woodworking booklet

Victorian WorkCover Authority

Management of Hazardous Substances in the

WoodworkingIndustry

Woodwork

Requirements to Undertake A Risk Assessment

This booklet has been prepared to assist the woodworking industry comply with their obligations under the Occupational Health & Safety (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 1999. These regulations require employers, in consultation with employees to:

make a list of hazardous substances in the workplace (ie compile a register)

obtain current manufacturers/importers’ MSDS for each product and put copy in the register

ensure MSDS are accessible to employees

identify hazardous substances in systems such as pipes, process vessels, reactor vessels or equipment involved in a manufacturing process to employees who may be exposed to them (where applicable)

undertake a risk assessment for all hazardous substances in use as well as for any new substance

revise risk assessments if conditions change and in any event, every 5 years

undertake specific measures to control risk

ensure risk control (safety) measures are properly used and maintained

ensure exposure standards are not exceeded

undertake atmospheric monitoring and health surveillance if required

keep various records

provide information, instruction and training to employees

consult health and safety representatives

In order to fulfill these obligations employers should first prepare a Register of Hazardous Substances. An example of such a register is incorporated in this document.

Employers should be able to demonstrate they have carefully considered the questions raised in this booklet and have taken all reason steps to minimise worker exposures to substances used in the workplace.

Evidence of consultation with OH&S representatives and the workforce is also required. The benefit of consultation with employees is that actual work practices will be reviewed as part of this risk

assessment.

2

Woodwork

How to Use This Booklet

Using the flow chart on the opposite page employers should be able to achieve compliance with the regulations.

Employers should note, the questions are generic to many of the substances and processes used in the industry but may not cover every process or chemical used in the industry.

The use of this booklet will enable workplace representatives to perform risk assessments on the following processes:

Process Tick if relevant

Mixing & Decanting Solvents Woodworking Adhesive Application Sealing, Varnishing and Painting Isocyanate Use Cleaning & Waste Removal

List other processes or hazardous substances used at your workplace:

……………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………..

Where other processes or hazardous substances are used, a risk assessment will need to be undertaken based on the hazards posed by the chemicals used in these additional processes (refer Appendix A for risk assessment template)

By answering the questions in this booklet, employers will identify risks that need additional safety measures.

If you require further assistance call the WorkCover Authority on 9641 1444.

3

Step 2

Chemical labels Material Safety Data

Sheets Code of Practice for

Hazardous Substances

Step 2a

Hazardous Substances Example Register

Step 3,4,5

Material Safety Data Sheets

Hazardous Substances Risk Assessment Report

Visual observations of work process

Step 6

Hazardous Substances Action Plan

Step 7

Hazardous Substances Action Plan

Step 1

WorkShop Manager……………………………...

Site OHS Officer……………………………...

OHS Committee (including Union Reps)……………………………...

……………………………...

……………………………...

Steps 2 - 6

Project team as above

Step 7

Plant Manager

Consultation should occur in all processes after Step 2. This should involve the following:

OHS Representatives Union Representatives Employee involved in

the use of HS

Training of employees should be undertaken in the following areas:

Reading MSDS’s & labels Hazards of exposure Safe Work Practices Use of PPE First Aid

Step 1Decide who will carry out the

assessments

Step 2Identify all substances -

determine which are hazardous

Step 2aSet up a Hazardous Substances

Register

Step 3Check that all the processes

and chemicals described in this

booklet are the same as your workplace.

Step 4Record the results of the Risk

Assessment in spaces provided in

this booklet. Fill in the Action Plan at the end of each section.

Step 5If uncertain of risk, obtain

additional information from

chemical & equipment suppliers or safety professional

Are safety measures adequate?

Step 6Record result in Action Plan

at the end of each section.

Check Risk Assessment and Safety measures every 5 years

or as situation requires

Step 6Record Result in

Risk Assessment Report

Step 7Implement safety

measures

Consultation

No

Tools Responsibilities

If you have chemicals that are used in processes not outlined below, you must do a risk assessment using the HS Code of Practice.

