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Construction The control of substances
Industry
Advisory
hazardous to health in the
Committee construction industry

Contents
Introduction J

COSHH responsibilites J

COSHH requirements -how the industry should respond 2

COSHH assessment 2

Substances hazardous to health 2

-
The work site assessment 2

Degree of exposure 3

An approach to assessment for the industry 3

Competence for assessments 4

Prevention or control 4

Prevention 4

Adequate control 5

Health surveillance 6

Training and information 7

Appendix 1 List of relevant publications 8

Appendix 2 Hazardous substances found in the

construction industry 10

Appendix 3 Steps to take in making an assessment 13

Appendix 4 Self employed workers 14

Appendix 5 Possible plan for managing information 14

London:
Her Majesty's Stationery Office

~
 @Crown copyright 1990
First puhlished 1989

Enquiries regarding this publication should be addressed

to Area Offices of the Health and Safety Executive, or
the following enquiry points:

Health and Safety Executive

Library and Information Services
Broad Lane
SHEFFIELD S3 7HQ
Telephone:074275259Telex:54556

Health and Safety Executive

Library and Information Services
St Hugh's House
Stanley Precinct
Trinity Road
BOOTLE
Merseyside L20 3QY
Telephone: 051-951 4381'Telex: 628235

Health and Safety Executive

Library and Information Services
Baynards House
I Chepstow Place
Westbourne Grove
LONDON W2 4TF
Telephone: 071-221 0870 Telex: 25683

