Woodworking Booklet

Victorian WorkCover Authority
Management of Hazardous
Substances in the
Woodworking
Industry
Woodwork
Requirements to Undertake A Risk

Assessment
practices will be reviewed as part of this risk

assessment.
This booklet has been prepared to assist the

woodworking industry comply with their obligations
under the Occupational Health & Safety (Hazardous
Substances) Regulations 1999. These regulations
require employers, in consultation with employees to:
make a list of hazardous substances in the

workplace (ie compile a register)
obtain current manufacturers/importers MSDS for

each product and put copy in the register
ensure MSDS are accessible to employees
identify hazardous substances in systems such as

pipes, process vessels, reactor vessels or
equipment involved in a manufacturing process to
employees who may be exposed to them (where
applicable)
undertake a risk assessment for all hazardous

substances in use as well as for any new
substance
revise risk assessments if conditions change and

in any event, every 5 years
undertake specific measures to control risk
ensure risk control (safety) measures are properly

used and maintained
ensure exposure standards are not exceeded
undertake atmospheric monitoring and health

surveillance if required
keep various records
provide information, instruction and training to

employees
consult health and safety representatives
In order to fulfill these obligations employers should

first prepare a Register of Hazardous Substances. An
example of such a register is incorporated in this
document.
Employers should be able to demonstrate they have
carefully considered the questions raised in this
booklet and have taken all reason steps to minimise
worker exposures to substances used in the workplace.
Evidence of consultation with OH&S representatives
and the workforce is also required. The benefit of
consultation with employees is that actual work
Woodwork
How to Use This Booklet
List other processes or hazardous substances used at

your workplace:
..
Using the flow chart on the opposite page employers

should be able to achieve compliance with the
regulations.
..
..
Employers should note, the questions are generic to

many of the substances and processes used in the
industry but may not cover every process or chemical
used in the industry.
Where other processes or hazardous substances are

used, a risk assessment will need to be undertaken
based on the hazards posed by the chemicals used in
these additional processes (refer Appendix A for risk
assessment template)
The use of this booklet will enable workplace

representatives to perform risk assessments on the
following processes:
Process
Tick if
relevant
Mixing & Decanting Solvents
Woodworking
Adhesive Application
Sealing, Varnishing and Painting
Isocyanate Use
Cleaning & Waste Removal
By answering the questions in this booklet, employers

will identify risks that need additional safety measures.
If you require further assistance call the WorkCover
Authority on 9641 1444.
Woodwork
RISK ASSESSMENT FLOW CHART - Woodworking

Tools
Step 2
Chemical labels
Material Safety Data
Sheets
Code of Practice for
Hazardous Substances
Step 2a
Example Register
Step 3,4,5
Material Safety Data

Sheets
Risk Assessment
Report
Visual observations of
work process
Action Plan
Step 7
Step 1
Step 2
Identify all substances determine which are hazardous
Step 2a
Set up a Hazardous Substances
Register
Step 3
Check that all the processes
and chemicals described in this
booklet are the same as your
workplace.
Step 4
Record the results of the Risk
Assessment in spaces provided in
this booklet. Fill in the Action
Plan at the end of each section.
Step 6
Responsibilities
Step 1
Decide who will carry out the
assessments
Step 5
If uncertain of risk, obtain
additional information from
chemical & equipment suppliers or
safety professional
Action Plan
Are safety
measures
adequate?
Step 6
Record result in Action Plan
at the end of each section.
Site OHS Officer

...
OHS Committee
(including Union Reps)
...
...
If you have chemicals that are Steps 2 - 6

used in processes not outlined
below, you must do a risk
Project team as above
assessment using the HS Code
of Practice.
Step 7
Mixing and Decanting

