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Safe use of Chemicals in theWoodworking Industry

W o r k S a f eW e s t e r nA u s t r a l i aCOMMISSION

Contents

Who is at risk? page 1

What are the hazards? page 1

How do I know what chemicals page 2I am using?

How can I be exposed to chemicals? page 3

What are the health effects? page 4

Solvents page 4Resins and Coatings page 5Preservatives page 6Glues and MDF page 7

What is the risk to my health? page 8

What controls can be used? page 9

What information and training is required? page 10

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) page 10

What storage controls are there for page 12chemicals?

Storage of particleboard and MDF page 13

Disposal of preservative treated timber page 13

First aid facilities page 14

What the law says page 14

Checklist for hazardous substances page 16 in the workplace

3

Safe use of chemicals in thewoodworking industry

This Guidance Note is one of three publications dealing withwoodworking industry hazards:

• chemicals,

• wood dust, and

• guarding woodworking machinery.

Some chemicals used in the woodworking industry areclassed as hazardous by the Occupational Safety and HealthRegulations 1996, and have specific safety requirements.

These include substances used to treat, preserve, paint,remove paint, varnish, stain, lacquer, clean, seal and gluefurniture and wood products.

More detailed advice on the chemicals in each of thesesubstances should be obtained from the manufacturer’sMaterial Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which must be providedby the supplier and made readily available for people workingwith or near the chemicals.

Who is at risk?

People involved in the manufacture, repair or restoration offurniture and other wood products, or in the building industry,may be exposed to hazardous chemicals. They includecarpenters, joiners, painters, cabinetmakers, assemblers,apprentices, handy-persons and, to some extent, people whosand wood before painting.

What are the hazards?

Chemicals used in woodworking can cause a number ofhealth problems. Each hazardous chemical therefore needsto be identified, assessed and controlled to minimise healthrisks to employees.

Some chemicals are hazardous when they are stored,decanted, mixed or applied. Other hazardous chemicals, e.g.in treated wood or wood products, may be hazardous ifinhaled when the wood is sawn, planed, sanded, turned ordrilled.

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Some glues, resins and isocyanate based paints and varnisheshave caused occupational asthma.

Some solvents can cause respiratory irritation and skinsensitisation (e.g. dermatitis). Solvents can also be absorbedinto the bloodstream through skin contact.

Epoxy resins and timber preservatives can cause localiseddermatitis and other skin effects.

Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) when machined can emittwo hazardous substances, wood dust and formaldehyde.Wood dust hazards are discussed in the WoodworkingIndustry Guidance Note, Controlling Wood Dust Hazards AtWork, published by the WorkSafe Western AustraliaCommission.

Formaldehyde risks are discussed in this Guidance Noteunder the heading “What are the health effects?”

How do I know what chemicals Iam using?

Chemicals used in the woodworking industry must belabelled. The label must contain basic information about theproduct and the hazards. More detailed information isavailable in the Material Safety Data Sheet, which should beavailable for every hazardous substance used in yourworkplace.

New timber products are usually labelled by the manufacturerand provide information on the chemicals used. It is moredifficult to identify chemicals used on second hand timber.Some information can be obtained from WorkSafe and theDepartment of Health Western Australia.

In the absence of this information, it is safer to assume thereis a hazard and precautions taken to avoid skin contact,breathing in or swallowing the wood dust.

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How can I be exposed tochemicals?

Most of the chemicals in or applied to wood or wood productsmay enter the body through breathing, swallowing or skincontact.

Inhalation (breathing in) is the most significant route:

• Chemicals such as adhesives, paint strippers, paints,varnishes, stains and water-based wood preservatives areall chemicals that can be inhaled either as droplets orfumes.

• Detailed information on reducing the risk of inhalingisocyanate vapours and fine droplets containingisocyanates is provided in the WorkSafe Western AustraliaCommission Guidance Note Controlling IsocyanateHazards at Work.

Absorption through skin contact:

• Some wood preservatives and solvents can be absorbedthrough the skin.

• Substances such as epoxy resins and timber preservativescan cause local skin effects such as dermatitis.

� Labelled container of adhesive showing additionalinformation.

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Swallowing:

• This usually happens through lack of personal protectiveequipment or poor personal hygiene. Chemicals can beswallowed through biting contaminated fingernails, eatingor smoking with contaminated hands or wearingcontaminated clothing.

It can also happen when inhaled dust is swallowed, e.g. wooddust containing preservatives such as copper chrome arsenic(CCA).

What are the health effects?

Chemicals used in wood working have varying health effectsand information on these can be obtained from the MSDS.Generally chemicals used fall into the following categories:

Solvents

Solvents are used for cleaning wood products (e.g. thinners,mineral turpentine) and stripping paint (e.g. mixtures ofmethylene chloride and methyl ethyl ketone or MEK).