Mixing and Decanting Solvents

Woodworking Adhesives Application Sealing/Varnishing and

Painting Isocyanate Use Cleaning and Waste

Removal

Further testing may include atmospheric monitoring or health surveillanceUncertain

Yes

RISK ASSESSMENT FLOW CHART - Woodworking

Training

Mixing & Decanting Solvents

A range of solvents stored in tins and bottles may be decanted and mixed on site. The majority of these solvents are associated with lacquer paints, varnishes and stains used to finish wood products. These chemicals are flammable and may be manually mixed and applied utilising spray application. Exposure to these products is generally through skin contact and inhalation of solvent vapours and fine spray mists. The solvents may be highly irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory system and may cause central nervous system depression and headache after prolonged exposure.List possible health hazards which may result from using these products:____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

List any safety warnings issued on labels: ____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

Yes NoHas MSDS and label information been read? (The regulations require you to consider this information)

Are the products used as described above?

Are the health effects described above applicable to the products used in your workplace?

If you answer No to this question you should complete the risk assessment template in Appendix A. If Yes to all questions, proceed to the following questions

List who uses these substances or performs this process:

hrs/day

hrs/dayhrs/dayhrs/day

Does the form or concentration of the substance differ from that described

above?

If you answer YES to this question you should complete the risk assessment template in Appendix A

1.0 Mixing & Decanting Locations

Yes NoAre designated areas assigned for mixing/decanting solvents?

Are mixing areas clean and free of stored solvents?

Are mixing areas well ventilated? Hint: Does natural airflow into the area or is an exhaust fan or ventilation provided. Use a sheet of paper or ribbons to determine effectiveness of exhaust ventilation

Are mixing and decanting areas isolated from:

Pedestrian walkways? Forklift Traffic? General work processes? Ignition sources? Are decanting areas provided with absorbent material to contain spills?

Are all solvents stored in packages/tins that are labelled with the product name?

Do safety signs provide hazard warnings and indicate which PPE is required to be worn?

Are material safety data sheets (MSDS) available in the workplace?

Are emergency response procedures and first aid procedures clearly posted in the workplace?

Is there a no smoking policy within the mixing/decanting area and signs posted to indicate this?

If No to any of the above, additional safety measures should be used to reduce the risk of exposure.

2.0 Transporting Solvents

Yes NoAre solvents transported in open containers that expose workers to risk of splashing/spills or vapours?

Are solvents required to be carried over:

Wet or slippery surfaces? Up/down stairs or ladders?

In close proximity to other workers? If YES to any of the above, improvements may be required in the methods of transporting solvents.

3.0 Use of Personal Protective Equipment

Yes No

3.1 Respirators

To determine if a respirator is required, read the MSDS safety requirements for handling the chemical.Where MSDS’s require respirators to be worn when decanting or mixing solvents, are the respirators:

Available and always worn? Fitted with correct cartridges? Fit tested to ensure correct

protection is provided?

Hint: Fit mask to face, place hands over cartridges and breath in. If the mask remains compressed to face, fit is good.Suitable for the chemical? Clean and hygienic? Are staff trained in the use and maintenance of the respirator?

3.2 Gloves and Aprons

Gloves should be used at all times when decanting chemicals.

Are gloves: Available and always worn? Appropriate for chemicals being handled? (Supplier of gloves can advise)

Suitable for enabling maximum dexterity?

Clean and hygienic and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers requirements?

Are aprons worn when decanting chemicals/solvents?

Are aprons appropriate for the chemicals being handled and maintained in a clean and hygienic manner?

3.3 Eye Protection

Eye protection should be used at all times when mixing and decanting solvents.Are chemical goggles/face shields provided and worn at all times when

mixing and decanting solvents?

If NO to any of the above, the risk of exposure to chemical hazards may be further reduced through the use of PPE.

4.0 Pouring and Use of Containers

Yes NoAre containers used to decant solvents:

Made of suitable materials? Washed free of chemicals after use?

Labelled to indicate hazardous nature of contents?

Used solely for a specified class of chemical?

Provided with spouts to minimise splashing?

Are taps, syphons and pumps used to decant from large or difficult to handle containers?

Are all spills cleaned immediately? If NO to any of the above, consider adopting appropriate safe working procedures or safety measures to reduce the risk of exposure.

5.0 Results of Risk Assessment

Yes NoHave any risks been identified? Comment: ……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………..Does a particular issue require further assessment (e.g. monitoring, consultation, etc.)?

Comment: ………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………..

