a guide to safety in the wood products ... - WorkSafe Victoria

ENVIRONMENTWOOD DUSTTimber dust poses a risk to the health and safety of employees within thewood products manufacturing industry. These dusts can be generated throughcutting, thicknessing or machining of the timber materials during manufacturingof the product.These dusts can be inhaled and, in some instances, air embolisms can begenerated when air is injected into the skin of the operator through the use ofcompressed air to blow down or clean the operator or clean machinery.Controls for this risk include:Slot extraction systems1. engineering the machinery to include dust extraction systems2. using localised extraction systems on the plant to a remote extraction system3. using hand tools that include a collection bag, e.g. sanders and cutting equipment4. outsourcing tasks where cutting or machining as required to specialistworkplaces, or5. using personal protective equipment such as class P1 dust respirators(disposable or silicone half face respirators).Housekeeping needs to be considered when eliminating the risk of dust exposure.Regular cleaning and maintenance needs to be undertaken. This cleaning shouldbe completed with the use of wet wiping or vacuuming (vacuum fitted with highefficiency particulate air HEPA filter). This reduces the risk of the dust becomingairborne and being inhaled by the operators.Half face respirator withparticulate filterDANGEROUS GOODS AND HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCESRefer to Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) RegulationsMany different forms of hazardous substances and dangerous goods are usedin the wood products manufacturing industry, ranging from paints, resins andlacquers to solvents and thinners.During handling, storing and use of these materials, care should be taken toreduce exposure risks. The correct storage of these materials needs to beconsidered and appropriate cabinets installed in the workplace. During the mixingand use of these products, fume and vapours can be released and expose theoperator to inhalation risks. Other risks to the operators are from skin contact,ingestion and contact with the eyes.Controls for these risks include:1. engineering the machinery to include extraction systems including thespray booths where these tasks are being undertaken. These extractionsystems should be designed and installed by suitably qualified people andregular maintained2. using localised extraction systems on the plant to a remote extraction system3. outsourcing spraying tasks to specialist workplaces, or4. using personal protective equipment such as respirators (silicone half faceor full face respirators fitted with vapour filters)WORKSAFE VICTORIA / A GUIDE TO SAFETY IN THE WOOD PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY 37