Rank: Forum user 
|
Good Morning Everyone,
After some advice please. I am looking at producing a toolbox talk for our operatives in the woodworking factory, regarding the wearing of gloves when using rotating tools (in our case the Pillar Drill, hand held drills and saws). I don't think they should
However some of the operatives like to wear gloves to stop the sap and treatment getting on their skin, and to reduce splinters.
It has been suggested that they could wear disposable gloves instead?
What do you think?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
Do not wear gloves, rings, watches, or bracelets while working with a drill press., I have seen people that have lost fingers by using gloves with drills, Its not worth it and should not be allowed.
You need to ensure that you have adequate Risk assessments in place for this and that the operatives read this and fully understand the risks and hazards.
You say about hand contamination?? have you done a Risk assessment on that ?? The long term injuries could be dermatitis, warts etc...
If the workers are handling Wet or contaminated products then you need to supply them with say vinyl disposable gloves.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
An effective barrier cream would be better than disposable gloves to prevent the sap and treatment getting in the skin, however, it wouldn't stop splinters, but neither would the disposable gloves.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
I think more detailed assessment(s) are required before doing a tool box talk.
The use of gloves with rotating tools, particularly in wood processing, is well documented. From what you describe all the rotating tools you have named are power tools, and are therefore likely to need two hands to work, unless some are fixed mounted, or a combination of both.
The issue may well be just moving the wood to/from the work area.
What about changing the process, can the wood be planned before drilling so there is less chance of splinters, or treat it after drilling so there is less chemical. Spend a few hours working there and talking to the operatives and see what ideas come up, before jumping straight in to tool box mode.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
I agree The issue with the splinters is an issue on its own, and you need to reduce the hazard of getting splinters as far as you can.
Sometimes this is an excuse used by the wearer of gloves, that they would get splinters, but the issue remains, Do not use Gloves on rotating machines if the Gloves are going to make more of a hazard by them being worn.
Is there any way you by means of a work process eliminate the rough sides of the wooden product to minimise the risk of the handler getting splinters ?
Surely if you use a pillar drill the wood needs to be secured in a vise or secured in some way to prevent it spinning should the drill get stuck?
By careful handling, and safe methods of work you should really have a problem, but i think the Splinter issue is one you need to address and make sure its not become more of an issue than it really is.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Thank you for the replies so far.
The timber is treated at the mill before being delivered, after a while the sap and treatment do seep out sometimes. We use different types of soft/hardwood and board.
Some of the timber will be planed but most of it is rough sawn that is used on exterior products so it won't be smooth.
Barrier cream is in place for them to use and we conduct health surveillance annually.
Usually there are hundreds of pieces being drilled in one session, a jig is used and the operative will hold the piece down.
I agree that an assessment needs to be developed, I know that some people will not be happy but ultimately their safety comes first.
Do you think that disposable gloves would be acceptable for use when drilling and using the saws? I know it won't stop the splinters though, but would prevent the other contamination.
My worry is that if they put on their normal workwear gloves to move the timber, will they remember to take them off before using the machine?!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Hi KJC,
Any woodworking machinist worth their salt should already know the risks involved in wearing gloves whilst using m/c's and therefore you need to ensure that a safe system of work is in place and that the operatives follow this, if a worker is then injured due to their failure to remove gloves - this will be because they failed to follow that SSOW, no fault of the company.
I myself have worked in m/c shops and it is no great hardship to remove gloves before using m/c's and this action is a natural thing to do for most and is a must to avoid the horrible injuries that can occur, to clarify gloves should never be worn when using high speed rotating machinery in any setting.
Pete,
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Thanks peterL for your comment :)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
KJC wrote:T
Do you think that disposable gloves would be acceptable for use when drilling and using the saws? I know it won't stop the splinters though, but would prevent the other contamination.
My worry is that if they put on their normal workwear gloves to move the timber, will they remember to take them off before using the machine?! It won't do no harm and would help them, you can get Nitrile ones that are a bit more heavy duty and won't split as much. I have seen these used in workshops, both Wood and metal without issues Getting some signage up near the Machine might help as well as perhaps some training as to the dangers of using gloves with machines. http://woodlandsphysio.c...ads/2012/06/image093.pngTrain the workshop supervisors, managers also to spot those not complying. There cannot be any excuse to wear gloves when using rotating machinery like that
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
It won't do no harm and would help them, you can get Nitrile ones that are a bit more heavy duty and won't split as much. I have seen these used in workshops, both Wood and metal without issues Getting some signage up near the Machine might help as well as perhaps some training as to the dangers of using gloves with machines. http://woodlandsphysio.c...ads/2012/06/image093.pngTrain the workshop supervisors, managers also to spot those not complying. There cannot be any excuse to wear gloves when using rotating machinery like that
Thank you Gerry, for the advice and the link.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
All
I understand the concern with being drawn in or the risk of entanglement with loose clothing however the SSoW should be designed is such away that the operators hands are free from the rotating tool bit. Can the wood be clamped therefore eliminating the need to have the operators hands in the firing line???
Can a calibrated jig be created that would allow a safer operation, is it absolute necessary to remove the gloves??
I fully understand the concern however just by RA it doesn't actually address the concern in its entirety.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Firstly both regarding barrier creams, the HSE view is that they should not be used as protection as there is no evidence that they do actually protect and no validated tests to evaluate their performance.
Secondly, the wearing of occlusive gloves is equivalent to wet work, one of the major causes of occupational contact dermatitis. You need to carefully evaluate the relative benefits and disadvantages wearing and not wearing gloves.
If you need more on this PM me with your e-mail address and I will send you the documentation on these points.
Chris
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.