Gary Wilcox from OH&S compliance stystem MONIT talks sanding sense.
One of the most common hazards in a panel shop is dust, and although body filler is the main culprit there is also plenty of putty vapour which has hardened and become airborne dust particles.
When sanding, sweeping, using compressed air to blow off dusty cars or clothes or using a portable fan in the shop dust becomes an airborne hazard.
Regardless of the origin of the dust, all fillers contain toxic chemicals which pose a serious hazard to not only our own body but those of our children or future children.
Reading a Safety Data Sheet on dust caused by fillers reads like a horror story which many shop owners and workers would be wise to read.
The old macho work practice of not wearing a respirator will come back and bite you. I left the trade almost 30 years ago yet this persistent cough caused from sanding filler without dust extraction or proper PPE stays with me.
Most fillers contain Oxirane, Polymer with Methyloxirane, Monobutyl Ether and Styrene.
Exposer greater than two weeks to any of these chemicals is enough to cause damage to the kidneys, bladder, respiratory system, liver, nervous system and heart. As well as being a serious eye irritation filler dust is known to damage fertility or an unborn child’s development and if that’s not enough it is also a carcinogen.
Sandpaper hazards
There is also another hazard when sanding fillers and that is the sandpaper itself. Titanium Dioxide sandpaper puts tiny particles in the air which when inhaled is a known carcinogen and Aluminium Oxide paper uses Formaldehyde resins which when airborne may cause lung damage (fibrosis) with symptoms of coughing, shortness of breath and diminishing breath capacity.
Of course, all these hazards can be avoided if a shop implements a couple of things.
Firstly, make sure all tools and equipment used for sanding have built in dust extraction and are connected to a portable or fixed vacuum system.
Rotary/orbital and straight line/reciprocating sanders, equipped with High Velocity, Low Volume (HVLV) local exhaust ventilation as part of the tool’s design, are recommended because they have been shown to be effective in reducing total dust concentrations during the sanding of body filling compounds. HVLV ventilated sanders have cut total dust concentrations to one-tenth the levels produced using unventilated sanders.
Increased cost of sanders equipped with HVLV ventilation is minor compared with non-ventilated sanders. The amount of air used in the ventilated systems is also relatively low. Use of ventilated sanders can be enhanced by making them convenient to use, for example by installing retractable, flexible hosing attached to a central vacuum system. Although initial costs for this system including an air mover, air cleaners, and duct work can be substantial, the system will help eliminate expensive repaints, shorten clean up time, and extend sandpaper life. Workers also prefer using these HVLV sanders that result in a cleaner shop.
Secondly, workers need to protect themselves from hazardous filler dust particles by following these safety precautions:
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Wear a P2 dust mask or greater.
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Wear goggles to protect your eyes.
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Wear coveralls which can be removed and left in the shop - keep the dust off your clothing, car and home. Young children are more severely affected when exposed to these hazardous materials.
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Remove your coveralls and gloves in the shop when you finish sanding - before using the restroom and before going for coffee breaks or lunch.
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Leave coveralls in the shop - throw away or wash in a commercial laundry.
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Before eating remove dusty clothing, wash your hands, arms and face thoroughly with soap and water.
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Use a vacuum cleaner instead of compressed air to blow dust off yourself - everyone in the shop won't have to breathe the dust.
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Avoid exposure during pregnancy.