Solvents
Woodworking
Adhesives Application
Sealing/Varnishing and
Painting
Isocyanate Use
Cleaning and Waste
Removal
Further testing may include

atmospheric monitoring or
health surveillance
Step 7
Implement safety
measures
Check Risk Assessment and Safety measures every 5 years

or as situation requires
WorkShop Manager
...
...
Step 6
Record Result in
Risk Assessment
Report
Yes
Plant Manager
Consultation
Consultation should occur in all
processes after Step 2.
This should involve the
following:
OHS Representatives
Union Representatives
Employee involved in
the use of HS
Training of employees should

be undertaken in the following
areas:
Training
Reading MSDSs & labels

Hazards of exposure
Safe Work Practices
Use of PPE
First Aid
Mixing & Decanting Solvents
Are designated areas assigned for
A range of solvents stored in tins and bottles may be

decanted and mixed on site. The majority of these
solvents are associated with lacquer paints, varnishes
and stains used to finish wood products. These
chemicals are flammable and may be manually mixed
and applied utilising spray application. Exposure to
these products is generally through skin contact and
inhalation of solvent vapours and fine spray mists. The
solvents may be highly irritating to the eyes, skin and
respiratory system and may cause central nervous
system depression and headache after prolonged
exposure.
List possible health hazards which may result from
using these products:
____________________________________________
mixing/decanting solvents?
Are mixing areas clean and free of
stored solvents?
Are mixing areas well ventilated?
Are mixing and decanting areas

isolated from:
Pedestrian walkways?
Forklift Traffic?
General work processes?
____________________________________________
Ignition sources?
List any safety warnings issued on labels:

____________________________________________
Are decanting areas provided with
____________________________________
Yes
No
Has MSDS and label information been

read? (The regulations require you to
consider this information)
Are the products used as described
above?
Are the health effects described above
applicable to the products used in
your workplace?
If you answer No to this question you should
complete the risk assessment template in Appendix
A. If Yes to all questions, proceed to the following
questions
hrs/day
List who uses these substances or
performs this process:
hrs/day
hrs/day
hrs/day
Does the form or concentration of the

substance differ from that described
above?
If you answer YES to this question you should
A
1.0 Mixing & Decanting Locations

Yes
No
Yes
No
Hint: Does natural airflow into the area or is an

exhaust fan or ventilation provided. Use a sheet of
paper or ribbons to determine effectiveness of
exhaust ventilation
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
absorbent material to contain spills?

Are all solvents stored in
packages/tins that are labelled with
the product name?
Do safety signs provide hazard
warnings and indicate which PPE is
required to be worn?
Are material safety data sheets
(MSDS) available in the workplace?
Are emergency response
procedures and first aid procedures
clearly posted in the workplace?
Is there a no smoking policy within
the mixing/decanting area and signs
posted to indicate this?
If No to any of the above, additional safety measures
should be used to reduce the risk of exposure.
2.0 Transporting Solvents

Are solvents transported in open
containers that expose workers to risk

of splashing/spills or vapours?
Are solvents required to be carried
over:
Wet or slippery surfaces?
Up/down stairs or ladders?
In close proximity to other workers?
If YES to any of the above, improvements may be

required in the methods of transporting solvents.
3.0 Use of Personal Protective

Equipment
the use of PPE.

Yes
3.1
No
Respirators
To determine if a respirator is required, read the MSDS

safety requirements for handling the chemical.
Where MSDSs require respirators to
be worn when decanting or mixing
solvents, are the respirators:
Available and always worn?
Fitted with correct cartridges?
Fit tested to ensure correct

protection is provided?
Hint: Fit mask to face, place hands over cartridges
and breath in. If the mask remains compressed to
face, fit is good.
Suitable for the chemical?
Clean and hygienic?
Are staff trained in the use and
maintenance of the respirator?
3.2
4.0 Pouring and Use of Containers

Are containers used to decant
solvents:
Made of suitable materials?
Washed free of chemicals after

use?
Labelled to indicate hazardous
nature of contents?
Used solely for a specified class of
chemical?
Provided with spouts to minimise
splashing?
Are taps, syphons and pumps used
to decant from large or difficult to
handle containers?
Are all spills cleaned immediately?
Yes
No
If NO to any of the above, consider adopting

appropriate safe working procedures or safety
measures to reduce the risk of exposure.
Gloves and Aprons
Gloves should be used at all times when decanting

