Section 2.1 General Safety 25
Dust and Vapor
Protection
Working with wood can produce a large
amount of sawdust. Extreme exposure to this
sawdust can be harmful if the dust is inhaled.
Some species of wood, such as beech, black lo-
cust, hemlock, mahogany, red oak, and rose-
wood, produce dust that is very harmful to the
respiratory tract (organs involved in breathing).
For a complete list of woods and information on
harmful effects, refer to the OSHA website.
Dust collection systems are attached to many
woodworking machines to remove dust and
wood chips, Figure 2-5. A portable dust collec-
tion device may be used at various machines
and in the fi nishing area if a large collection sys-
tem is not available, Figure 2-6. If your shop is
not equipped with dust collection systems, then
your instructor may open the windows and use
fans to move dust and fumes to the outside.
Wearing a respirator will reduce the
amount of dust and fumes you inhale. The
National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH) is a federal agency that
conducts research and recommends ways to
prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.
NIOSH has established a rating system for res-
pirators. The respirator pictured in Figure 2-7
is rated at N-95, which is recommended for
most woodshops. It contains cartridges that
filter out most dust and fumes.
Simple, disposable dust masks may be worn
for general use in the woodshop, Figure 2-8.
However, they cannot protect against toxic dust
and fumes.
Banded earplugs
Earmuffs Earplugs
Figure 2-4. Hearing protection is needed because
of the high-frequency noises produced by some
machines.
Figure 2-5. Most woodshops have commercial dust
collection systems such as this one.
Figure 2-6. A portable dust collection device may be
used if a larger system is not available.
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher