MSDS assignment
Part 1
Describe:
A. material safety data sheet
An MSDS is a form which shows the hazardous properties in a certain substance.
B. what is in an MSDS?
An MSDS provides workers with all they need to no about the substance including how to handle it properly, what chemicals are in it, all of its physical data, how to store and dispose of it and what protective equipment to wear.
C. why weed need MSDS
We need these sheets just to be familiar with what we are handling and encase anything goes wrong it will show exactly how to fix it.
Part 2.
Jarrah timber.
Where would you come across this in the building industry?
You would come across jarrah timber a lot in the building industry. It is used for housing, furniture making, decking, framing of doors, windows, floor boards. You will commonly see it most in houses, shops, businesses, playgrounds ect. This type of wood is normaly used by carpenters, builders, joiners ect.
When is it likely to be a hazard to your health?
Jarrah isn’t realy very hazardous. You might get the odd splinter or when your cutting it the saw dust could get into your eyes and noes causing them to become irritated.
Reducing the hazard
To stop getting dust in your eyes and mouth the best thing to do is wear a dust mask and safety glasses. Some power tools also have dust reduction systems or bags that catch the dust.
What does MSDS recommend for handling and storage?
When storing jarrah make sure you put it in a dry area so it doesn’t get wet an bow. Also stack neatly with the larger pieces at the bottom.
Risks to my health?
Although saw dust can be harmful if it gets in your lungs I don’t consider jarrah very harmful to my health. Saw dust is easily avoidable and generally wont harm you to much.
Fibre cement sheeting
Where would you come across this in the building industry?
Fibre cement sheeting would be found in most places in the building industry. It is a common material and is used for things such as walls, floors and general housing.
When is it likely to be a hazard to your health?
Fibre cement sheeting can be very hazardous to your lungs. Any dust that comes out of it whilst cutting or drilling it can get into your lungs. The dust contains silica particles which are known to cause scar tissue to develop in the lungs. It can also cause silicosis. This is a disease of the lungs.
Reducing the hazard
When working with fibre cement sheeting it is a must that you wear a dust mask. In larger factories that deal with fibre cement sheeting a lot they will have to have a raspatory system in place.
What does MSDS recommend for handling and storage?
Try and keep exposure to the dust fibres as low as possible. When sing it make sure you’re in a well ventilated area. Try and avoid spilling or creating dust and do not store near food drinks or cigarettes.
Risks to my health?
I think when handled incorrectly and when the right precautions aren’t taken place eg dust mask, fibre cement sheeting can be very harmful to your health. It might not effect you straight away but could have devastating effects down the track.
Part 3
You are doing a roof extension to a house built in 1952. Name three areas of the house that your work may come in contact with asbestos.
In 1952 you could come into contact with asbestos in walls, in old stoves, ceilings, fences and more.
When and why is asbestos considered dangerous?
In the 1930s people figured out asbestos was dangerous because a lot of workers that were using it were dying young. If fibres get into your lungs it can cause lung cancer or melanoma of the lining around your lungs.
How could you minimise the chances of being exposed to asbestos fibres?
Asbestos is very dangerous and was stopped being used on all work sites. There are still sites that have asbestos and if it has to be removed get a qualified person to remover it or make sure you are completely covered in a disposable suit, wearing a dust mask safety goggles and gloves. You will need a licence to remove asbestos in W.A so unless you’re licensed get some one that is to remove it.
From what I no I think exposure to asbestos is life threatening and should be avoided at all costs.