chemicals.
Are gloves:
Appropriate for chemicals being
handled? (Supplier of gloves can
advise)
Suitable for enabling maximum
dexterity?
Clean and hygienic and maintained
in accordance with the manufacturers
requirements?
Are aprons worn when decanting
chemicals/solvents?
Are aprons appropriate for the
chemicals being handled and
maintained in a clean and hygienic
manner?
3.3
Eye Protection
Eye protection should be used at all times when mixing

and decanting solvents.
Are chemical goggles/face shields
provided and worn at all times when
mixing and decanting solvents?
If NO to any of the above, the risk of exposure to

chemical hazards may be further reduced through
5.0 Results of Risk Assessment

Have any risks been identified?
Yes
No
Comment:
..
..
..
..
Does a particular issue require further
assessment (e.g. monitoring,
consultation, etc.)?
Comment:
..
..
..
..
ACTION PLAN List any actions required to further reduce risks.
Person
Responsible
Date
1
2
3
4
This
Action Plan SHOULD be completed by the employer If after answering all the above
questions, no actions are necessary to improve safety - Print No Actions Necessary in the
above box.
Woodworking
Are workers required to handle
A range of timber and veneered products are utilised

throughout wood working processes. These include
soft and hardwoods as well as medium density
fibreboards. Wood dust is not classified as a
hazardous substance, however, certain hardwoods
such as beech and oak may produce allergic asthma
like respiratory sensitisation after repeated or
prolonged exposure to their dust. Chemical
constituents such as formaldehyde may also be
released in dust produced through the use of
mechanical equipment in the cutting/sanding/routing of
MDF.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
green timber?
Do employees suffer from rashes?
Do skin conditions return rapidly
No

above?
your workplace?
questions
hrs/day
hrs/day
hrs/day
hrs/day
above?
A
Yes
No
1.0 Evidence of Exposure
after returning from leave?

Do skin conditions occur after
working with a particular type of
wood?
Specify
Do employees suffer irritated eyes
or redness of the eyes during work
with wood?
Do employees suffer nose irritation
or redness whilst working with wood?
Do employees find breathing difficult
whilst working with wood products?
Do employees with respiratory
illness (asthma) find their condition
deteriorates when working with wood?
If YES to any of the above, additional safety measures
as detailed below are necessary to further reduce the
risk of exposure.
2.0 Safe Operating Procedures
____________________________________
Yes
Is all woodwork undertaken using
Yes
No
exhaust ventilation?
Are dust masks worn when working
with MDF?
Have specific areas been
designated for working with MDF that
are isolated from other work areas?
Are hand tools provided with dust
collection bags?
Is time spent working with MDF
boards limited to minimise employee
exposure?
Is good housekeeping in place to
ensure excessive quantities of wood
dust are not laying on surfaces?
Is the use of compressed air to
clean equipment prohibited?
Are vacuum cleaners used to clean
the work area of wood dust?
Are good hygiene practices a
requirement in the workplace (i.e.
wash hands prior to lunch or
smoking)?
If NO to any of the above, additional safety measures
may be required to further reduce the risk of exposure.
3.0 Effectiveness of Safety measures

Yes
Is the mechanical ventilation
No
provided operating effectively?

Hint: manually place a minor quantity of wood dust
on the working surface of the machine and determine
whether the dust is extracted.
Has the requirement to work with
green wood been prohibited?
Leather gloves for handling wood

(not during machine operation)?
Safety glasses with side shields?
Long sleeve clothing?
Dust masks?
Yes
No

Yes
No
Comment:
..
..
..
..
consultation, etc.)
Comment:
..
..
..
..
Person
Responsible
Date
1
2
3
4
This
and maintenance of these items of

equipment?
If NO to any of the above, the risk of exposure to wood
dust hazards may be further reduced through the use
of PPE.
4.0 Personal Protective Equipment

Are the following PPE provided:
Are employees trained in the use
above box.
Adhesives Application
A variety of woodworking adhesives are utilised in the
manufacture of products. These include single part
adhesives and two part resins with hardeners. These
materials are irritants to the skin, respiratory system
and eyes and may also cause sensitisation upon
prolonged or repeated contact.
A range of catalysts are also available for efficient
curing of adhesives. These catalysts may be acidic
compounds such as toluene-4-sulfonic acid or skin and
eye irritants such as ammonium chloride. Adhesive
thinners are also used to remove excess adhesive
from surfaces. These thinners are highly flammable
and contain volatile components such as toluene,
xylene or methyl ethyl ketone. These chemicals may
cause irritation, coughing or headache through
repeated inhalation of vapours with exposures
increased through chemical absorption through the
skin.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________
Yes
No
above?
your workplace?
questions
hrs/day
hrs/day
hrs/day
hrs/day
above?
A
1.0 Evidence of Chemical Exposure

1.1
Yes
No
Skin Burns and Irritation
Is there evidence or reports of skin

irritation or rashes?
Do operators experience dermatitis?
Does skin rashes/irritation return
rapidly following return from holidays

or weekends?
Is there evidence or reports of skin
burns?
Is there a risk of splashing?
Is there evidence of acid burns to

operator clothing?
1.2
Eye Burns and Irritation
Is there evidence or reports of eye

irritation or redness?
Is there evidence or reports of eye
burns from adhesive catalysts?
1.3
Respiratory Inhalation & Irritation
Do operators have difficulty
breathing whilst undertaking
adhesive application?
Do operators with pre-existing
respiratory conditions (asthma)
experience increased symptoms
whilst working with adhesives?
Do operators experience coughing,
headache or dizziness following work
conducted with adhesive thinners?
If YES to any of the above, additional safety

measures may be required.
2.0 Safe Work Procedures

Is there a requirement for
adhesives to be sprayed onto wood?

adhesives decanted into nonlabelled squeeze bottles?
Are adhesives that are spilled onto
surfaces left to dry ?
Are adhesives left to dry on the
skin after applications ?
Yes
No
thinners used to clean adhesive

from skin?
Are thinners applied to rags for
cleaning purposes?
Are rags soaked with thinners left in
the workplace?
Do operators follow good hygiene
practices prior to smoking and eating
lunch?
Is there a non-smoking policy in
place for all work areas?
Are adhesives or thinners stored in
bottles that are not designed for the
purpose (ie drink bottles)?
Are thinners stored in open
containers?
Are containers provided with spouts
that cause splashing during pouring?
Are eye wash stations and
emergency showers provided?
Are neutralising agents and sorbent
materials accessible?
Are chemicals used in environments
under direct sunlight or in hot
conditions?
If NO to any of the above, additional safety

measures may be required to further reduce the risk
of exposure.
3.0 Effectiveness of Safety measures

3.1
are least toxic?

Have less toxic alternatives been
considered?
Can a less volatile thinner be used
to replace toluene/xylene based
thinners?
Can a more viscous product be used
to eliminate splashes?
3.2
Engineering & Ventilation
Is mechanical ventilation provided?

Does the ventilation draw from
bench level?
Does the airflow draw vapours away
from the operator?
Is ventilation regularly maintained?
Does ventilation exhaust outside of
work areas?
Are outlets sucking from close to the
source of adhesive application?
Is adhesive applied in a location

isolated from other workers?
Can the adhesive spray process be
automated to minimise operator
exposure?
3.4
Administrative
Is the use of thinners prohibited to

certain times of the day when minimal
operators are working?
Are operators rotated between jobs
to minimise exposures?
If No to any of the above, the use of additional safety

measures may reduce the risk of operator
exposure. . Document any action required in section
5 of this risk assessment.
4.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Is the following PPE provided:
Impervious Gloves?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Face shield?
Impervious chemical resistant

boots?
Respirator where required by
MSDS?
Is contaminated PPE washed prior
to reuse?
Is signage provided indicating the
requirement for PPE to be used in the
workplace?
If NO to any of the above, the risk of chemical
exposure may be reduced by improving PPE.
Elimination or Substitution
Are adhesives chosen because they
Is an airless spray system used to

apply adhesive?
Can spray droplet size be increased
to minimise potential exposure?
Can the temperature of mixing areas
be reduced to minimise vapour
release?
3.3
Isolation, Segregation & Enclosure

