The carpenter’s work is one of the noblest crafts performed by man since earliest times. Woodworking is an art, a passion that is handed down from generation to generation and leads to the creation of artefacts of the highest value.
Wood workers know the difficulties of this work perfectly well and, in particular, they know that the different stages of wood working require different tools and products.
Woodworking: what are the risks
Working wood implies following specific phases that involve different hazards. Among the most common risks for wood workers are undoubtedly those related to respiratory diseases caused by the inhalation of dust during the production process.
Wood particles come in different sizes depending on the type of work being done. Dusts generated during sandpapering, for instance, is finer than those produced during the cutting and milling processes. Both types of dust, however, are quite volatile and can be breathed in through the nose and mouth. Nor are the risks of chemicals that are often used in wood finishing operations to be underestimated. These are paints and thinners which release vapours that can irritate the respiratory tract and cause serious problems to the respiratory system, including infections and chronic diseases.
For this reason, some years ago, legislation prescribed the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for carpenters and woodworkers who use machinery and material when processing wood from the raw material stage to the finished product.
PPE: Woodworking and safety
Personal protective equipment for woodworking is primarily designed to protect the worker’s respiratory tract during the most critical phases of the process. There are several systems that can be used to prevent wood particles from entering the lungs. The face masks available on the market are undoubtedly diverse but not all of them are suitable for this purpose.
No doubt, one of the most useful and safest respiratory protective devices for use when working wood is the respirator, i.e. a mask or helmet, which covers the nose and mouth and enables the user to breathe clean air even in environments containing toxic or harmful airborne agents.
A respirator is fitted with a filter that prevents micro particles, including wood particles, from entering the respiratory system. Some more innovative models can actually be defined as “smart”, as they meet the needs of modern workers who want to optimize their resources. In fact, these types of respirators are “breath responsive” i.e. they are equipped with a system which supplies air on demand where the blower unit draw which draws environment air through the filters is activated by the wearer’s breathing activity. Battery running time, and ultimately, battery life, is thus optimized. Exhaled air and any excess air inside the mask is expelled through a unidirectional valve, allowing the air to exit but not to enter. This prevents the mask visor misting up and the accumulation of moisture inside the mask.
Furthermore, the more innovative models do not require breathing hoses and electric cords because they are extremely compact, comfortable and easy to wear and use also for long periods of time.
Respirators and masks with these features are supplied by KASCO srl, in particular the Cleanspace2 respirator equipped with a lightweight, compact blower unit which provides, clean air on demand.
Jul 12 2017
Which PPE is recommended for worker protection when working wood?
Wood workers know the difficulties of this work perfectly well and, in particular, they know that the different stages of wood working require different tools and products.
Woodworking: what are the risks
Working wood implies following specific phases that involve different hazards. Among the most common risks for wood workers are undoubtedly those related to respiratory diseases caused by the inhalation of dust during the production process.
Wood particles come in different sizes depending on the type of work being done. Dusts generated during sandpapering, for instance, is finer than those produced during the cutting and milling processes. Both types of dust, however, are quite volatile and can be breathed in through the nose and mouth. Nor are the risks of chemicals that are often used in wood finishing operations to be underestimated. These are paints and thinners which release vapours that can irritate the respiratory tract and cause serious problems to the respiratory system, including infections and chronic diseases.
For this reason, some years ago, legislation prescribed the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for carpenters and woodworkers who use machinery and material when processing wood from the raw material stage to the finished product.
PPE: Woodworking and safety
Personal protective equipment for woodworking is primarily designed to protect the worker’s respiratory tract during the most critical phases of the process. There are several systems that can be used to prevent wood particles from entering the lungs. The face masks available on the market are undoubtedly diverse but not all of them are suitable for this purpose.
No doubt, one of the most useful and safest respiratory protective devices for use when working wood is the respirator, i.e. a mask or helmet, which covers the nose and mouth and enables the user to breathe clean air even in environments containing toxic or harmful airborne agents.
A respirator is fitted with a filter that prevents micro particles, including wood particles, from entering the respiratory system. Some more innovative models can actually be defined as “smart”, as they meet the needs of modern workers who want to optimize their resources. In fact, these types of respirators are “breath responsive” i.e. they are equipped with a system which supplies air on demand where the blower unit draw which draws environment air through the filters is activated by the wearer’s breathing activity. Battery running time, and ultimately, battery life, is thus optimized. Exhaled air and any excess air inside the mask is expelled through a unidirectional valve, allowing the air to exit but not to enter. This prevents the mask visor misting up and the accumulation of moisture inside the mask.
Furthermore, the more innovative models do not require breathing hoses and electric cords because they are extremely compact, comfortable and easy to wear and use also for long periods of time.
Respirators and masks with these features are supplied by KASCO srl, in particular the Cleanspace2 respirator equipped with a lightweight, compact blower unit which provides, clean air on demand.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •