Dust and Chemical Hazards

摘要

The hazards of wood dust, lead dust, paint spray mists, welding fumes, organic solvent vapors, uncured epoxy resins, and carbon monoxide from engine exhaust are well known to professional boatyards, which by practice and by law pay serious attention to workplace safety and health. Individuals working on their own on boatbuilding or restoration projects, however, are no less subject to the hazards of gases, vapors, and particulates-dusts, mists, fumes, and fibers-and can learn valuable lessons from the way professionals maintain a safe and healthful workplace. Industrial hygienists analyze these hazards in commercial boatyards and identify ways to control risks of injury or illness among employees. Although do-it-yourself boatbuilders are unlikely to take on industrial-scale solutions, they can nevertheless directly benefit from boatyard experience and disciplines, which starts with knowing the nature of the hazards.