ACTION PLAN List any actions required to further reduce risks. Person Responsible

Date

1234This Action Plan SHOULD be completed by the employer If after answering all the above questions, no actions are necessary to improve safety - Print “No Actions Necessary” in the above box.

Woodworking

A range of timber and veneered products are utilised throughout wood working processes. These include soft and hardwoods as well as medium density fibreboards. Wood dust is not classified as a hazardous substance, however, certain hardwoods such as beech and oak may produce allergic asthma like respiratory sensitisation after repeated or prolonged exposure to their dust. Chemical constituents such as formaldehyde may also be released in dust produced through the use of mechanical equipment in the cutting/sanding/routing of MDF.List possible health hazards which may result from using these products:____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________


____________________________________________

____________________________________________




If you answer No to this question you should complete the risk assessment template in Appendix A. If Yes to all questions, proceed to the following questionsList who uses these substances or performs this process:

hrs/day


Does the form or concentration of the substance differ from that described

above?If you answer YES to this question you should complete the risk assessment template in Appendix A

1.0 Evidence of Exposure

Yes NoAre workers required to handle green timber?

Do employees suffer from rashes? Do skin conditions return rapidly after returning from leave?

Do skin conditions occur after working with a particular type of wood? Specify……………………………

Do employees suffer irritated eyes or redness of the eyes during work with wood?

Do employees suffer nose irritation or redness whilst working with wood?

Do employees find breathing difficult whilst working with wood products?

Do employees with respiratory illness (asthma) find their condition deteriorates when working with wood?

If YES to any of the above, additional safety measures as detailed below are necessary to further reduce the risk of exposure.

2.0 Safe Operating Procedures

Yes NoIs all woodwork undertaken using exhaust ventilation?

Are dust masks worn when working with MDF?

Have specific areas been designated for working with MDF that are isolated from other work areas?

Are hand tools provided with dust collection bags?

Is time spent working with MDF boards limited to minimise employee exposure?

Is good housekeeping in place to ensure excessive quantities of wood dust are not laying on surfaces?

Is the use of compressed air to clean equipment prohibited?

Are vacuum cleaners used to clean the work area of wood dust?

Are good hygiene practices a requirement in the workplace (i.e. wash hands prior to lunch or

smoking)?

If NO to any of the above, additional safety measures may be required to further reduce the risk of exposure.

3.0 Effectiveness of Safety measures

Yes NoIs the mechanical ventilation provided operating effectively?

Hint: manually place a minor quantity of wood dust on the working surface of the machine and determine whether the dust is extracted.Has the requirement to work with green wood been prohibited?

4.0 Personal Protective Equipment

Yes NoAre the following PPE provided: Leather gloves for handling wood (not during machine operation)?

Safety glasses with side shields? Long sleeve clothing? Dust masks?

Are employees trained in the use and maintenance of these items of equipment?

If NO to any of the above, the risk of exposure to wood dust hazards may be further reduced through the use of PPE.


Yes NoHave any risks been identified? Comment: ……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………..Does a particular issue require further assessment (e.g. monitoring, consultation, etc.)

Comment: ……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………..


Date


Adhesives Application

A variety of woodworking adhesives are utilised in the manufacture of products. These include single part adhesives and two part resins with hardeners. These materials are irritants to the skin, respiratory system and eyes and may also cause sensitisation upon prolonged or repeated contact.

A range of catalysts are also available for efficient curing of adhesives. These catalysts may be acidic compounds such as toluene-4-sulfonic acid or skin and eye irritants such as ammonium chloride. Adhesive thinners are also used to remove excess adhesive from surfaces. These thinners are highly flammable and contain volatile components such as toluene, xylene or methyl ethyl ketone. These chemicals may cause irritation, coughing or headache through repeated inhalation of vapours with exposures increased through chemical absorption through the skin.

List possible health hazards which may result from using these products:____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________


____________________________________________

____________________________________________




If you answer No to this question you should complete the risk assessment template in Appendix A. If Yes to all questions, proceed to the following questions

List who uses these substances or performs this process:

hrs/day

hrs/dayhrs/day

hrs/dayDoes the form or concentration of the substance differ from that described above?


1.0 Evidence of Chemical Exposure

Yes No

1.1 Skin Burns and IrritationIs there evidence or reports of skin irritation or rashes?

Do operators experience dermatitis? Does skin rashes/irritation return rapidly following return from holidays or weekends?

