There’s more to come.

You may remember in our recent newsletter we indicated the HSE Blitz is occurring.

Following a visit to a site, the below was received. It relates to the cutting of wood, expected controls and additionally the wearing of face masks.

If you would like further advice please contact us;

CONSTRUCTION DUST 

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002, Regulation 7 (1)

Regulation 7 (1) of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 states that every employer shall ensure that the exposure of his employees to substances hazardous to health is either prevented or, where this is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled. 

 On this site, I found that a chop saw was being used to cut softwood. The dust created from softwood is considered to be a substance hazardous to health because exposure to it can cause asthma. At the time of the inspection, the saw was not connected with any extraction in order to control the release of dust at the source.

In addition, although FFP2 grade respirators had been provided for your operatives, these had not been face-fit tested.

 You must now also conduct face fit testing for any operatives who are provided with close-fitting respirators and who are liable to be exposed to soft-wood dust. Please send me evidence that face fit testing has been carried out. 

 Once complete, you should retain the records relating to the test, and ensure that adequate respiratory protective equipment is provided for each wearer, in line with the results of their individual face fit tests. You should then define a system for reviewing the face fit tests periodically, at intervals which ensure that the wearers are still being protected.

Tight-fitting respirators are not suitable for operatives who have a beard or stubble. This is because the hairs affect the seal between the respirator and operator’s face, allowing leakage to occur. For any operative with a beard or stubble, a loose-fitting P3 grade hood or helmet should be used instead if they are at risk of exposure to construction dust.