Solvents have the following health effects:

• Solvent droplets or vapours irritate the eyes, nose andthroat.

• When inhaled, solvent fumeshave a narcotic effect.Symptoms include dizziness,headaches, light-headednessand nausea. At highconcentrations they can causeunconsciousness and evendeath.

Usingpersonalprotectiveequipmentwhencleaningwithsolvent.

�

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• Prolonged or repeated skin exposure can cause dryness,cracking and dermatitis.

• Solvents can be absorbed into the bloodstream throughskin contact. Broken or cut skin may allow solvent to beabsorbed more quickly.

• High exposure may cause damage to the nervous system,liver and the kidneys.

• Most solvents used in the woodworking industry are highlyflammable.

• Methylene chloride (also known as dichloromethane) isfound in some paint strippers. It is not flammable but it islisted as a suspected carcinogen (cancer causing) by theNational Occupational Health & Safety Commission.

Resins and Coatings

Resins and Coatings are used for decorative finishes and toprotect timber. Health effects vary depending on the chemicalproperties. Examples include:

• Two part polyurethane coatings. The isocyanate curingagents can cause irritation to the respiratory tract andsensitisation (asthma).

• Epoxy resins. The curing agents can cause dermatitis andasthma.

� Using personal protective equipment when applyinglacquer in a spray booth.

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• Lead based paints. These are no longer used on wood butmay be found on some old, second hand timber. Lead canbuild up in the body and cause damage to organs such asthe kidneys, and to the nervous system and reproductivesystems.

Other coatings and stains are available. Information on thehealth effects should be obtained from the label and MSDS.

Preservatives

Treated timber is used instructures likely to beexposed to fungi and insectattack. Timber used inwoodworking is generallynot treated. Neverthelesscaution needs to be takenwith old or second handtimber that may have beentreated with chemicals.

Preservatives include CCA(copper chrome arsenic),creosote, boron, copper andtin compounds.

These preservatives can beinhaled if wood dust isgenerated or swallowedwhen eating or smoking withcontaminated hands. Some(e.g. creosote, CCA and tincompounds) can beabsorbed through the skin.Preservatives can also beinhaled if treated timber isburnt.

� Untreated pine (onleft). Pine treated withCCA (on right).

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The health effects of timber preservatives vary. For example:

• Creosote can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation. Itcan also make the skin more sensitive to light and increasethe risk of skin cancer.

• The arsenic in CCA preservatives can cause a range oftoxic effects on the kidneys, liver, nervous system andblood. The chromium can cause toxic effects as well aschrome ulcers. Both chromium and arsenic can causecancer.

Information should be obtained for the specific chemicalbefore working with treated timber. This can be achieved byrequesting a MSDS.

Glues and MDF

There are several common types.

PVA wood glues used to make joins are relatively low intoxicity and do not produce high concentrations of fumes.They may however cause irritation to the skin.

Urea formaldehyde glues are commonly used for laminatingand gluing veneers, and in the manufacture of MDF andchipboard. They produce formaldehyde gas when curing.

Formaldehyde:

• irritates the eyes, nose and throat;

• can sensitise individuals. Symptoms include shortness ofbreath, wheezing, cough and tightness in the chest;

� Bundled and stacked Medium Density Fibreboard(MDF).

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• is listed as a category 2 carcinogen by the NationalOccupational Health & Safety Commission. This meansit should be treated as if it was carcinogenic to humans.

For more detailed and specific health effects and precautionsfor use of each hazardous substance, look at the MSDS thatmust be made available by the employer. It is theresponsibility of the supplier to provide the MSDS to theemployer.

What is the risk to my health?

The risk to a person’s health is dependent on a number offactors, including;

• the nature of the substance;

• the work process;

• the level of exposure (eg how much is in the air, whatcontrols are in place); and

• for how long a person is exposed.

A risk assessment must be carried out by the employer todetermine the level of risk arising from the use of eachhazardous substance. This should be done in consultationwith the employees and health and safety representatives.Occupational exposure standards have been established formany of the chemicals used in this industry. These are levelsthat should not be exceeded. Examples include solvents,isocyanates and formaldehyde. Additional information toassist with risk assessment can be found in the MSDS foreach of the chemicals involved.

Advice on measuring exposure levels in workplaces can besought from WorkSafe.

Assistance in understanding the information on the MSDSmay be necessary.

Further information on risk assessment can be found in theNational Occupational Health and Safety Commissionpublication Guidance Note for the Risk Assessment of HealthRisks arising from the use of Hazardous Substances in theWorkplace [NOHSC:3017(1994)].

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What controls can be used?

Controls should be selected in this order of effectiveness:

Elimination - don’t use a chemical if you don’t need to.