Is there evidence or reports of skin burns?

Is there a risk of splashing? Is there evidence of acid burns to operator clothing?

1.2 Eye Burns and Irritation

Is there evidence or reports of eye irritation or redness?

Is there evidence or reports of eye burns from adhesive catalysts?

1.3 Respiratory Inhalation & Irritation

Do operators have difficulty breathing whilst undertaking adhesive application?

Do operators with pre-existing respiratory conditions (asthma) experience increased symptoms whilst working with adhesives?

Do operators experience coughing, headache or dizziness following work conducted with adhesive thinners?

If YES to any of the above, additional safety measures may be required.

2.0Safe Work Procedures

Yes No

Is there a requirement for adhesives to be sprayed onto wood?

adhesives decanted into non-labelled squeeze bottles?

Are adhesives that are spilled onto

surfaces left to dry ?Are adhesives left to dry on the skin after applications ?

thinners used to clean adhesive from skin?

Are thinners applied to rags for cleaning purposes?

Are rags soaked with thinners left in the workplace?

Do operators follow good hygiene practices prior to smoking and eating lunch?

Is there a non-smoking policy in place for all work areas?

Are adhesives or thinners stored in bottles that are not designed for the purpose (ie drink bottles)?

Are thinners stored in open containers?

Are containers provided with spouts that cause splashing during pouring?

Are eye wash stations and emergency showers provided?

Are neutralising agents and sorbent materials accessible?

Are chemicals used in environments under direct sunlight or in hot conditions?

If NO to any of the above, additional safety measures may be required to further reduce the risk of exposure.

3.0 Effectiveness of Safety measures

Yes No

3.1 Elimination or Substitution

Are adhesives chosen because they are least toxic?

Have less toxic alternatives been considered?

Can a less volatile thinner be used to replace toluene/xylene based thinners?

Can a more viscous product be used to eliminate splashes?

3.2 Engineering & Ventilation

Is mechanical ventilation provided? Does the ventilation draw from bench level?

Does the airflow draw vapours away from the operator?

Is ventilation regularly maintained? Does ventilation exhaust outside of work areas?

Are outlets sucking from close to the source of adhesive application?

Is an airless spray system used to apply adhesive?

Can spray droplet size be increased to minimise potential exposure?

Can the temperature of mixing areas be reduced to minimise vapour release?

3.3 Isolation, Segregation & Enclosure

Is adhesive applied in a location isolated from other workers?

Can the adhesive spray process be automated to minimise operator exposure?

3.4 Administrative

Is the use of thinners prohibited to certain times of the day when minimal operators are working?

Are operators rotated between jobs to minimise exposures?

If No to any of the above, the use of additional safety measures may reduce the risk of operator exposure. . Document any action required in section 5 of this risk assessment.

4.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Yes NoIs the following PPE provided: Impervious Gloves? Face shield? Impervious chemical resistant boots?

Respirator where required by MSDS?

Is contaminated PPE washed prior to reuse?

Is signage provided indicating the requirement for PPE to be used in the workplace?

If NO to any of the above, the risk of chemical exposure may be reduced by improving PPE.


Yes NoHave any risks been identified? Comment:

……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………..Does a particular issue require further assessment (e.g. monitoring, consultation, etc.)

Comment: ……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………..


Date


Sealing / Varnishing & Painting

The process of sealing, painting or varnishing wood products is the final stage in the manufacturing process. This process typically involves the application of stains, lacquers and acrylic urethanes either by spray painting methods or more traditional manual painting or wiping methods.

In most instances the use of spray equipment to apply a product is undertaken within either a closed spray booth or open-faced spray booth. The substances applied to the wood typically contain volatile organic compounds such as xylene, alcohols or even formaldehyde. As such, the principal route of exposure to these substances is through skin contact and inhalation with stains and lacquers being highly irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory system.

In addition to these effects, acrylic urethanes may contain isocyanates (refer to next section for risk assessment) that have the potential to cause contact dermatitis and respiratory sensitisation in susceptible individuals. The use of thinning chemicals for spray applications and in cleaning processes also presents similar irritant health effects and central nervous system depression as for stains and paints.List possible health hazards which may result from using these products:____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________


____________________________________________

____________________________________________




If you answer No to this question you should

complete the risk assessment template in Appendix A. If Yes to all questions, proceed to the following questionsList who uses these substances or performs this process:

hrs/day


Does the form or concentration of the substance differ from that described above?


