HSE Respiratory Health Inspections - June / July 2023

HSE will be carrying out site inspections across the country throughout June until 14th July 2023 to check that standards relating to respiratory health are being met. This is all part of their initiative to raise awareness of respiratory risks to construction workers from exposure to dust and how to help protect the long term health of those working in construction. The campaign will also provide guidance to employers on how to adequately control the risks from construction dust.

Previous inspections of this kind have focused on respiratory risks and occupational lung disease; looking at the measures businesses have in place to protect their workers’ lungs from the likes of asbestos, silica and wood dust.

Dust is a silent killer and often invisible too. It can take years for the damage caused by harmful exposure to dust to appear and by then it can be too late. Understanding the risks and putting measures in place to protect workers now, can prevent premature death from lung diseases or severe chronic long-term lung conditions years later. Unfortunately, too many construction workers have previously not realised the risks.

At Kernow Fixings we can make you aware of some of products that are available to use as part of your dust control strategy and the situations for which they are suitable.

CONTROLLING DUST

With the wide variety of materials and products that are cut on site, dust is always going to be an issue. We all know that a dust extraction system should be in place, but it is equally important that the correct type is used. To help with this there are various dust classifications to help narrow down what filtration system is best suited to the job in hand.

• L Class (Light) - Removes 99.0% of dust with Limit Value for occupational exposure > 1.0 mg/m³.
  Suitable for soft woods and solid surface material such as countertop material
   
• M Class (Medium) - Removes 99.9% of dust with Limit Value for occupational exposure > 0.1 mg/m³.
  Suitable for hard woods, board materials, concrete and brick dust
   
• H Class (Heavy) - Removes 99.995% of dust with Limit Value for occupational exposure > 0.1 mg/m³.
  Suitable for highly carcinogenic dusts, asbestos, formaldehyde, mould, germs and bacteria
  At Kernow we stock a range of vacuums suitable for L, M or H class dust extraction as well as those for general use and even cordless vacuums. Contact us for more information.

At Kernow we stock a range of vacuums suitable for L, M or H class dust extraction as well as those for general use and even cordless vacuums. Please get in touch with your requirements.

DUST EXTRACTION SOLUTIONS

Tools such as drills and grinders can create harmful dust during use but using a tool attachment such as a dust collector set or extractor system will help improve the air quality. For more information about our range of dust extraction solutions, please contact us.

Armorgard have taken the seriousness of dust dangers on board and incorporated a dust extraction and air cleaning system within their popular Cutting Station. The Cutting Station with Dust Extraction (SS7X) helps to contain dust and reduces exposure to harmful substances.

The multi-purpose cutting platform is a neat, mobile workstation that eliminates the need for a separate cutting room and is essential for safely cutting lengths, such as conduit, timber, cable tray and pipe. Includes a secure cabinet beneath the workbench area and 110V power supply, internal sockets and light.


RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

Using the correct respiratory protection is also vital to combat the dangers of dust inhalation. Kernow can help provide you with the right protection, whether you require FFP2 Respirators, FFP3 Respirators or Twin Half Mask Respirators. And if you are in any doubt as to what you need, just get in touch.

For more information about the HSE initiative, read the HSE Bulletin which also directs you to further advice for employers, workers and builders on how to keep safe.