How Can Lung Disease Be Prevented In The Workplace?

How Can Lung Disease Be Prevented In The Workplace?

The best ways to prevent the development of lung disease within the workplace is to prevent any potentially dangerous dust, fumes or chemicals from escaping into the air, or to ensure that anyone who could potentially be exposed to those dusts, fumes or chemicals is suitably protected from them. In most cases it is easier and cheaper for companies to manage the escape of the particles, rather than to protect the entire workforce from them, and there a is range of ways in which this can be achieved:

Risk Assessment

Identifying any potential dangers and planning how to reduce the risks of exposure is the first and most critical thing that should be done. Once it is clear what the potential risks are, procedures can be put in place to minimise the dangers to employees and visitors.

Substitution

If it is possible to use less dangerous products for specific activities, while achieving the same result, then that itself can make a huge reduction in the risk to employees’ health.

Types of Materials

It is sometimes possible by changing the types of materials used to reduce the risks of particles becoming airborne. Buying products in pellet form, in solutions or even pastes can minimise the risk of any spillage.

Automation and Segregation

Machines do not develop lung disease, so if it is possible to mechanise any particularly dangerous tasks then the risk of employee illness is significantly reduced. If automation is not achievable, then segregating potentially dangerous activities and substances from populated areas can help to reduce risk.

Extraction and Ventilation

Any area where potentially dangerous fumes, dusts or chemicals are present should be properly ventilated so that dirty air is removed (sometimes filtered) and clean air is brought in.

Personal Protective Equipment

Anyone who is potentially exposed to chemicals, dust or fumes should be provided with suitable protective equipment such as face masks, ventilators or full hazardous material suits. Not only must they be provided, they must be properly maintained, and all users must be appropriately trained in how to use them safely.

Taking Care

By handling materials gently, avoiding spillages and being gentle with machinery you can reduce the risk of hazardous materials becoming airborne.

Lighting

Many dust particles are far too small to be seen by the naked eye, particularly in low-light situations. In some situations specialist lighting can help to identify dusty areas and enable a proper cleaning procedure to be implemented so as to reduce danger.

Health Surveillance

By monitoring the health of employees on a regular basis, any small changes or potentially sinister developments can be monitored closely and if necessary treatment, or other evasive action can be taken before it is too late.

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