Yes
No
Comment:
..
..
..
..
consultation, etc.)
Comment:
..
..
..
..
Person
Responsible
Date
1
2
3
4
This
above box.
Sealing / Varnishing & Painting

above?
A
The process of sealing, painting or varnishing wood

products is the final stage in the manufacturing
process. This process typically involves the
application of stains, lacquers and acrylic urethanes
either by spray painting methods or more traditional
manual painting or wiping methods.
In most instances the use of spray equipment to apply
a product is undertaken within either a closed spray
booth or open-faced spray booth. The substances
applied to the wood typically contain volatile organic
compounds such as xylene, alcohols or even
formaldehyde. As such, the principal route of exposure
to these substances is through skin contact and
inhalation with stains and lacquers being highly
irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory system.
In addition to these effects, acrylic urethanes may
contain isocyanates (refer to next section for risk
assessment) that have the potential to cause contact
dermatitis and respiratory sensitisation in susceptible
individuals. The use of thinning chemicals for spray
applications and in cleaning processes also presents
similar irritant health effects and central nervous
system depression as for stains and paints.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________
Yes
No
above?
your workplace?
questions
hrs/day
hrs/day
hrs/day
hrs/day
1.0 Evidence of Chemical Exposure

Do operators experience breathing
Yes
No
difficulties during application of

stains/paints?
Do operators have visible evidence
of paint/chemical stains on clothing?
Do operators experience watering
eyes, nose irritation or bleeds during
work?
Do operators experience headaches
or dizziness during work with
chemicals?
Do operators have dry, cracked skin
or skin rashes?
Do rashes/dermatitis return rapidly
after being away from work for some
time?
Is there evidence of open thinners,
stains or lacquer containers or spills in
the work area?
Do any operators have a particularly
bad reaction (headache/nausea) after
minor exposure to stains or painting
chemicals?
Is there evidence of chemical odours
in painting and chemical handling
areas?
may be necessary to reduce the risk of exposure.
2.0 Spray Painting - Locations &

Ventilation
Is spray painting conducted within
an enclosed booth provided with
exhaust ventilation?
Is spray painting conducted at the
front of an open-face booth provided
with exhaust ventilation?
Does the exhaust from the booth
discharge outside of the building?
Are filters used in the exhaust
replaced on a regular basis?
Is the exhaust system regularly
maintained and tested to ensure
adequate operation (ie review
maintenance records)?
Yes
No

minimise over spray and airborne
mists?
If a compressed air spray system is
in use, are nozzles adjusted to
mists?
Are spray booth doors closed
during spraying and drying activities?
Are spray booths isolated from all
sources of excessive heat and
ignition?
Are items that are sprayed in an
open-faced booth small enough to
contain over spray within the booth?
may be required to ensure exposure to sprayed
chemicals is eliminated or minimised.
3.0 Wiping or Hand Painting - Locations

and Ventilation
Have staff been trained in the safe

use and maintenance of the
respirator?
4.2
Gloves and Suits
Are gloves:
Always worn during spraying, hand
painting, wiping or mixing activities?
Impervious and suitable for the
chemicals handled?
Suitable to enable maximum
dexterity?
Clean, hygienic and maintained in
accordance with the manufacturers
specifications?
Is an impervious chemical suit
worn when spraying in a spray
booth?
Is the suit clean, hygienic and in
good repair?
4.3
Eye
Yes
No
Are wiping and hand painting
activities undertaken in a wellventilated area?
Are wiping and hand painting
activities undertaken in an area
remote from excessive heat and
ignition sources?
Are containers of paints and stains
closed when not in use?
Is the use of rags for wiping stains
or cleaning with thinners prohibited?
Are there alternative methods of
cleaning operator skin other than the
use of thinners?
may be required to ensure exposure to manually
painted chemicals is eliminated or minimised
Are chemical goggles provided and

worn during the process of mixing
and applying chemicals ?
Are the goggles clean, hygienic and
maintained in accordance with the
manufacturers specifications?
If NO to any of the above, the risk of chemical
exposure may be reduced by improving PPE.
4.1
Yes
No
Respirator
Is a full face or half face respirator

provided for work conducted in a
spray booth or adjacent an open
faced spray booth?
Is the respirator:
Fitted with organic vapour filters?
Fit tested to ensure maximum
Suitable for the chemicals in use?
Maintained, clean and hygienic?

