Document vBqkVkEw4Qz22D3VB3ynJyJe6

Service and retail control guidance sheet SR21 Dust from abrasive wheels Control approach 2 Engineering control SR21 This guidance sheet is for employers including the self-employed and franchisees to help them comply with the requirements of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) by controlling exposure to chemicals and protecting workers' health. The sheet is part of HSE guidance COSHH essentials: easy steps to control chemicals. It describes the key points you need to follow to help reduce exposure to an adequate level. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures. The trade press and industry associations are good sources of information. Abrasive wheels are used for grinding, fettling, dressing and cutting. This sheet concerns only fixed abrasive wheels. Breathing in dust created by using an abrasive wheel may cause irritation to the nose and throat, and more serious respiratory diseases. Engineering control (local exhaust ventilation) is the recommended approach. Caution: some dusts can be a fire and explosion risk. Workplace and access O Powered abrasive wheels are common in shoe repair, motor vehicle repair, and small engineering workshops. Restrict access to those people who need to be there. Design and equipment Keep the workplace well ventilated - at least 10 air changes per hour with a through draught. You need an extraction rate at least 10 metres per second around the inlets to the wheel. For equipment that is used only occasionally you can collect the dust in a bin. Take care - some metal dusts and oily cloth fibres can self-ignite. Make sure a manometer or pressure gauge is fitted near the extraction point, to show that it is working properly. Discharge extracted air to a safe place, away from doors, windows and air inlets. Have a supply of clean air coming into the workroom to replace extracted air. You need washing facilities for decontamination. Service and retail control guidance sheet SR21 Procedures Some dusts are a fire and explosion risk. Don't allow smoking and keep other ignition sources away. Confirm that the extraction is turned on and working at the start of work. Check the gauge. Special care O Dust from cutting or polishing stone can cause serious lung diseases. Seek specialist advice (see Further information). O Leather dust can cause cancer. Seek specialist advice. Maintenance Follow instructions in maintenance manuals. Keep equipment in effective and efficient working order. If the extraction is faulty, stop work until it is repaired. Examination and testing At least once a week, look for signs of damage. You need to know the extraction design performance to know if it is working properly. The equipment supplier's manual should give this information. Get a competent ventilation engineer to examine the system thoroughly and test its performance at least once every 14 months (see HSE publication HSG54). Keep records of all examinations and tests for at least five years. Abrasive wheels have special safety provisions - seek specialist advice. Cleaning and housekeeping Keep the work area clean. Use a Type H vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter to clear up dust. K Never use compressed air to clear dust. Personal protective equipment (PPE) You may need respiratory protective equipment (RPE) for maintenance, cleaning and emptying the vacuum cleaner. Seek advice from your RPE supplier. Make sure you know how to check that RPE fits correctly. Seek advice from your supplier. Use eye protection when using an abrasive wheel. Wear close-fitting overalls to avoid clothing being caught up in the wheel. Skin creams are important for skin protection and help in washing contamination from the skin. These are not 'barrier creams'. After work creams help to replace skin oils. K Workers must not take work clothing home for washing. Use a contract laundry. K Never allow compressed air use to remove dust from clothing. Health advice Ask your workers to check their skin for dryness or soreness every six months. If these effects appear, check the proper use of skin creams and PPE. Consult an occupational health professional if workers report sore eyes, runny nose, coughing, wheezing or breathing difficulties that seem to be connected with work. Service and retail control guidance sheet SR21 Training Show your workers this sheet and check that they understand it. Ensure training includes how to keep exposures low, how to check that the extraction system is working, how to use and look after PPE and RPE, and dealing with spills etc. Supervision Check that the extraction is working properly, PPE is being used properly, and the rules on personal hygiene are being followed. Service and retail control guidance sheet SR21 Further information Maintenance, examination and testing of local exhaust ventilation HSG54 (Second edition) HSE Books 1998 ISBN 0 7176 1485 9 Preventing dermatitis at work: Advice for employers and employees Leaflet INDG233 HSE Books 1996 (single copy free or priced packs of 15 ISBN 0 7176 1246 5) Safety in the use of abrasive wheels HSG17 (Third edition) HSE Books 2000 ISBN 0 7176 1739 4 Health and safety consultants: the BOHS Faculty of Occupational Hygiene keeps lists of qualified hygienists who can help you. Contact BOHS on 0133 229 8087 or at www.bohs.org/ Occupational health professionals: details of doctors and nurses can be found in the Yellow Pages under 'Health and safety consultants' and 'Health authorities and services'. Also visit the NHS website at www.nhsplus.nhs.uk Employee checklist I I Is the extraction switched on and working properly? Check the gauge. I | Look for signs of leaks, wear and damage. I I If you find any problems, tell your supervisor. Don't just carry on working. Wash your hands after use, and before and after eating, drinking, smoking and using the lavatory. Never clean your hands with concentrated cleaning products or solvents. Check your skin regularly for dryness or soreness - tell your supervisor if these symptoms appear. Use skin creams provided as instructed. COSHH essentials: easy steps to control chemicals October 2003 Printed and published by the Health and Safety Executive