13 Aug 2013
The deadly dangers of dust will be highlighted at an event being organised for the building industry.
The effects of breathing in dust from concrete, wood, mortar, sandstone, gypsum and other materials kills around 500 UK workers a year.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Working Well Together group have organised the free seminar to highlight the dangers and advise managers, supervisors and workers in the construction industry how they can control dust.
Chris Lucas, of the HSE’s health risk management unit, said: “Construction dust is not just a nuisance, it is a serious risk to workers’ health. Regularly breathing in even small amounts of dust over a long time can cause life-changing and life-threatening lung diseases, including cancer.
“Common jobs like cutting or grinding concrete, chasing out mortar, drilling in enclosed spaces or sanding wood can be high risk if not properly controlled.”
The event is to be staged in Coalville, Leicestershire on September 20. Demonstrations and practical sessions will focus on protective breathing equipment, extraction systems and how to suppress dust with water.
Places can be booked by contacting HSE visiting officer Ian Weekes on 0115 971 2871. A downloadable free information sheet is available from http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis36.htm
Copyright Press Association 2013