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Navigating the Risks of Wood Dust Exposure

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Carpenters and joiners are four times more likely to get asthma and other lung diseases due to working closely with wood dust on a very regular basis.

Other conditions can also develop particularly from hardwood dust such as Cancer - particularly of the nose which is why it’s very important to be aware of the workplace exposure limits and controls that should be in place to protect your staff and meet regulatory compliance. 

Unveiling the Statistics:


Earlier this month, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) unveiled the health and safety statistics for Great Britain (2022 to 2023), painting a stark picture of the hazards workers face. Shockingly, an estimated 12,000 lives were lost to lung diseases linked to exposure to hazardous substances at work. Among these, 19,000 new cases of breathing and lung problems were attributed to work-related factors, including the inhalation of wood dust—a known perpetrator of occupational asthma and sinonasal cancer, especially when derived from hardwoods.

Enforcement Actions: A Wake-Up Call for the Woodworking Industry:


As part of its ongoing inspection programme targeting woodworking businesses, the HSE took stringent enforcement actions against companies failing to protect their employees from wood dust exposure. One furniture company faced a £16,000 fine, while a woodworking company received a £25,000 penalty. These fines underscore the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the legal and moral obligation of businesses to prioritize the health and safety of their workforce.

Understanding Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL):


The Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) set by the HSE serve as a critical benchmark for controlling wood dust exposure. For hardwood dust, the WEL is capped at 3mg/m³, while for softwood dust, it's 5mg/m³. Importantly, when dealing with mixtures of hardwood and softwood dusts, the WEL for hardwood dust at 3mg/m³ applies universally. These limits are averaged over an eight-hour working day, guiding employers in managing exposure levels. However, the overarching principle remains clear: reduce wood dust exposure to as low as reasonably practicable, irrespective of measured levels.

Health Impacts and Sensitisation:


Both hardwood and softwood dusts are identified as respiratory sensitisers, capable of inducing occupational asthma—an allergic reaction within the lungs. Once sensitised, continued exposure to the substance can trigger the same adverse reaction. Additionally, the recent classification of hardwood dust as a carcinogen adds urgency to the need for stringent control measures.

Strategies for Reducing Exposure:


To mitigate the risks associated with wood dust exposure, businesses must adopt a multifaceted approach:

Dust Generation Control:

  • Implement better planning and preparation to minimize wood processing needs.
  • Explore options such as purchasing pre-cut wood or using sharper blades to reduce dust release.

Dust Removal:

  • Incorporate dust extraction (Local Exhaust Ventilation - LEV) at fixed woodworking machines.
  • Ensure well-designed and properly installed extraction systems for effective control.
  • Utilize on-tool extraction with powered hand-held tools like sanders.

Equipment Maintenance:

  • Regularly maintain and examine extraction systems, adhering to legal requirements.
  • Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly checks to prevent dust accumulation.

Workplace Education:

  • Educate workers about the hazards of wood dust, potential exposure routes, and the significance of control measures.

Health Surveillance:


Implement health surveillance to detect early signs of asthma and dermatitis in workers exposed to wood dust.

Cleaning and Housekeeping:

  • Avoid dust disturbance by refraining from sweeping or using compressed air lines.
  • Adopt a high standard of regular cleaning using industrial vacuum cleaners with HEPA filtration systems.

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE):

  • Provide suitable RPE for tasks where dust extraction alone is insufficient.
  • Ensure correct usage of RPE and its availability for workers.

Conclusion:

The battle against wood dust exposure demands a united front, with businesses implementing a comprehensive strategy involving equipment, operational practices, education, and vigilant maintenance. By adhering to stringent control measures, businesses can create a safer working environment, protecting the health and well-being of their workforce. The HSE's resources and guidance for woodworking are invaluable tools on this journey towards a healthier and safer workplace.

For further advice call us on 0870 701970 or email: sales@euroenvironmental.co.uk

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