Substitution - replace a hazardous chemical with a lesshazardous one.

Isolation - isolate the work, or separate those doing the workand those in the general area from the hazard.

Engineering controls - general dilution ventilation, localexhaust ventilation or spray booths.

Administrative controls - reduce the time length of exposureby means such as job rotation, rosters etc.

Personal Protective Equipment - use appropriate respirators,goggles, gloves and protective clothing when other methodsare not practicable, or as additional precautions.

Several of these options can be used together to achievehigher levels of protection.

The MSDS will inform you of the types of controlsappropriate for each chemical.

� Brush application may be an alternative method forsome work.

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What information and training isrequired?

The purpose of training is to provide information and skillsthat will allow employees to work safely and to reactappropriately if things go wrong.

• Workers must be informed of all identified hazards in theworkplace.

• They must be given information, instruction, training andsupervision in safe working procedures, includingselection, fitting, use, storage and maintenance of personalprotective equipment.

• Workers should know how to identify hazards and to reportthem to a supervisor.

• Training on hazardous substances must include potentialhealth effects of the substances used, control measures,correct use of protective equipment and the need for anddetails of health surveillance.

• Workers from non-English speaking backgrounds mayhave special needs. They should be provided withinformation in their first language and increasedsupervision if necessary.

• Workers must be trained in cleaning up chemical spills, ifrequired to do so, and in emergency evacuation procedures.

• Training should be ongoing, with regular revision of safeprocedures.

• Training shouldbe documented.

� Only trained persons shouldenter areas where hazardousmaterials are used.

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Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

MSDS provide important information needed for the safeuse of hazardous substances in the workplace. They containimportant information that allows a hazardous substance tobe used safely. This includes:

• Company details - e.g. name, address, emergency phonenumber.

• Identification - e.g. product name, other names, UNnumber, Dangerous Goods class, Poisons Schedule.

• Physical properties - e.g. appearance, vapour pressure,boiling point, solubility.

• Ingredients - e.g. chemical name, CAS number (an uniquenumber that is assigned to an individual chemical),proportions.

• Health effects - eg long term, short term.

• Precautions for use - e.g. ventilation, other engineeringcontrols, exposure standards.

• Personal protection - e.g. respiratory, eye, skin protection.

• Storage & transport - e.g. storage conditions, dangerousgoods class.

• Spills and disposal - e.g. clean up procedures andprecautions, disposal.

• Fire & explosion - e.g. fire fighting recommendations,decomposition products.

MSDS are produced by the manufacturer and must beprovided to the workplace by the supplier. Employers areresponsible for obtaining MSDS and providing them toemployees for all chemicals used at their workplace.Employers must ensure that employees understand anyinformation provided to them.

If there are no MSDSs readily available, the employee shouldask for them.

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What storage controls are there forchemicals?

General principles should involve:

• storing hazardous substances in a cool, lockable, enclosedarea with adequate ventilation;

• storing incompatible substances separately and avoidingrisks of mixing and cross contamination;

• ensuring all labelsremain intact on allcontainers andpackaging;

• where chemicals aredecanted into smallercontainers, the newcontainer must beadequately labelled. Asa minimum the labelmust contain the nameof the product, risk andsafety phrases;

• limiting access to chemical storage areas to authorisedpeople only;

• ensuring flammable, explosive or toxic substances are storedaway from possible sources of electric spark, heat or flame;

� Signage of a chemicalstore.

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• checking all containers against leakage or seepage andkeeping lids and caps tightly sealed;

• ensuring forklift and other mobile plant operators are formallytrained in safe procedures for chemical containers;

• appropriate fire fighting and emergency equipment;

• monitoring atmospheric contamination and temperaturelevels in storage areas;

• a well developed evacuation procedure with regular drillsfor situations such as fire, chemical spills or accidents,and earthquakes.

Chemicals classed as dangerous goods must be stored inaccordance with the Storage of Dangerous Goods Regulationsadministered by the Department of Minerals and PetroleumResources. For further information contact the Department ofMinerals and Petroleum Resources on 9222 3333.

There are specific requirements for isocyanates. TheWorkSafe Western Australia Commission Guidance Note onControlling Isocyanate Hazards at Work covers theserequirements.

Storage of particleboard and MDF

Plywoods, fibre boards, particle boards, MDF and laminatedproducts may continue to give off small amounts offormaldehyde after they leave the manufacturer. Theseproducts should be stored in a well ventilated area to avoidthe build up of formaldehyde.

Disposal of preservative treatedtimber

Timber that has been treated with preservative needs to bedisposed of appropriately. For further information contactyour local council or shire or the Department ofEnvironmental Protection on 9222 7000.

As a general rule, treated and painted timber should not beburned.

