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Posted By Peter Farrell
We run a training department for plastering, the ventilation is inadequate with the dust readings way above the recommended WEL for both inhalable and respirable dust.
I have reported this and suggested ways that this can be reduced.
The company H&S Manager visited and informed me that plaster dust came under DSEAR, I have contacted IIRSM, IOSH, HSE and all have replied but are very vague in their answers.
I have reported that if we put in the correct measures then DSEAR wouldn't come into it as we would have reduced the dust levels significantly.
I have even been given conflicting information from consultants.
Can anyone shed any light on this.
I have looked through EH40, and data sheets do not have to carry this information IOSH informed me.
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Posted By Robert K Lewis
I presume this dust is gypsum dust, or similar non-flammable product. If you go down a coal mine you will find shelves of dust almost everywhere - This is not bad housekeeping but material placed there to act as a fire suppressant to prevent a secondary coal dust explosion, the inert dust dilutes the coal dust in air and thus prevents explosive ignition.
Your dust is likely to be inert and thus not a DSEAR risk. It is however a health risk and must be reduced for that reason alone. Your control measures are inadequate and you are potentially in breach of your COSHH duties but not any u nder DSEAR>
Bob
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Posted By Jane Blunt
Dusts come under DSEAR if they can be the source of fire or explosion.
Plaster is, I think, calcium sulphate. If this is the case then it cannot burn or explode. However, it may contain additives that are combustible.
In general, however, I believe you are right. Taking wheat flour and polyethylene as examples, I found figures of 60 and 40 g/cubic metre respectively for lower explosive limits. These are way above any exposure limits and so, with these dusts, if you control the level of dust to comply with the health requirements, the explosion risk, if any, will also be taken care of.
Jane
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Posted By CFT Peter As DSEAR specifically relates to 'dangerous substances' & anything potentially explosive within any atmosphere, I can't for the life of me imagine why plaster residue in powdered form would be capable of either. Of course under DSEAR you have a duty to establish what fire and explosive risks you have in the workplace; I suppose with some artistic licence the dust (if in a sufficient concentration) 'may' (and this is such a long-shot) contaminate electrical circuitry causing a potential electrical fire; it would however be the electrical equipment that would have been at fault for not having an appropriate level of protection specific to this atmosphere. If you look at '2' under the following link you will get a better idea. http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2002/20022776.htm#2It is simply put, not a dangerous substance when balanced against DSEAR; yes, it is potentially dangerous as are thousands of products but not (IMPO) in relation to DSEAR, I don't see it under CHIP either and both are linked. Respiratory yes, so look at your LEV, COSHH yes because longer term skin contact will likely have issues. MH? Again yes for assessment purposes. DSEAR? No, not on this occasion. I have worked with plasters many times over the years, and whenever I have seen internal plastering taking place even with 20 plus operatives working there has been no LEV (when did you last see it installed for pre plastering in a commercial building?)and very little atmospheric dust to speak of; they all have masks on and appropriate PPE, personally I have never ever considered plaster dust to be a potentially volatile product that needs to be addressed by DSEAR. CFT
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Posted By CFT
Sorry, I was typing whilst the two 'big guns' were responding, they have answered your question;-)
CFT
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Posted By Peter Farrell
Thanks very much for the straight answers, I have never used the members forum before, but will do in the future.
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Posted By Robert K Lewis
CFT
Afraid that my gun is not that big, even as a council member - Better half reminds me often that it is BUTTON points not Bullett points:-)
Still enjoyed the verbal stroke!!:-)
Bob
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Posted By IOSH Moderator
Peter
This thread has been moved to discussion as the forum member area is specifically available for the discussion of issues related to IOSH business, membership structure, and practitioner competence.
Many thanks
Mike
IOSH Moderator
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