1.0 Evidence of Chemical Exposure

Yes NoDo operators experience breathing difficulties during application of stains/paints?

Do operators have visible evidence of paint/chemical stains on clothing?

Do operators experience watering eyes, nose irritation or bleeds during work?

Do operators experience headaches or dizziness during work with chemicals?

Do operators have dry, cracked skin or skin rashes?

Do rashes/dermatitis return rapidly after being away from work for some time?

Is there evidence of open thinners, stains or lacquer containers or spills in the work area?

Do any operators have a particularly bad reaction (headache/nausea) after minor exposure to stains or painting chemicals?

Is there evidence of chemical odours in painting and chemical handling areas?

If YES to any of the above, additional safety measures may be necessary to reduce the risk of exposure.

2.0 Spray Painting - Locations & Ventilation

Yes NoIs spray painting conducted within an enclosed booth provided with exhaust ventilation?

Is spray painting conducted at the front of an open-face booth provided with exhaust ventilation?

Does the exhaust from the booth discharge outside of the building?

Are filters used in the exhaust replaced on a regular basis?

Is the exhaust system regularly maintained and tested to ensure adequate operation (ie review maintenance records)?

Is an airless spray system used to minimise over spray and airborne mists?

If a compressed air spray system is in use, are nozzles adjusted to minimise over spray and airborne mists?

Are spray booth doors closed during spraying and drying activities?

Are spray booths isolated from all sources of excessive heat and ignition?

Are items that are sprayed in an open-faced booth small enough to contain over spray within the booth?

If NO to any of the above, additional safety measures may be required to ensure exposure to sprayed chemicals is eliminated or minimised.

3.0 Wiping or Hand Painting - Locations and Ventilation

Yes NoAre wiping and hand painting activities undertaken in a well-ventilated area?

Are wiping and hand painting activities undertaken in an area remote from excessive heat and ignition sources?

Are containers of paints and stains closed when not in use?

Is the use of rags for wiping stains or cleaning with thinners prohibited?

Are there alternative methods of cleaning operator skin other than the use of thinners?

If NO to any of the above, additional safety measures may be required to ensure exposure to manually painted chemicals is eliminated or minimised


Yes No

4.1 RespiratorIs a full face or half face respirator provided for work conducted in a spray booth or adjacent an open faced spray booth?

Is the respirator:Fitted with organic vapour filters?

Fit tested to ensure maximum protection is provided?

Suitable for the chemicals in use? Maintained, clean and hygienic? Have staff been trained in the safe use and maintenance of the respirator?

4.2 Gloves and Suits

Are gloves:Always worn during spraying, hand painting, wiping or mixing activities?

Impervious and suitable for the chemicals handled?

Suitable to enable maximum dexterity?

Clean, hygienic and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications?

Is an impervious chemical suit worn when spraying in a spray booth?

Is the suit clean, hygienic and in good repair?

4.3 Eye

Are chemical goggles provided and worn during the process of mixing and applying chemicals ?

Are the goggles clean, hygienic and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers specifications?

If NO to any of the above, the risk of chemical exposure may be reduced by improving PPE.



Comment: ………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………..


Date


Isocyanate UseA range of two-pack polyurethane paints are available and often used to provide a durable finish to wood products. These paints are provided in a two-part mixture and may be mixed manually for the purposes of spraying onto the products. These paints are extremely volatile and as such large volumes of vapour may be released into the workplace atmosphere potentially causing an explosive environment in confined areas.

Isocyanate based products are highly irritating to the eyes, throat and respiratory system and may cause symptoms such as watering eyes, dryness of the throat, headaches and tightness of the chest. These symptoms may occur immediately upon exposure or some hours after. Isocyanate based products may induce respiratory sensitisation that produces asthma-like symptoms in susceptible individuals when exposed to only minor quantities of the chemical substance. There is also a potential for the onset of contact dermatitis after prolonged use of the product.

List possible health hazards which may result from using these products:____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________


____________________________________________

____________________________________________




If you answer No to this question you should complete the risk assessment template in Appendix

A. If Yes to all questions, proceed to the following questionsList who uses these substances or performs this process:

hrs/day




1.0 Mixing and Decanting

Yes NoIs mixing and decanting of isocyanate based paints undertaken in general work areas?