ISBN 0 II 885432 1

Introduction
1 This guidance outlines the main duties under the
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
1988 (COSHH) as they apply to the construction
industry.
2 It explains the duties of employers, contractors,
subcontractors and the self-employed (see paragraph 6).
However it may also prove useful to other people who
may have particular health and safety functions to
perform (eg safety advisers, managers, supervisors etc).
References in this guidance to employers include
contractors etc.
3 COSHH aims to protect employees and others,
o including members of the public, from the effects of
work with substances hazardous to health. The
substances may be in use at the work place (eg cement,
paints) or present on the site (eg toxic materials in the
soil, silica in masonry). 'Substances hazardous to
health' means:
(a) substances listed under the Classification,
Packaging and Labelling Regulations 1984 as
very toxic, toxic, harmful, corrosive or irritant;
(b) any substance for which a Maximum Exposure
Limit (MEL), or Occupational Exposure Standard
(OES) has been set;
(c) substantial quantities of any dust;
COSHH responsibilities
6 As many construction sites operate on a multi-
contractor basis, it is important that the respective duties
for health and safety action are defined for all sites.
CONIAC guidance on Managing health and safety in
construction (main contractor/subcontractor projects and
management contracting) explains the principles
involved. Implementation of COSHH should be
integrated with the overall site management strategy as
follows:
(a) main contractors will have duties towards their own
employees and others working on sites under their
control. They should also ensure that subcontractors
or self-employed people have made COSHH
assessments and have effective arrangements to
ensure !hat precautions are taken and supervised (at
the tender stage);
(b) subcontractors have duties towards their own
employees and others who may be affected by their
work. They should prepare their own assessments
which should also identify possible risks to others.
They should inform and cooperate with the main
-
(d) micro-organisms;
(e) any other substance creating a comparable hazard.
COSHH does not apply to work with lead, asbestos or
radioactive sources. These are subject to other
legislation, ie The Control of Lead at Work Regulations;
The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations; The
lonising Radiations Regulations.
4 COSHH requires precautions to be taken to prevent
or control exposure to substances whether they have
immediate (acute) or long term (chronic) effect on
health. All exposure routes have to be considered -
breathing in dust or fume, swallowing substances (eg
through not washing hands before eating food) or
through skin contact (eg cement or solvent dermatitis).
Many substances can have multiple effect eg solvent
adhesives which emit harmful fumes as well as damaging
the skin. Precautions are required for all exposure risks.
5 Appendix 1 is a list of other publications relevant to
COSHH which should be consulted. Appendix 2 gives
some examples of construction activities where health
risks may arise. Appendix 3 sets out the assessment
stages; Appendix 4 explains 'Self-employed'. Appendix
5 is a suggested action plan for COSHH.
contractor so that there is effective coordination of
safe working on site;
(c) the self-employed have duties similar to those of
sub-contractors, remembering that they have a duty
to protect their own health as well as the health of
other people (see also Appendix 4);
(d) management contractors have an overall
coordinating role to be fulfilled as in the main
contractor/subcontractor situation;
(e) employees have duties to make proper use of all
control measures including personal protective
equipment, personal hygiene facilities etc and to
report defects immediately to management.
Additionally they should attend for health
surveillance procedures (in the employer's time and
at no cost to the employee), where surveillance
is appropriate and required by the employer
(paragraphs 36 to 41).
 COSHH requirements - how the industry should respond
7 Although COSHH applies to most substances
hazardous to health and virtually all work activities on
site, the nature and extent of the action required to be
taken depends on the risks present in each work
situation. In the industry, work practices, the quantity of
substances used, the frequency of use and environmental/
ambient conditions can vary considerably and may well
affect the levels of exposure and the precautions that
COSHH assessment
9 Regulation 6 of COSHH requires employers to
assess all risks to health from work with hazardous
substances. This is a key requirement and the guidance
listedin Appendix1 needsto be fullyconsidered.The
main elements of an assessment are:
(a) identification of hazardous substances involved;
(b) determination if the work presents risk of
exposure;
(c) determination of the degree of exposure;
Substances hazardous to health
10 Substance Identification Suppliers are legally
required to provide adequate information on substances.
The package labels and/or data sheets should be
examined for information on health risks (eg harmful by
inhalation, skin irritant etc), intended use (and noting in
particular any limitations on use), handling precautions
(eg use in well ventilated areas, wear gloves etc). Where
the data is inadequate, the supplier should be contacted
for further information.
The work - site assessment
II After gathering information on the substances, the
risk of exposure must be considered by looking at
working methods and site practices. Exposure can arise
through direct work with substances (eg handling
cement, man made mineral fibre (MMMF) in loft
insulation, in-situ timber treatment). Indirect exposure
of other people can arise eg drift of sprayed paints by an
I
I 2
need to be taken. Employers need to consider all the
circumstances of their work when deciding on
appropriate precautions, at the earliest stage o,fa
contract.
8 The starting point is for employers to make an
assessment of the health risks arising from work with
hazardous substances. (See also Appendices 1,2 and3.)
(d) decisions on the action needed to prevent or control
risks and if monitoring and/or health surveillance
are needed. Present precautions also need to be
reviewed.
Assessments of current work with hazardous substances
must be completed by 1 January 1990. Apart from
simple cases, assessments should be in writing.
Appendix 2 gives examples of some hazardous
substances met in various construction activities, but the
examples are not exhaustive. The following paragraphs
illustrate the approach.
HSE Guidance Notes should also be scrutinised (eg
EH16 Isocyanates: toxic hazards and precautions*) or
information from trade associations. The information
can be recorded eg in a company materials data sheet.
This can also be used as a basis for informing and
training personnel.
*See Appendix 1 for details
adjacent user. Contact can also occur through
contaminants in soil and structures as well as micro-
organisms in water courses (eg Weil's Disease). The
need for safe storage and transport of substances and
procedures for dealing with gross spillage should not be
overlooked.

