Dust

Safety

Where there is a risk of exposure to DUST or FUMES to its employees, the employer must control or minimise these risks. Failure to do so could result in the employee developing a range of illnesses, which could include bronchial problems, skin conditions and potentially cancer.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 requires a risk assessment to be carried out by a competent person.

A RISK ASSESMENT would involve

1. Identifying any Hazardous substances present in the work area and checking that existing control measures are adequate, or does more need to be done to control and safeguard the employees

2. Can the risk be eliminated entirely, where this is not possible, employees should be provided with appropriate PPE (Personal Protection Equipment)

3. Selection of the correct or appropriate PPE should be considered at all times. When selecting PPE, considering the time it takes to do the task, the environment in which the task is being carried out and the effort required.

4. If any changes take place to the working practicies, the Risk Assessment must be reviewed and updated.

5. The employer should ensure that any changes are communicated to all employees who may be affected.

The employer also has a requirement to provide information, instruction and training to its employees.

Here at GAP we offer a range of equipment to assist you when undertaking activities involving DUST.

For example: DUST Extraction units, Respiratory Protection Equipment, PPE range available.

REMEMBER: PPE should not be used as an alternative to equipment that can eliminate the Hazard of DUST.

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