Is mixing and decanting of isocyanate based paints undertaken in close proximity to ignition sources or sources of excessive heat?

Are isocyanate based paint tins/containers left open during and after use?

Are mixing and decanting areas located in the immediate vicinity of lunchrooms or offices?

Are isocyanate-based paints stored in confined areas where vapours may build up?

Are isocyanate-based paints stored in areas that may be subject to elevated temperatures that could increase the production of vapours?

Is there a potential for splashing to occur during the decanting and mixing of isocyanates?

Is the decanting and mixing area for isocyanates only provided with natural ventilation?

Are spatula’s used to mix isocyanate based urethanes and do these spatula’s remain in the workplace for the urethane to dry naturally?

If YES to any of these additional safety measures may be required.

2.0 Spray painting

Yes NoAre isocyanate based urethanes sprayed in an enclosed spray booth?

Is the spray booth fitted with exhaust ventilation?

Is the spray booth closed during spraying operations?

Is the spray booth exhausted to the exterior of the building?

Is the spray booth maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications?

Are exhaust filters replaced on a regular basis?

Is an airless spray system used to minimise over spray and airborne mist?

Is the interior of the spray booth maintained at a low/medium temperature to minimise vapour release during and after spraying?

If compressed air is used in the spraying process, is the spray nozzle adjusted to increase the spray droplet size and minimise potential exposure?

If NO to any of these additional safety measures should be considered.

3.0 Evidence of Exposure

Yes NoDo employees experience eye watering, redness or pain during the use of isocyanate based urethane ?

Do employees experience a dry throat or headache during or immediately following work with isocyanate based urethane?

Do employees experience tightness of the chest following exposure to isocyanate based urethane?

Do employees with asthma experience greater difficulty in breathing when in contact with urethanes?

Is there visual evidence of urethane residue on employee clothing?

Are urethane odours present in mixing/decanting and spraying locations?

Do employees suffer from dermatitis following exposure to urethanes?


4.0 Safe Work Procedures

Can manual applications of isocyanate based urethanes be undertaken?

Is urethane mixing/decanting and spraying undertaken outside normal

business hours to reduce worker exposure?Can mixing of isocyanate urethanes be undertaken within a closed spray booth?

Do operators follow good hygiene practices such as cleaning or hands prior to eating lunch and smoking?

Is there a non-smoking policy within the urethane mixing and application areas of the workplace?

Are eyewash and emergency shower stations provided and in good working order?

Are operations with urethanes prohibited from being undertaken in direct sunlight or in hot conditions?

Are rags or spatula’s contaminated with isocyanate urethanes removed from the workplace and disposed of correctly?

Are all employees familiar with the requirement not to enter the booth when in operation or during drying processes?

If NO to any of the above, additional safety measures may be required.


5.1 Repiratory Protection

1) A supplied air respirator should be worn at all times when spraying isocyanate based urethanes

Yes NoIs respiratory protection provided and worn by all operators undertaking work with isocyanate based urethanes?

Is the respiratory protection: Fitted with correct filters or full-face supplied air (for spray booth applications)?

Fit tested to ensure correct protection is provided?

Clean and hygienic? Are employees trained in the use and maintenance of the respirator?

5.2 Eye

Eye protection should be worn at all times when mixing and decanting isocyanate based urethanes.

Yes No

Are chemical goggles worn at all times when mixing and decanting urethanes ?

Are the goggles clean and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers specifications ?

5.3 Hands

Impervious gloves should be worn at all times when mixing/decanting and spraying isocyanate based urethanes.

Are gloves: Available and always worn during mixing/decanting and spraying operations ?

Impervious to isocyanate based urethanes ?

Suitable to enable maximum dexterity ?

Clean hygienic and maintained in accordance with manufacturer's requirements ?

5.4 Body

Impervious suits should be worn at all times during spraying activities involving isocyanate-based urethanes.

Are suits impervious to the urethanes being sprayed ?

Are suits worn at all times during spraying activities ?

Are suits clean hygienic and in good condition ?

Are suits removed prior to employees walking into other work areas ?




Comment: ……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………..List any actions required to further reduce risks.Task 1. ………………………………………… 2. ………………………………………… 3. ………………………………………… 4. …………………………………………

Date ……………. ……………. ……………. …………….


