Wood Dust Gloucestershire

Hazardous Substance Assessment for Dust in Gloucester

In November 2024, a Hazardous Substance Assessment for Dust was conducted at a manufacturing facility in Gloucester to evaluate workplace air quality and ensure that employees are not exposed to excessive levels of airborne dust. The focus was on production areas where powder coating, machine operation and washing processes could generate inhalable and respirable dust.

The assessment revealed that most areas had dust levels within workplace safety limits, but powder coating operatives were exposed to significantly high levels of inhalable dust, exceeding Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs). This means that while general conditions are controlled, certain job roles carry a higher risk of dust exposure, requiring immediate improvements.

To enhance safety, the report recommended better local exhaust ventilation (LEV) positioning, improved training for workers on correct extraction use, and stricter housekeeping measures to prevent dust buildup. The use of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum cleaners instead of dry sweeping was also advised to minimise dust dispersion.

By implementing these control measures and maintaining regular monitoring, the facility can significantly reduce exposure risks, ensuring a cleaner and safer working environment for all employees