Wood panel products such as medium density fiberboard and particle board, which are composed of wood and formaldehyde-based resins, present a number of risks to human health. This guide outlines steps which should be taken to minimise these risks when working, handling or storing wood panels.
 

WOOD DUST

 

Risks

Wood dust is classed as a known carcinogen and its inhalation over many years increases the risk of nasal cancers. Similar exposure to uncontrolled wood dust can lead to allergic dermatitis, asthma or chronic eye, nose or throat irritation in some people. Common symptoms of wood dust irritation are:

• Nasal discharge
• Dry or sore nose/throat
• Blocked, bleeding or itchy nose
• Sneezing
• Catarrh
• Coughing
   

Maximum safe levels of airborne softwood dust as recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Service of the Dept. of Labour:
 

(Workplace Exposure Standards 1994)

Average over 8 hours - 5mg/m3
Over any 15 minute period - 10mg/m3

 

Safety Measures
 

The following measures should be taken to reduce risks from dust in the workplace:

 

Dust extraction systems
All sawing, sanding and machining equipment should be fitted with the efficient dust extraction systems capable of filtering the fine dust created by working with wood panel products. Hand power tools should be fitted with dust bags.

 

Skin Protection
If skin irritation occurs, long-sleeved shirts, trousers and comfortable work gloves should be worn. Do not scratch or rub skin if it becomes irritated. Wash work clothes regularly -separately from other clothes.
 

Click here for this product

 

Respiratory protection
When ever dust is likely to exceed recommended safe levels, a replaceable filter or disposable face piece respirator/dust mask should be worn.

Respirators/dust masks should comply with AS/NZS 1761 and be provided, used and maintained in accordance with AS/NZS 1715.
 

Click here for this product

 

Eye Protection
Safety glasses or non-fogging goggles should be worn when machining. Eye protection must conform to AS/NZS 1337

Click here for this product

 

Minimising the presence of wood dust
Work areas should be well ventilated. They should be cleaned at least daily and wood dust should be removed by vacum cleaning or by the wet sweeping method -not by compressed air systems.


 

FORMALDEHYDE

 

In the production of wood panels, wood, paraffin wax and formaldehyde resins are bonded together under heat and pressure.
The process cures the resin but small amounts of formaldehyde will be released from the finished product.

Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring gas which will break down when exposed to the atmosphere, but in confined spaces this dissimilation is slower.

 

Risks

Because formaldehyde is classed as a probable carcinogen to humans, care must be taken.

Formaldehyde is irritating to the nose and throat, eyes and skin. Some people are hyper sensitive to formaldehyde and experience allergic reactions resembling asthma. They also experience runny noses and skin reactions.

 

Detecting Formaldehyde

Airborne formaldehyde is detectable by smell at about 0.3-0.4 parts per million (ppm) and at this level may cause mild eye irritation for some people. At 0.5ppm some people notice a mild effect in their throat. At 1.0ppm and over, watering of the eyes begins. At 10.0ppm, intolerrable irritant effects on the nose and throat are felt.

 

Safety Measures

The following measures will reduce the risks from formaldehyde:
 

Ventilation:

It is recommended that storage areas be well ventilated to avoid any irritating effects from a build up of formaldehyde in the air will be well below the Worksafe Australia and NZ Occupational Safety and Health ceiling of 1.0ppm (1.2mg/m3).
 

Sealing:

In end use applications, all panel surfaces exposed to occupied space must be sealed with paint, polyurethane or varnish-or covered with a decorative surface such as carpet, vinyl, cork or ceramic tiles.