Page 263 - IGC BOOK

Typical controls include:

• Prevention of exposure by use of alternative work methods.
• Dust suppression by water jet/spray.
• Local exhaust ventilation.
• Respiratory protective equipment.
• Health surveillance (lung-function test and chest X-ray).

Wood Dust

Wood dust is hazardous on inhalation and causes asthma. Certain types of wood dust are
more likely to cause asthma than others and are therefore categorised as asthmagens.
Hardwood dusts can cause cancer (usually of the nose). Again, certain types of hardwood are
more strongly associated with risk of cancer and are therefore recognised as carcinogens.
Workers in the woodworking industry, such as carpenters and joiners, are most at risk of
exposure to wood dust, as well as those working in forestry.

Typical controls include:

• Local exhaust ventilation systems.
• The use of vacuuming to clean up dust (not sweeping).
• Respiratory protective equipment.
• Health surveillance (usually annual questionnaire).

ENSIGN| Unit IG2 – Element 7 – Chemical and Biological 58
Agents