Hazardous Substances
In the manufacturing industry you may work with hazardous substances such as paints, dyes, glues, fibreglass, wood dust, resins, solvents, as well as cleaning liquids and powders.
Fibreglass is a form of synthetic or man-made mineral fibre used mainly for insulation and products such as surfboards. Some of the fibres used in insulation are fine enough to be breathed deep into the lungs and they can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and skin.
Solvents are often used as cleaners or degreasers and as ingredients in paints, inks, glue and varnishes. Solvents can enter the body by breathing in vapour, through skin contact or through the mouth from contact with food, fingers or other items such as cigarettes. They can affect your memory and cause headaches, dizziness, weakness or tiredness, mood changes or nausea. Exposure to high levels of some solvents can cause liver damage, unconsciousness and death and cancer.
Spray paints and some other paints contain harmful substances. Inhaling paint fumes may cause occupational asthma. Long term exposure can affect the brain, damage the reproductive system and cause kidney or liver damage. Contact with the skin may cause dermatitis (an inflammation of the skin).
Wood dust is caused by jobs like floor sanding, furniture sanding, wood turning, routing, sawing, sweeping and emptying dust filters. Wood dust in workplaces can causes lung, sinus and throat irritations, asthma, bronchitis, shortness of breath, skin problems and even cancer. Your employer can reduce wood dust by using machines that are enclosed or fitted with local exhaust ventilation.
 | | Your employer should make sure you use hazardous substances according to the manufacturer's written instructions provided on the material safety data sheet (MSDS) and the agreed safe work procedures. |
You should:
always follow safety procedures;
not use solvents to clean your hands;
not enter confined spaces where fumes have collected;
not smoke near solvents or paints;
wear correct personal protective equipment provided, such as a dust mask, protective overalls, suitable gloves and safety glasses.
The dangers of ignoring safety rules and playing dangerous games with hazardous substances in a workplace without considering the consequences are highlighted in the case study Skylarking Burns down Factory.
