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2. Using a different method of work altogether – e.g. using a nail
gun to direct fasten cable trays instead of drilling holes first.
3. Please always work with approved safety equipment, such as
those dust masks that specially designed to filter out microscopic
particles and use the dust extraction facility at all time.
For more information please see the HSE website: http://www.hse.
gov.uk/construction or http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis69.pdf
WARNING!
Some dust particles created by power
sanding, sawing, grinding, drill and other construction
jobs contain chemicals known to cause cancer, birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of
these chemicals are:
• Lead from lead-based paints.
• Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other
masonry products.
• Arsenic and chromium from chemically treated timber.
• Your risk from these exposures varies, depending
upon how often you do this type of work. To reduce
your exposure to these chemicals:
• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust
masks that are specially designed to filter microscopic
particles
VIBRATION
The European Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive has been
brought in to help reduce hand arm vibration syndrome injuries to
power tool users. The directive requires power tool manufacturers
and suppliers to provide indicative vibration test results to enable
users to make informed decisions as to the period of time a power
tool can be used safely on a daily basis and the choice of tool.
The following information applies to professional users only but is
good practice for all users:
ADDITIONAL SAFETY WARNING FOR CONSTRUCTION DUST
The updated Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Regulations 1st October 2012 now also targets to reduce the
risks associated with silica, wood and gypsumdusts. Construction
workers are one of the at-risk groups within this because of the
dust that they breathe: silica dust is not just a nuisance; it is a real
risk to your lungs!
Silica is a natural mineral present in large amounts in things like
sand, sandstone and granite. It is also commonly found in many
construction materials such as concrete and mortar. The silica is
broken into very fine dust (also known as Respirable Crystalline
Silica or RCS) during many common tasks such as cutting, drilling
and grinding. Breathing in very fine particles of crystalline silica
can lead to the development of: Lung cancer Silicosis Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder/Chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) And breathing in fine particles of wood dust can
lead to the development of Asthma. The risk of lung disease is
linked to people who regularly breathe construction dust over a
period of time, not on the odd occasion.
To protect the lung, the COSHH Regulations sets a limit on the
amount of these dusts that you can breathe (called a Workplace
Exposure Limit or WEL) when averaged over a normal working
day. These limits are not a large amount of dust: when compared
to a penny it is tiny – like a small pinch of salt: This limit is the legal
maximum; the most you can breathe after the right controls have
been used.
HOW TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF DUST?
1. Reduce the amount of cutting by using the best sizes of building
products. Use a less powerful tool e.g. a block cutter instead of
angle grinder.
