Rachael Morgan goes through some helpful tips for working with any solvent-based adhesive in line with the HSE guidance for employers.
I thought this month we could go through some helpful tips for working with any solvent-based adhesive in line with the HSE guidance for employers including the self-employed and franchisees to comply with the requirements of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), controlling exposure to chemicals and protecting workers’ health.
Before using any new product get the safety and technical data sheets from your supplier or directly from the manufacturer.
Familiarise yourself with the safety data and control measures recommended by the HSE and identify the more dangerous products and wherever possible consider substitution to safer, less hazardous versions. Avoid all contact with products containing:
- N-hexane – this causes nerve damage.
- DCM Dichloromethane (methylene chloride) – this causes irreversible health effects.
Read the safety and technical data
Safety data sheets also known as SDSs (previously MSDS) provide information on the hazards of working with a product and procedures that should be used to ensure safety. SDSs are also a primary source of information regarding hazards and handling. Section 2 contains the main hazard information and section 8 advises on personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
Technical datasheets also known as TDSs provides detailed information about a specific product or technology. It typically includes technical specifications, performance data, and other important information that can help you make an informed decision about whether to use the product, and confirm product suitability.
Knowledge is power so ensure all staff or personal training includes how to keep exposure levels low, how to use and look after PPE or RPE where required. How to correctly store products and also cover dealing with any possible spills.
And of course, how to use products correctly and safely. Keep in mind there are some great courses offered by manufacturers and training providers across the UK flooring industry that can expand your knowledge.
It’s essential to restrict access of the workspace to those people who need to be there, and to keep the area well ventilated, as an example five to 10 air changes per hour with a through draught. Use an extractor or fan if working with solvent-based adhesives for more than 30 minutes a day. If using extraction, discharge extracted air to a safe place, away from doors, windows and air inlets.
Ensure you have washing facilities for decontamination after handling products, contact with many chemicals can lead to skin soreness and itching, rashes, blistering (dermatitis). Some can also damage the eyes, check the health and safety and PPE requirements.
Skin creams are important for skin protection and help in washing contamination from the skin, these are not ‘barrier creams’. After work creams help to replace skin oils.
When products aren’t in use, store securely in a cool, dry, dark place and do not store in volume as some adhesives are a fire risk. If the product is flammable it’s important to avoid smoking and to keep away from other sources of possible ignition.
If you want to learn more consider accessing the following reading references: - Working safely with solvents: A guide to safe working practices Leaflet INDG273 HSE Books 1998 (single copy free)
- Maintenance, examination and testing of local exhaust ventilation HSG54 (Second edition) HSE Books 1998 ISBN 0 7176 1485 9
- Health and safety consultants: the BOHS Faculty of Occupational Hygiene keeps lists of qualified hygienists who can help you. Contact BOHS on 0133 2298087 or at www.bohs.org/
Occupational health professionals: details of doctors and nurses can be found in the Yellow Pages under ‘health and safety consultants’ and ‘health authorities and services’. Also visit the NHS website at www.nhsplus.nhs.uk
www.gekko-adhesives.com
Rachael Morgan is sales manager at Quin Global
