Page 259 - IGC BOOK

Typical controls include:

• Restricting work on gas systems to competent engineers only.
• Maintenance and testing of boilers and flues.
• Good general workplace ventilation.
• LEV for vehicle exhausts in workshops.
• Care in the siting of equipment containing combustion engines.
• Carbon monoxide alarms.
• Confined-space entry control.

Cement

Cement is used extensively in the construction industry to make mortar and concrete. In its
dry powder form it is an irritant dust, which is easily inhaled or blown into the eyes. Once
mixed with water it is corrosive on contact with the skin or eyes.

Workers can be exposed to cement during:

• Mixing operations - in both the dry powder and mixed, wet forms.
• Bricklaying and concrete pouring - in the wet form.

The harmful effects of exposure include:

• Irritation or corrosive burns to the eyes.
• Irritation of the respiratory tract.
• Irritant dermatitis on skin contact.
• Allergic dermatitis on repeated skin contact.
• Corrosive burns to the skin on prolonged contact (sometimes referred to as cementitious
burns).

Typical controls include:

• Eliminating or reducing exposure.
• Use of work clothing, and PPE such as gloves, dust masks and eye protection.
• Removal of contaminated clothing.
• Good hygiene and washing on skin contact.

ENSIGN| Unit IG2 – Element 7 – Chemical and Biological 54
Agents