Rank: Forum user 
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Hi
Can anyone tell me whether MDF is generally recommended in the workplace (ie the 'cutting of' etc) and in an area that does not have LEV?
Can anyone point me to any guidance or recommendations please?
Many thanks
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Rank: Super forum user
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I guess it will come down to how much cutting you are likely to be doing if it is installing the odd shelf then look at using a hoover and dust mask. Saying that MDF is banned in some countries as it is a carcinogenic. so you wouldn't want to be producing to much dust and exposing everyone to it.
Phil
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Rank: Super forum user 
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As with all dusts, LEV and mechanical controls should take priority over PPE, however if you can't deploy LEV then you have to do what is practicable to reduce exposure. If you're able to reduce airborne particles buy portable extraction or dust bags as well as using suitable RPE/PPE then that should he sufficient, but will depend on the level of cutting and dust generated. EH40 will give you the WEL and you might want to undertake some personal dust monitoring to ensure that your controls bring you below those.
Rumours that medium density fibre board (MDF) is banned in the USA are untrue. Emissions of formaldehyde from board products are, however, regulated in the USA and Germany, and are expected to be regulated throughout the European Community (EC) in the future.
Formaldehyde emissions at work in the UK are controlled by standards set in the Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations and the occupational exposure standards set out in EH40.
In the UK, board manufacturers are advertising low formaldehyde or zero formaldehyde emission boards made to the stringent German "E1" standard. This appears to be because manufacturers feel the EC is very likely to adopt this standard in the future
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Rank: Forum user 
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When the HSE back in 1998 carried out research on the use of MDF (formaldehyde content not withstanding), they found that no additional control measures were necessary other than used generally when working with with other woods in production and cutting.
Usual LEV applies (which I note you don't have) so I suppose it greatly depends on frequency,amount & exposure, as to the next step you take.
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Rank: Forum user
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