The study was a warning for this hardware store chain

especially when viewed alongside the occupational exposure

limits for wood dust that are assigned in law.

$*$Data Source for the occupational exposure limits is the Health and Safety Executive document EH$40$

Following the study it was clear action was needed.

Before we discuss the practical control measures that the hardware

store plans to introduce, it is helpful to consider the approach that

an employer must follow when deciding how to control exposure

to hazardous substances such as wood dust. Chapters $6\mathrm{.}4$ and $6\mathrm{.}5$

of the ILO CoP, Safety in the Use of Chemicals at Work gives a clear

steer on this approach and how to apply this practically in the real

world. Recently this national hardware store decided

to take a closer look at the likely exposure to

wood dust being experienced by the workers

and commissioned an occupational hygienist

to help determine this. The data from the

study indicated that the typical exposure level

of workers in the wood cutting service was

$4\mathrm{.}1m\frac{g}{m}3(8-$hour time$-$weighted average

$($TWA$)).$

In addition to this exposure data the study

measured the particle size range of the wood

dust being generated during the wood cutting

activities.

This is shown in the table below.

Research indicates these particles are respirableSupporting document $2$ suggests what an employer must consider

when controlling exposure to hazardous substances such as wood dust.

What approach must an employer consider when deciding how to control

exposure to wood dust?