this or the world will come to a standstill. http://www.pacehealthand...r.Markowitz-JanFeb05.htm

Posted By Geoff Burt Scenario: New industrial shredder purchased in a large office Two members of staff given instructions by retailer on how to change bags and to maintain the shredder - authorised person list put up and everthing in order. Two weeks later two employees complain of chest problems. One of them in the next office to the shredder, the other one at the other end of the floor (a substantial distance away and through a number of doors). Retained H&S consultants asked to investigate as office manager suspects shredder. Investigation immediately reveals high levels of dust on desks, cabinets etc, surrounding and adjacent to the shredder. Spoke to the two members of staff who are adamant that they are following procedures and can prove this because the maintenance activity is entered in the log book by the equipment. Maintenance comprises removing and sealing bags of waste, replacing new bags and after every 10 bag change putting 2 squirts of oils in a little hole in the shredder to lubricate the cutters (helps for better cutting and substantially reduces dust). Further investigation showed that the end of the oil can spout had never been cut off, so the two employees were removing the cap off the spout, putting the spout down the hole, pushing in the sides of the can twice and putting the oil cap back on. Embarrassment all round!