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First aid facilities

First aid facilities should be appropriate for the hazards inthe workplace and should comply with the WorkSafe WesternAustralia Commission Code of Practice First Aid, WorkplaceAmenities and Personal Protective Equipment. Specific firstaid requirements for the type of chemical used can be foundin the manufacturer’s MSDS. This will provide guidance onmeasures to be taken when exposure has occurred throughinhalation, skin contact, splashes to the eyes or ingestion.Employees may require some assistance in interpreting thisdata. Assistance may be obtained from employers,manufacturers or WorkSafe. The information from MSDSshould be readily available in case of an emergency.

What the law says

The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 says that asfar as is practicable, employers must provide and maintain awork environment in which employees are not exposed tohazards. This includes providing a safe system of work,instruction, training, information, supervision and personalprotective equipment where appropriate.

The Act says employees must take reasonable care of theirown safety and health and avoid adversely affecting the safetyand health of others. They must comply, as far as possible,with safety instructions, use personal protective equipmentprovided and report hazards or injuries.

Chemicals that have certain adverse health effects areclassified as hazardous substances. The Occupational Safetyand Health Regulations 1996 set down specific requirementsfor workplaces that use hazardous substances. These coverthings such as:

• labelling of containers;

• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS);

• induction and safety training;

• risk assessment and control;

• health surveillance; and

• record keeping.

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The Regulations say employers, main contractors and selfemployed persons must:

• identify hazardous substances;

• assess the risk of injury or harm; and

• reduce the risk by:

1. preventing exposure to the hazardous substance;

2. means other than personal protective equipment; or

3. where 1 and 2 are not practicable, by the use of personalprotective equipment.

The Regulations set out specific requirements formanufacturers and suppliers of hazardous substances.Manufacturers must prepare MSDSs and ensure that theyare available. Suppliers must label hazardous substances andprovide MSDSs to purchasers at the time of purchase andthen as requested.

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Register & MSDS -The register of hazardoussubstances is completeand readily available

Labels - Hazardoussubstances are properlylabelled

Risk Assessment -Risk assessment hasbeen completed for allhazardous substancesand the assessment isrecorded in the register.

Risk Controls - Practicablecontrol measures havebeen implemented andmaintained to reduce riskassociated with the use ofhazardous substances.

Training - People requiredto work with hazardoussubstances have beenprovided with adequateinformation, instructionand training.

Health Surveillance -Health surveillance isundertaken whereappropriate. This may notbe applicable to theworkplace.

Hazardous substances list iscomplete

Complete set of MSDSs available

Register readily available

Original containers havemanufacturer’s label.

Decanted containers labelled withname, risk and safety phrases

Risk assessment done for allhazardous substances

Record of assessment in theregister

Report available where risk issignificant

Risk adequately controlled

Hierarchy of controls taken intoaccount

Appropriate first aid andemergency facilities provided

People who may be exposed tohazardous substances have beentrained

Record of training includes:

health effects, controls, safe workmethods, and PPE/clothing

For substances in Schedule 5.3 ifthere is a risk - eg lead,isocyanates, asbestos andorganophosphorous insecticides:

appointed medical practitioner

noItem Workplace indicators yes

Checklist for HazardousSubstances in the Workplace

This checklist should be completed in workplaces wherehazardous substances are used and there may be significantrisk of injury or disease as a result of exposure to thesubstances.

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Contacts for further information

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia180 Hay StreetEAST PERTH WA 6000Tel.: (08) 9365 7555Fax.: (08) 9365 7500Website: www.cciwa.comEmail: osh@cciwa.com

Department of Environmental ProtectionWestralia Building141 St Georges TerracePERTH WA 6000Tel.: (08) 9222 7000

Environmental Health BranchDepartment of HealthGrace Vaughn House227 Stubbs TerraceSHENTON PARK WA 6008Tel.: (08) 9388 4999Email: webmaster@health.wa.gov.au

Department of Minerals and Petroleum ResourcesMineral House100 Plain StreetEAST PERTH WA 6004Tel.: (08) 9222 3333

UnionsWALevel 479 Stirling StreetPERTH WA 6000Tel.: (08) 9328 7877Website: www.tlcwa.org.auEmail: unionswa@tlcwa.org.au

WorkSafeDepartment of Consumer and Employment ProtectionLevel 51260 Hay StreetWEST PERTH WA 6005Tel.: (08) 9327 8777Fax.: (08) 9321 8973Website: www.docep.wa.gov.auEmail: safety@worksafe.wa.gov.au

W o r k S a f eW e s t e r nA u s t r a l i aCOMMISSIONDecember 2001

ISBN 0-7307-6122-3

Comprehensive work safety and healthinformation can be found at:www.safetyline.wa.gov.au

Safetyline is a service provided by theDepartment of Consumer and Employment

Protection (www.docep.wa.gov.au)