Friday Toolbox Talk – TT10 Control of Dust & Fumes

Friday Toolbox Talk - TT10 Control of Dust & Fumes

Friday Toolbox Talk - TT10 Control of Dust & Fumes

    TOOL BOX TALK – CONTROL OF DUST AND FUMES

    CONTROL OF DUST & FUMES

    OVERVIEW

    This talk will cover some sources and dangers from dust and fumes, and examples of precautions that can be taken.

    SOME SOURCES OF HARMFUL DUST & FUMES

  • Cutting, sanding and grinding of some materials with create harmful dust.
  • Welding and gas cutting of metals can create harmful fumes.
  • Heating metals such as lead will create harmful fumes.
  • Work with old lead can expose you to lead oxide dust (white, powdery deposits) which is also harmful.
  • Burning off old lead-based paints can also create harmful fumes.
  • Stripping out or other work involving fibrous insulation (such as asbestos or fibreglass insulation) can release harmful dust into the air.

    • SOME HEALTH RISKS FROM BREATHING IN DUST OR FUMES

  • Silica dust from cutting or scabbling concrete can cause lung disease.
  • Dust from cutting or sanding hardwood can cause nasal cancer.
  • Asbestos dust can cause cancer of the lungs or lining of the chest cavity.
  • Welding fumes can result in ‘metal fume fever’ which has flu like symptoms.
  • Breathing in the fumes from solvents and paint can lead to nausea, drowsiness, headaches and, eventually unconsciousness and death in extreme cases.
  • Investigations are continuing into possible harmful effects of breathing in dust from synthetic insulation materials such as fibreglass matting.

    • PRECAUTIONS

  • Where it is possible, the job should be planned to eliminate harmful dust and fumes.
  • If elimination is not possible, harmful dust and fumes must be controlled so that they are not breathed in by anyone.
  • Some tools and plant are fitted with dust extraction and collection devices – if these are available, use them.
  • If your employer has provided portable extraction equipment, use it.
  • It may be necessary for you to wear PPE to protect yourself from the effects of dust or fumes – make sure you know how to use it properly.
  • Consider the effects that your work may be having on other people.

    • Do you have any questions for me?

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