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

ENVIRONMENTRisks around spray painting of paints based with isocyanates pose a higher risk tooperators. In these instances, higher levels of controls need to be undertaken bythe employer, such as:Half face or full face respiratorswith vapour/gas filter5. Installing a spray painting booth with extraction systems vented outsidethe building6. Using localised extraction systems on the plant to a remote fumes and vapours7. Outsourcing spraying tasks to specialist workplaces8. Using water-based paint alternatives9. Using respiratory protective equipment such as air supplied respirators that arefed with air from compressors. These compressors should be suitable for thetask. They should also be located in areas were they can draw fresh air and notlocated close to car parks or areas of high forklift traffic, or10. Using personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, coveralls,safety footwear etc. to protect the skin and eyes.LIGHTINGRefer to Australian Standard 1680The quality of lighting in a workplace has a significant effect on safety andproductivity. Good lighting in the workplace promotes:• a reduced risk of injuries through better visibility• a reduced risk of short and long term health problems such as headaches andeye strain and vision impairment loss• a brighter, cleaner workplace resulting in a more active, cheerful environment.This may be achieved by:• making full use of natural light by installing windows and skylights• ensuring that overhead and fixed lighting is at appropriate levels and that thereis an effective maintenance and replacement program in place• using task lighting with a flexible arm to enable directing of light to the spotwhere the light is needed• painting ceilings and walls a lighter colour allowing more light to be reflectedand assisting in increasing the light within the workplace.38 WORKSAFE VICTORIA / A GUIDE TO SAFETY IN THE WOOD PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY