[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class=”container”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]If you\u2019re a tradie that often works with wood, you need to be careful of the dust that comes from any wood processing. Not only can these particles irritate your eyes, but if you breathe them in, they can also do some serious damage to your lungs. Here\u2019s what you need to know about keeping yourself safe from wood dust.<\/p>\n

Why is wood dust so bad?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Whenever you\u2019re sawing, sanding or sweeping wood dust, you\u2019re exposed to the particles in the air. If you\u2019re not wearing the right protection, the smaller particles that your upper respiratory system can\u2019t filter out will enter your lungs. This can lead to breathing problems, including asthma and even lung cancer.<\/p>\n

How can you control exposure?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Eliminate<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

There are a number of ways you can try to control the exposure of wood dust on site. Eliminate the risks by buying pre-cut or processed wood materials initially if possible. You can use local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to capture the dust from any wood processing. Use water damping methods where possible and avoid using blowers or fans to move the dust.<\/p>\n

Use RPE<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Whilst LEV is better for everyone in the workplace, it\u2019s not always practical to implement. This is where you need to make sure that you\u2019re using the right Respiratory Protective Equipment. There are a few different types of RPE so you\u2019ll need one specifically designed to protect against airborne wood dust. If your RPE mask needs a tight seal, make sure you get regular fit tests to make sure it\u2019s actually going to work the way you need it to.<\/p>\n

Educate<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

To ensure that your team is aware of the dangers of wood dust and knows how to protect themselves, it\u2019s important to conduct regular training. These sessions should include information about the health risks, safe work practices, how to use and maintain LEV systems, and how to appropriately use and care for relevant PPE and RPE.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”related-post”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Related articles” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%2313143e” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”title my-5″][vc_basic_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”4″ element_width=”3″ orderby=”rand” item=”918″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1627338461190-761726b2-3939-2″ el_class=”related-posts mx-auto mt-3″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class=”container”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]If you\u2019re a tradie that often works with wood, you need to be careful of the dust that comes from any wood processing. Not only can these particles irritate your eyes, but if you breathe them in, they can also do some serious damage to your lungs. Here\u2019s what you need to know about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4713,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4710","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-safety"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n