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Unit: Fabricating cabinets

Supporting: LMFKB3005A Fabricate cabinets for the built-in environment

Section 2: Cutting and edging

Controlling dust


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All timber-based board products contain wood fibres that have been processed in one form or another.

They also contain glue, generally in the form of a formaldehyde-based resin.

This means that when you cut, sand or machine a sheet, you will produce a fine dust of wood and glue particles.

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Most of these products also contain other chemicals designed to improve the board's performance.

Depending on the end use of the board, they may include moisture inhibitors, insecticides, fungicides and fire retardants.

Again, these will be present in the dust generated when you re-work the sheet.

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There are various problems with exposure to these dusts.

Firstly, in some people it may trigger an asthmatic attack or some other form of allergic reaction.

But more seriously, workers who breathe in these dusts over a long period of time run the risk of developing cancer in their nose, lungs or other parts of their respiratory system.

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General hints for the workshop

Here are some general hints on how to keep the level of dust down in the workshop:

  1. Keep machines, work benches and floor areas clear of dust. Use an industrial vacuum cleaner rather than a broom to pick up dry dust.

    Place sweepings in a suitable bin with a covering to stop the dust from blowing out.

  2. Make sure the dust extraction system is working properly on all machines.

    Check that the collection hoods are fitted correctly and there are no blockages in the system.

  3. Empty the extraction system bags or hoppers regularly, so the dust can't build up and overflow.

  4. For jobs where you will be generating dust that can't easily be collected, wear a dust mask.
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Learning activity

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Your workplace will have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each of the products you use that are hazardous or possibly hazardous.

The MSDS will list the precautions you should take and any other safety guidelines you should follow when handling and working with the product.

There will be separate MSDSs for all of the manufactured board products you use, including particleboard and MDF.

Choose one of these products and have a look at the MSDS produced by the manufacturer.

If you don't know where these documents are kept in your workplace, ask your supervisor for help. Alternatively, you could simply find it on the internet - just enter the brand name and 'MSDS' into your search engine and you'll get a link directly to it.

What are the guidelines for controlling dust on the MSDS?

Write down your answer and share it with your trainer and other learners in your group.

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