Yes
No
Comment:
..
..
..
..
consultation, etc.)
Comment:
..
..
..
..
Person
Responsible
Date
1
2
3
4
This
above box.
Isocyanate Use
A range of two-pack polyurethane paints are available
and often used to provide a durable finish to wood
products. These paints are provided in a two-part
mixture and may be mixed manually for the purposes
of spraying onto the products. These paints are
extremely volatile and as such large volumes of vapour
may be released into the workplace atmosphere
potentially causing an explosive environment in
confined areas.
Isocyanate based products are highly irritating to the
eyes, throat and respiratory system and may cause
symptoms such as watering eyes, dryness of the
throat, headaches and tightness of the chest. These
symptoms may occur immediately upon exposure or
some hours after. Isocyanate based products may
induce respiratory sensitisation that produces asthmalike symptoms in susceptible individuals when exposed
to only minor quantities of the chemical substance.
There is also a potential for the onset of contact
dermatitis after prolonged use of the product.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________
Yes
No
above?
your workplace?
questions
hrs/day
hrs/day
hrs/day
hrs/day
above?
A
1.0 Mixing and Decanting

Yes
No
Is mixing and decanting of
isocyanate based paints undertaken in
general work areas?
Is mixing and decanting of
isocyanate based paints undertaken in
close proximity to ignition sources or
sources of excessive heat?
Are isocyanate based paint
tins/containers left open during and
after use?
Are mixing and decanting areas
located in the immediate vicinity of
lunchrooms or offices?
Are isocyanate-based paints stored
in confined areas where vapours may
build up?
Are isocyanate-based paints stored
in areas that may be subject to
elevated temperatures that could
increase the production of vapours?
Is there a potential for splashing to
occur during the decanting and mixing
of isocyanates?
Is the decanting and mixing area for
isocyanates only provided with natural
ventilation?
Are spatulas used to mix isocyanate
based urethanes and do these
spatulas remain in the workplace for
the urethane to dry naturally?
If YES to any of these additional safety measures may
be required.
Yes
No
2.0 Spray painting

Are isocyanate based urethanes
sprayed in an enclosed spray booth?
Is the spray booth fitted with exhaust
ventilation?
Is the spray booth closed during
spraying operations?
Is the spray booth exhausted to the
exterior of the building?
Is the spray booth maintained in
accordance with manufacturers
specifications?
Are exhaust filters replaced on a

regular basis?
mist?
Is the interior of the spray booth
maintained at a low/medium
temperature to minimise vapour
release during and after spraying?
If compressed air is used in the
spraying process, is the spray nozzle
adjusted to increase the spray droplet
size and minimise potential exposure?
If NO to any of these additional safety measures
should be considered.
3.0 Evidence of Exposure

Yes
No
Do employees experience eye
watering, redness or pain during the
use of isocyanate based urethane ?
Do employees experience a dry
throat or headache during or
immediately following work with
isocyanate based urethane?
Do employees experience tightness
of the chest following exposure to
isocyanate based urethane?
Do employees with asthma
experience greater difficulty in
breathing when in contact with
urethanes?
Is there visual evidence of urethane
residue on employee clothing?
Are urethane odours present in
mixing/decanting and spraying
locations?
Do employees suffer from dermatitis
following exposure to urethanes?
may be required.
4.0 Safe Work Procedures

Can manual applications of
isocyanate based urethanes be
undertaken?
Is urethane mixing/decanting and
spraying undertaken outside normal
business hours to reduce worker
exposure?
Can mixing of isocyanate urethanes
be undertaken within a closed spray
booth?
Do operators follow good hygiene
practices such as cleaning or hands
prior to eating lunch and smoking?

Is there a non-smoking policy within
the urethane mixing and application
areas of the workplace?
Are eyewash and emergency shower
stations provided and in good working
order?
Are operations with urethanes
prohibited from being undertaken in
direct sunlight or in hot conditions?
Are rags or spatulas contaminated
with isocyanate urethanes removed
from the workplace and disposed of
correctly?
Are all employees familiar with the
requirement not to enter the booth
when in operation or during drying
processes?
may be required.

