Textile processing engages a large number of workers who are exposed to hazardous chemicals and dusts. Workers in the textile sector are required to use personal protective equipment for this reason.
Fabric dust hazard: what are the consequences for the respiratory system?
Textile processing comprises a number of stages, including warping, weaving, handling, machine maintenance and cleaning, packaging and shipping. Each processing stage poses risks for workers who come into contact with various products whose purpose is to make raw materials apt for different uses, e.g. during the warping phase, the raw material is treated in order to make it more resistant and reduce lint formation. Treatments are carried out using cold waxes or water-based thickeners which are, in fact, chemical compounds, i.e. natural polymers and polyvinyl alcohols, harmful to workers’ health.
Another substance that may lead to respiratory disorders, asthma, allergies and the risk of various serious diseases to the respiratory system is chromium used for tanning and dyeing, paraffins and phthalates. An additional textile sector occupational hazard arises when cleaning warp and weaving machines. In fact, these jobs expose workers to loud noise as well as exposure to dust generated during fabric processing.
Which respiratory protective devices are to be used in the textile sector
For the best worker health and safety protection, personal protective equipment suitable for the purpose intended in the textile sector, is to be provided. Seeing the particularly long shifts workers are required to do in this industry, these devices should be compact and lightweight so as not to constitute an additional burden for the worker.
The personal protective equipment that should be provided to workers includes respiratory protective devices to protect workers’ respiratory system against exposure to the dust and fibres generated, ear protectors to prevent permanent hearing damage or loss and safety glasses or goggles to protect workers’ eyes. Respiratory devices of the “on demand” type could also be made available to workers.
As water-based products are often used for textile processing, the respiratory protective devices used should have facepieces and filters for protection against solid and liquid aerosols. Workers who are exposed to harmful chemical agents and are required to shower before leaving the premises will benefit particularly by wearing these types of devices as they can be worn under a shower.
In order to assess the efficiency of filters so as to ensure they are not clogged or exhausted, the equipment used should be provided with indicators which signal when the filters are to be changed. Some devices are also equipped with optical and/or acoustic alarms which signal the level of battery charge.
Risk assessment, the prevention and elimination of risks and the use of respiratory protective devices will ensure the health and safety of workers in the textile sector.
Jul 2 2018
Risks in the textile sector-which precautions to adopt
Fabric dust hazard: what are the consequences for the respiratory system?
Textile processing comprises a number of stages, including warping, weaving, handling, machine maintenance and cleaning, packaging and shipping. Each processing stage poses risks for workers who come into contact with various products whose purpose is to make raw materials apt for different uses, e.g. during the warping phase, the raw material is treated in order to make it more resistant and reduce lint formation. Treatments are carried out using cold waxes or water-based thickeners which are, in fact, chemical compounds, i.e. natural polymers and polyvinyl alcohols, harmful to workers’ health.
Another substance that may lead to respiratory disorders, asthma, allergies and the risk of various serious diseases to the respiratory system is chromium used for tanning and dyeing, paraffins and phthalates. An additional textile sector occupational hazard arises when cleaning warp and weaving machines. In fact, these jobs expose workers to loud noise as well as exposure to dust generated during fabric processing.
Which respiratory protective devices are to be used in the textile sector
For the best worker health and safety protection, personal protective equipment suitable for the purpose intended in the textile sector, is to be provided. Seeing the particularly long shifts workers are required to do in this industry, these devices should be compact and lightweight so as not to constitute an additional burden for the worker.
The personal protective equipment that should be provided to workers includes respiratory protective devices to protect workers’ respiratory system against exposure to the dust and fibres generated, ear protectors to prevent permanent hearing damage or loss and safety glasses or goggles to protect workers’ eyes. Respiratory devices of the “on demand” type could also be made available to workers.
As water-based products are often used for textile processing, the respiratory protective devices used should have facepieces and filters for protection against solid and liquid aerosols. Workers who are exposed to harmful chemical agents and are required to shower before leaving the premises will benefit particularly by wearing these types of devices as they can be worn under a shower.
In order to assess the efficiency of filters so as to ensure they are not clogged or exhausted, the equipment used should be provided with indicators which signal when the filters are to be changed. Some devices are also equipped with optical and/or acoustic alarms which signal the level of battery charge.
Risk assessment, the prevention and elimination of risks and the use of respiratory protective devices will ensure the health and safety of workers in the textile sector.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •