DUST

DUST

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Dust is a common problem in the construction industry. It can cause serious health problems and is a widespead form of environmental pollution. Dust can create a nuisance to neighbours and represents a health hazard to employees, wildlife and the aquatic environment

HAZARDS

• The harmful effects of dust can range from skin irritations to cancer
• Dusts can contain harmful substances which can contribute to respiratory problems
• Dusts containing harmful substances can cause serious pollution to watercourses, and land
• Dust can have implications for animals for example cattle grazing on dust
• Dusts can create unpleasant nuisances to site neighbours and road users

출처:헬스인뉴스 & 서울배내과

HEALTH AND SAFETY POINTS

• Dust in not always an obvious hazard because the particles or fibres which cause the most damage are often invisible and the health effects of exposure may take years to develop
• Dusts created from certain hazardous substances can be extremely hazardous to your health and/or cause severe pollution to the surrounding area
• Industrial dusts contain particles of a wide range of sizes. The effect a dust may have once it enters the body depends on the nature and size of the particles. There are basically tow types - total inhalable dust, and respirable dust. Tatal inhalable dusts are those which enter the nose and mouth during breathing. Respirable dusts are those which penetrate even further, into the gas chambers of the lung
• The following activities are likely to generate dust: demolition, asbestos handling, wood processes, sweeping the workplace, handling loose powders, scabbling concrete, stone cutting, disturbing dust concentrations, grit blasting etc
• There are many ways to eliminate or reduce the likely exposure/creation of dust such as:
• Enclose the workplace ot reduce escaping dust to a minimum
• Erect protective barriers to prevent public access
• Maintain a good standard of housekeeping at all times to ensure the build up of dust doesn't occur
• Ensure any dust control methods employed are operational and not damaged. Report any damages immediately
• Follow any precautions as detailed in the method statement or risk assessment
• Adopt damping techniques to reduce airborne dust creation
• Don't use air hoses to blow down dusty surfaces
• Ensure a good standard of ventilation is maintained. Report any damages to equipment immediately
• Handle materials with care such as minimising free fall onto conveyor systems etc control. Their use is mainly for short-term jobs or where dust control by any other means is no possible
• If you are required to wear a dust mask make sure it is the right one for the job. Ask if you are not sure
• When wearing a dust mask, make sure:
• You have been instructed on how to fit an wear respirators correctly
• The respirator you have been supplied with fits correctly. An ill-fitting respirator is no use

QUSTIONS

• Name three methods of reducing dust problems on site?
• What is the difference between respirable dust and inhalable dust?
• Is wearing dust respirators an effective method of dust control?

SAFETY REMINDER

Dust respirators are not the solution to the problem of a dusty workplace. Remove the problem maintain a good standard of housekeeping. Use respirators as a last resort