5.1
Repiratory Protection
1) A supplied air respirator should be worn at all times

when spraying isocyanate based urethanes
Is respiratory protection provided
and worn by all operators undertaking
work with isocyanate based
urethanes?
Is the respiratory protection:
Fitted with correct filters or full-face
supplied air (for spray booth
applications)?
Clean and hygienic?
Are employees trained in the use
and maintenance of the respirator?
5.2
Eye
Yes
No
Eye protection should be worn at all times when mixing

and decanting isocyanate based urethanes.
Yes
No
Are chemical goggles worn at all
times when mixing and decanting
urethanes ?
Are the goggles clean and
maintained in accordance with the
manufacturers specifications ?
5.3
Hands
Impervious gloves should be worn at all times when
mixing/decanting and spraying isocyanate based

urethanes.
Are gloves:
Available and always worn during
mixing/decanting and spraying
operations ?
Impervious to isocyanate based
urethanes ?
Suitable to enable maximum
dexterity ?
Clean hygienic and maintained in
accordance with manufacturer's
requirements ?
5.4
chemical hazards may be further reduced through the

use of PPE.
Body
Impervious suits should be worn at all times during

spraying activities involving isocyanate-based
urethanes.
Are suits impervious to the
urethanes being sprayed ?
Are suits worn at all times during
spraying activities ?
Are suits clean hygienic and in good
condition ?
Are suits removed prior to
employees walking into other work
areas ?

Yes
No
Comment:
..
..
..
..
consultation, etc.)
Comment:
..
..
..
..
List any actions required to further reduce risks.
Task 1.
Date
.
2.
.
.
3.
.
4.
Person
Responsible
Date
1
2
3
4
This
above box.
Cleaning and Waste Removal
1.0 Solvent Cleaning
Various cleaning methods will be employed in

workplaces to ensure working surfaces are maintained
in optimal condition. Cleaning methods utilised for
removing wood shavings may include dry sweeping,
vacuuming or even the use of compressed air. Some
of these methods (ie compressed air) may be more
detrimental to health and the workplace than
beneficial. Cleaning may also involve the use of
solvents.
Are solvents such as thinners used
Waste removal is an important component of the

cleaning process as there will often be a requirement
for used solvents to be removed from site. In addition
to this, there may also be a requirement to remove
wood dusts accumulated from site exhaust ventilation.
These processes may further expose personnel to
hazardous substances in both the cleaning and
removal processes.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
to clean work surfaces?

Are solvents used to clean spray
equipment?
Are solvents applied to rags for the
purposes of wiping work surfaces?
Are solvents used to clean paints or
varnishes from skin?
Are solvents used to clean work
surfaces during normal operational
times?
may be required.
2.0 General Cleaning

Is compressed air used to clean
surfaces of wood dust?

Are dry sweeping methods used to
clean floor surfaces of wood dust?
Are the above processes undertaken
during normal work hours when
operators are in the workplace?
may be required.
____________________________________________
____________________________________
Yes
No

above?
your workplace?
questions
hrs/day
hrs/day
hrs/day
hrs/day
above?
A
3.0 Waste Removal

Are waste solvents stored in
containers designed for the purpose?

Are waste solvent containers
labelled to indicate their contents?
Are waste solvents stored in a
location remote from ignition sources
or out of direct sunlight?
Are waste solvents removed from
site by an approved removalist?
Are solvent soaked rags stored in
closed containers for removal?
Are solvent-soaked rags disposed of
separately to general waste?
may be required to ensure wastes are stored and
removed in a safe manner.

Yes
4.1
No
Respirators
To determine if a respirator is required, read the MSDS

safety requirements for handling the chemical.
Where MSDSs require respirators to

be worn when decanting or mixing
solvents, are the respirators:
Fitted with correct cartridges?

