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a) Describe the term ‘Toxic Hardwood’.
b) State two precautions when using ‘toxic hardwoods’.
a) Describe the term ‘Toxic Hardwood’.
The Health and Safety Executive - HSE Woodworking information Sheet No 30 (Revision 1) - Toxic Woods
Toxicity
The hazardous forms of wood that are most likely to cause health risks are:
wood dust; - sap, latex or lichens associated with a wood.
Ill-health effects associated with wood
Thus the hazard is an irritant dust getting into the eyes, nose, mouth and on the skin or resin getting on the skin.
The effects on operatives from the dust and resin will be sneezing and irritation to the eyes and skin.
Skin and Eyes
The main effect is irritation that can be caused by skin contact with:
the wood;
its dust,
its bark (or even lichens growing on the bark);
its sap.
The HSE information sheet outlines over 50 timber species with their use and reported adverse health effects. the following three are listed for example.
b) State two precautions when using ‘toxic hardwoods’.
COSHH is clear you must protect people from the hazard. (1) dust extraction on machines and power tools (2) dust masks and respirators (3) inform operatives to wash hands and face regularly, and NOT to touch eyes with dusty hands.(4) if appropriate use a barrier cream.
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