Date


Cleaning and Waste Removal

Various cleaning methods will be employed in workplaces to ensure working surfaces are maintained in optimal condition. Cleaning methods utilised for removing wood shavings may include dry sweeping, vacuuming or even the use of compressed air. Some of these methods (ie compressed air) may be more detrimental to health and the workplace than beneficial. Cleaning may also involve the use of solvents.

Waste removal is an important component of the cleaning process as there will often be a requirement for used solvents to be removed from site. In addition to this, there may also be a requirement to remove wood dusts accumulated from site exhaust ventilation. These processes may further expose personnel to hazardous substances in both the cleaning and removal processes.List possible health hazards which may result from using these products:____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________


____________________________________________

____________________________________________




If you answer No to this question you should complete the risk assessment template in Appendix A. If Yes to all questions, proceed to the following questionsList who uses these substances or performs this process:

hrs/day




1.0 Solvent Cleaning

Yes NoAre solvents such as thinners used to clean work surfaces?

Are solvents used to clean spray equipment?

Are solvents applied to rags for the purposes of wiping work surfaces?

Are solvents used to clean paints or varnishes from skin?

Are solvents used to clean work surfaces during normal operational times?


2.0 General Cleaning

Yes NoIs compressed air used to clean surfaces of wood dust?

Are dry sweeping methods used to clean floor surfaces of wood dust?

Are the above processes undertaken during normal work hours when operators are in the workplace?


3.0 Waste Removal

Yes NoAre waste solvents stored in containers designed for the purpose?

Are waste solvent containers labelled to indicate their contents?

Are waste solvents stored in a location remote from ignition sources or out of direct sunlight?

Are waste solvents removed from site by an approved removalist?

Are solvent soaked rags stored in closed containers for removal?

Are solvent-soaked rags disposed of separately to general waste?

If NO to any of the above, additional safety measures may be required to ensure wastes are stored and removed in a safe manner.


Yes No

4.1 Respirators

To determine if a respirator is required, read the MSDS safety requirements for handling the chemical.Where MSDS’s require respirators to be worn when decanting or mixing solvents, are the respirators:

Available and always worn? Fitted with correct cartridges? Fit tested to ensure correct protection is provided?

Hint: Fit mask to face, place hands over cartridges and breath in. If the mask remains compressed to face, fit is good.Suitable for the chemical? Clean and hygienic? Are staff trained in the use and maintenance of the respirator?

4.2 Gloves and Aprons

Gloves should be used at all times when decanting chemicals.

Are gloves: Available and always worn? Appropriate for chemicals being handled? (Supplier of gloves can advise)

Suitable for enabling maximum dexterity?

Clean and hygienic and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements?

Are aprons worn when decanting chemicals/solvents?

Are aprons appropriate for the chemicals being handled and maintained in a clean and hygienic manner?

4.3 Eye Protection

Eye protection should be used at all times when mixing and decanting solvents.Are chemical goggles/face shields provided and worn at all times when mixing and decanting solvents?



Yes NoHave any risks been identified? Comment: ……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………..Does a particular issue require further assessment (e.g. monitoring, consultation, etc.)?

Comment: ……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………..


Date


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ss

(3)

Select the relevant Risk Assessment

Date Risk Assessment

was performed

Date of MSDS

So

lve

nts

Wo

od

P

rod

uc

ts

Ad

he

siv

es

Se

ale

rs/

Va

rnis

h&

Pa

ints

Iso

cy

an

ate

s

Oth

er

Acrylic Urethane 1263 3 March 99 Feb 99

Duragold Lacquer 1263 3 July 97 June 97

Syntec AV201 - - - Aug 96

Syntec Catalyst Liquid LF - - May 99

Medium Density Fibreboard Dust - - - May 99

Note (1) Refer to Caution/Warning clauses on the label OR classification of substance in MSDS to determine if substance is Hazardous (2) United Nations Number (UN No.) will be found on the label or MSDS(3) Dangerous Goods Class can be obtained from the MSDS or Label

Appendix A

Risk Assessment Template

Process Description:

Substances identified as hazardous:Name of person performing assessment:

Date:

Possible Health Effects Routes of exposure Current safety measures Are additional safety measures required

(if yes state what & reason)

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