Hint: Fit mask to face, place hands over cartridges
and breath in. If the mask remains compressed to
face, fit is good.
Suitable for the chemical?
Clean and hygienic?
Are staff trained in the use and
maintenance of the respirator?
4.2
Are aprons worn when decanting
chemicals/solvents?
Are aprons appropriate for the
chemicals being handled and
maintained in a clean and hygienic
manner?
4.3
Eye Protection
Eye protection should be used at all times when mixing

and decanting solvents.
Are chemical goggles/face shields
provided and worn at all times when
mixing and decanting solvents?
chemical hazards may be further reduced through the
use of PPE.
Gloves and Aprons
Yes
No
Gloves should be used at all times when decanting

chemicals.
Are gloves:
Comment:
..
..
..
..
consultation, etc.)?
Comment:
..
..
..
..

Appropriate for chemicals being
handled? (Supplier of gloves can
advise)
Suitable for enabling maximum
dexterity?
Clean and hygienic and maintained
in accordance with the manufacturers
requirements?
Person
Responsible
Date
1
2
3
4
This
above box.
Example Company
Sample Hazardous Substances Register

Is substance Hazardous? .(1)
UN Number.(2)
Dangerous Goods Class (3)
Site address
Acrylic Urethane
1263
Duragold Lacquer
1263
Syntec AV201
Aug 96
Syntec Catalyst Liquid LF
May 99
Medium Density Fibreboard Dust
Note
(1)
(2)
(3)
Other
Isocyanates
Sealers/Varnish&
Paints
Adhesives
Wood Products
Solvents
Product/Substance Name
Select the relevant Risk

Assessment
Date Risk
Ass
ess
men
t
was
perf
orm
ed
Date of
March 99
Feb 99
July 97
June 97
May 99
Refer to Caution/Warning clauses on the label OR classification of substance in MSDS to determine if substance is Hazardous
United Nations Number (UN No.) will be found on the label or MSDS
Dangerous Goods Class can be obtained from the MSDS or Label
Appendix A
Risk Assessment Template
Process Description:
Substances identified as hazardous:
Name of person performing assessment:

Date:
Possible Health Effects
Routes of exposure
Current safety measures
Are additional safety measures

required
(if yes state what & reason)
Actions

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Victorian WorkCover Authority

Requirements to Undertake A Risk

practices will be reviewed as part of this risk

This booklet has been prepared to assist the

make a list of hazardous substances in the

obtain current manufacturers/importers MSDS for

ensure MSDS are accessible to employees

identify hazardous substances in systems such as

undertake a risk assessment for all hazardous

revise risk assessments if conditions change and

undertake specific measures to control risk

ensure risk control (safety) measures are properly

ensure exposure standards are not exceeded

undertake atmospheric monitoring and health

keep various records

provide information, instruction and training to

consult health and safety representatives

In order to fulfill these obligations employers should

How to Use This Booklet

List other processes or hazardous substances used at

Using the flow chart on the opposite page employers

Employers should note, the questions are generic to

Where other processes or hazardous substances are

The use of this booklet will enable workplace

By answering the questions in this booklet, employers

RISK ASSESSMENT FLOW CHART - Woodworking

Material Safety Data

Site OHS Officer

If you have chemicals that are Steps 2 - 6

Mixing and Decanting

Further testing may include

Check Risk Assessment and Safety measures every 5 years

Training of employees should

Reading MSDSs & labels

Mixing & Decanting Solvents

Are designated areas assigned for

A range of solvents stored in tins and bottles may be

Are mixing and decanting areas

List any safety warnings issued on labels:

Are decanting areas provided with

Has MSDS and label information been

Does the form or concentration of the

1.0 Mixing & Decanting Locations

Hint: Does natural airflow into the area or is an

absorbent material to contain spills?

2.0 Transporting Solvents

containers that expose workers to risk

If YES to any of the above, improvements may be

3.0 Use of Personal Protective

the use of PPE.

To determine if a respirator is required, read the MSDS

Fit tested to ensure correct

4.0 Pouring and Use of Containers

Washed free of chemicals after

If NO to any of the above, consider adopting

Gloves and Aprons

Gloves should be used at all times when decanting

Eye protection should be used at all times when mixing

If NO to any of the above, the risk of exposure to

5.0 Results of Risk Assessment

ACTION PLAN List any actions required to further reduce risks.

Are workers required to handle

A range of timber and veneered products are utilised

Do skin conditions return rapidly