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Posted By Bob Matthews
I visit a factory that makes hardwood doors and windows. The floor is covered in wood shavings and dust and there is wood dust in the air.
Does anyone know of a test such as a "Drager tube" or something similar to check whether the wood dust in the air is dangerous?
I would appreciate any help as I am concerned about cancer and occupational asthma from this dust.
Many thanks
Bob
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Posted By Ken Taylor
I suggest you get hold of copies of the free Woodworking Sheets (particularly WIS1) from HSE Books (01787 881165). Basically all wood dust presents a health hazard - some a bit more than others. If they are using powered machines they will need local exhaust ventilation. Whilst some shavings on the floor may be inevitable, they must not be allowed to accumulate as they are both a fire and slip risk - somethings you don't want in a carpentry shop!
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Posted By Katie
Bob,
I have to agree with Ken especially with regards to using LEV, however good housekeeping in such a workshop is essential. Also dust settlement from the previous days activities must be considered when examining exposure, as this can be easily displaced and made airborne the next day.
If you wish to do some hygiene monitoring I suggest to have a look through the MDHS series (MDHS 81 and 82 to name a few) which can be accessed through Croners Handbook of Occupational Hygiene.
Using a dust lamp can be a valuable tool too in identifing exposure sources and dust behaviour. Hope this is relevant and good luck.
Katie
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Posted By Ron Young
You can enlist the services of an occupational hygenist who use specialist sampling equipment, normally a calibrated flow pump and capture vessel. The results are analysed and recommendations made. A fuller explanation of the sampling method is contained in MDHS 14 (methods for the determination of hazardous substances). From what you say, there is a dust problem in this workplace.
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Posted By John Donaldson
You also need to be aware of the potential fire risk. The chances are that there will be a significant build up of dust on the light fittings and electrical junction boxes.
You only need a hot spot and goodbye wood working shop.
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Posted By Bryn Maidment
Don't forget that if LEV is installed on a particular machine it should be off if and when acrylics/metals are cut. They create sparks and at some point in the system, usually in the collector, the dust/air mix will be at just the right ratio to cause an explosion.
I have personally come across 2 of these and the staff were 'lucky' that the explosion blew the lids off and dissipated skywards.
Regards
ps if anyone knows the technical term for such an explosion please let me know. Thats a 'whump' instead of a 'bang'!
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