Toolbox talk, Health, about 6 minutes
Dust and fumes
Date
Site or job
Led by
Why this one
You can't always see or smell what you're breathing. Dust and fumes build up in the lungs over years, and some effects show up long after the exposure. The best fix is to keep it from getting into the air at all.
Say this
- 1.Know what you're working with. Check the safety data sheet and the task plan.
- 2.Control it at the source first. Use water, wet cutting, or a tool with a vacuum or dust shroud.
- 3.Ventilate. Open doors, use fans or local exhaust, and don't run engines in enclosed spaces.
- 4.Wear the respirator your hazard assessment calls for, fitted and used as trained.
- 5.Don't dry sweep or blow off dust with compressed air. Use a vacuum or wet methods.
- 6.Wash up before you eat, drink or smoke. Don't take dusty clothes into your home or truck.
- 7.Dizziness, cough, burning eyes or trouble breathing: get to fresh air, tell your lead, and get medical help if it doesn't pass.
Ask the crew
- – What jobs here put dust or fumes in the air, and how do we control them?
- – When was the last time you smelled something that made you stop work?
- – What makes it hard to use wet methods or a vacuum on this crew?
Watch for today
- Visible dust clouds, haze or strong odors in the work area.
- Running engines, generators or heaters in or near enclosed spaces.
- Dry sweeping, compressed air blow-off, or dust masks used where a respirator is needed.
Close with: Control it at the source, then protect yourself.
Notes and questions raised
Name (print)
Signature
Initials
A starting point. Adapt it to your job, your procedures and the rules that apply to you. portalbaseai.com/toolbox-talks