Top Tip Tuesday - Dust

D – DUST

One of the hot topics the Health and Safety Executive has targeted this year is dust. This is not about asbestos dust as we covered that a few weeks ago. This is about construction and quarrying dust. Various industries have this problem whether it is dust created by equipment within an enclosed area, or dust created over a large area by machinery. Both can be an issue. Our top tips are:

• Select equipment where extraction is built in. Any dust then is removed at source. The cost of not doing this could outweigh the cost of investing in the equipment.
• Protective masks can be used but should not be your first choice. If you use them, ensure team members are face fit tested to ensure it is secured correctly. Team members who are clean shaven will have a better chance of ensuring it fits closely.
• Maybe deliver a toolbox talk to team members so they are aware of the risks that exposure to dust can cause.
• Dust created by mobile plant can also cause problems which is why regular dust suppression is advised on dry sunny days.
• Mobile plant cabins should also have air conditioning and non-fabric seat coverings.
• Adequate cleaning arrangements are something else to consider so any dusty overalls are cleaned as part of the workplace controls. Team members are not then taking any dust into their personal vehicles and homes.

Not sure what you need? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.