| It is essential for employers to undertake task | | | | that may cause asthma, by using wood such as |
| based CoSHH risk assessments for each work | | | | Western Red Cedar. |
| activity that exposes employees to dangerous | | | | Portable machines like orbital sanders and circular |
| substances and chemicals which place their health | | | | saws also need control measures. They need |
| at risk. | | | | suitable extraction systems too. |
| CoSHH legislation is especially relevant to the | | | | When risk assessing the use of organic solvents |
| woodworking business including those employed | | | | and adhesives, such as those used in lamination or |
| as joiners and cabinetmakers etc. These | | | | furniture assembly, it would be ideal to use simple |
| employees however, are likely to perform a | | | | indicator tubes to judge concentration levels in the |
| number of tasks outside these traditional roles. | | | | air. Vapours and mists from solvents, paints and |
| Assessment will not reflect real life if strict | | | | varnishes can cause occupational asthma. They |
| demarcation of job content is assumed. For this | | | | can also lead to liver and kidney damage and |
| reason each task should be individually CoSHH risk | | | | affect the central nervous system. Some controls |
| assessed. | | | | to consider here are the use of Personal |
| Many substances used in woodworking may be | | | | Protective Equipment (PPE) and the use of a good |
| hazardous to health including wood dust, resins, | | | | ventilation system. A safer alternative is to use |
| adhesives, stains etc. Substances can be ingested | | | | water-borne products. |
| in a variety of ways. Including inhalation, ingestion | | | | The provision of good washing facilities and skin |
| and skin absorption. The major health risks are | | | | creams is also essential in the woodworking |
| occupational asthma and dermatitis. Some of the | | | | business. Regular contact with wood dusts, resins, |
| substances used can have grave consequences | | | | solvents and paints can damage the skin. This can |
| on the liver, kidneys and the central nervous | | | | result in sore skin and blotches which are signs of |
| system. | | | | dermatitis. The use of gloves and overalls can |
| Dust formation is a prevalent consequence of the | | | | hinder skin contact with such substances. |
| majority of woodworking businesses. Hardwood | | | | Employees should be involved in the CoSHH risk |
| dust exposure is particularly carcinogenic. | | | | assessment process. This helps to cover all tasks |
| Exposure levels need monitoring in a CoSHH risk | | | | that are undertaken and helps ensure that control |
| assessment. The assessment should examine if | | | | measures will be adhered to. |
| local exhaust ventilation is performing effectively. | | | | Safety data sheets provide vital information and |
| Dust lamp techniques can efficiently highlight flaws. | | | | should be taken into account during the |
| It would be a better option to substitute wood | | | | assessment. |