Degree of exposure
12 While a wide range of hazardous substances may
exist on sites, there will also be wide variations in the
risks to health. The following factors will need to be
considered:
(a) the nature of the substance and it's potential for
harm. For example, whether there is a relevant
Maximum Exposure Limit (MEL) or
Occupational Exposure Standard (OES) or a
standard set by a manufacturer;
(b) the amount of exposure - is the substance used or
met in small or large quantities on an irregular or
frequent basis?
(c) the location of the work and conditions of use. Is
the workplace well ventilated or confined and
poorly ventilated? High concentrations of
hazardous substances can arise in the latter case;
(d) the effectiveness of existing controls.
13 Conclusions on these matters can usually be drawn
from knowledge of the substance and accompanying
advice on use from the supplier; relevant HSE Guidance
Notes; examination of work practices and discussions
with employees and safety representatives. Where
necessary, simple tests can be made (eg with indicator
tubes for solvent vapour). However where doubt
remains about the extent of exposure immediate steps
should be taken to protect people's health (eg by
improving control measures or by provision of personal
protective equipment) while additional enquiries are
made from suppliers, trade associations or outside
experts. If there are doubts about the degree of
exposure, air sampling may be needed eg where MELs
An approach to assessment for the industry
16 Assessments for hazardous substances must be
related to the actual circumstances of the work place. At
first sight this may seem to present considerable
problems for the industry given the changing work
situations, the variety of substances used or encountered
in various types of work activity by trade groups.
17 However,the task of making a completely new
assessment for each new site may not be necessary as
the range of materials and their modes of use may not
vary from site to site. Employers therefore may wish to
make general (or generic) assessments which could be
used at similar locations. Using Appendix 2 as a guide,
3
-
or OESs are involved. Particular attention should be
given to people who work regularly with hazardous
substances.
14 Exposure is unlikely to be a risk to health by any
route where, for example:
(a) the quantities or rate of use of a substance are
small (except that some substances such as
sensitisers or carcinogens can cause harm in small
quantities);
(b) the work is done in accordance with
manufacturers/suppliers instructions (provided the
instructions are adequate);
(c) previous measurements have been made of the
activity which confirm exposure is not a risk, and
working arrangements have not changed;
(d) the work practices conform with current HSE
guidance.
15 Exposure is considered likely to be a risk to health
in situations of:
(a) gross contamination of people or work places by
dust, paint or other materials (eg through spraying,
grinding or blasting);
(b) defective control measures (eg broken ventilation
plant or damaged respiratory, or other personal
protective equipment);
(c) excessively strong odours (eg solvent vapour or
welding fume);
(d) reports of ill health linked to exposure to hazardous
substances.
the procedure for this would be:
(a) identify the substances and health data;
(b) identify which substances are used in particular
work activities;
(c) determine the measures required to prevent or
control exposure according to the risks, including
maintenance, monitoring and health surveillance
needs;
(d) determine the information and training needs
for employees.
Thus a general assessment say for in situ timber
treatment substances, or use of paints of the same type
can be applied in many similar situations.
18 It will be essential however for a competent person
to ensure that general assessment is valid for the
particular site work. If it is not, a job or site specific
assessment will be needed. Examples where this may
arise include:
(a) a substantial change in the work methods (eg where
spraying of paint is adopted rather than brushwork,
spraying may require additional control eg use of
breathing apparatus);
(b) a different workplace (eg work in an enclosed
poorly ventilated room rather than outdoors).
--Competence for assessments
Clearly in the former case a higher level of control
will be indicated;
(c) a change of substance or the quantity, duration and
frequency of use.
Additional precautions, information, and training will
need to be determined.
\9 "tbe.'Ie.~s. ueed to be.related not only to
employees, but to others who may be affected by the
activities and will need to be taken into account at the
early planning of site operations, involving where
necessary, discussions with other employers, and the
main contractor. See also Appendix 5.
 Thus a general assessment say for in situ timber Clearly in the former case a higher level of control
treatment substances, or use of paints of the same type will be indicated;
can be applied in many similar situations.
(c) a change of substance or the quantity, duration and
18 It will be essential however for a competent person frequency of use.
to ensure that general assessment is valid for the
particular site work. If it is not, a job or site specific Additional precautions, information, and training will
assessment will be needed. Examples where this may need to be determined.
arise include:
19 These matters need to be related not only to
(a) a substantial change in the work methods (eg where employees, but to others who may be affected by the
spraying of paint is adopted rather than brushwork, activities and will need to be taken into account at the
spraying may require additional control eg use of early planning of site operations, involving where
I
breathing apparatus); necessary, discussions with other employers, and the
I
main contractor. See also Appendix 5.
I
(b) a different workplace (eg work in an enclosed
I
poorly ventilated room rather than outdoors).

I
Competence for assessments
I
I
20 COSHH Regulation 12(3) requires the employer to to work practices and any variations in them, form valid
I ensure that whoever makes an assessment (including conclusions about exposures and risks, and what
I decisions on further precautions under COSHH) must controls can be applied. Clearly this may require some
have the necessary information and training to do so. knowledge of occupational hygiene principles, and if
I This means the assessment may be done in-house or'
outside specialist assistance sought.
not available in house, outside advice will be required.

I 23 The wide range of activities in the industry suggest

21 As assessments rely on a thorough practical
I
understanding of the job, the initial stages of the
assessment (information gathering stage, study of the
I
work practices, job requirements) are best done in-
house. Here the key personnel should work together to
I
complete this stage, eg company buyer, safety adviser,
trades foremen, and consulting safety representatives
and workers. This work and the results should be
coordinated and brought to the employers attention for
agreement.
22 The person responsible for the assessment should
have a thorough understanding of the work activities
and the purpose of the COSHH requirements, an ability
to gather the relevant information, relate the information
"
Prevention or control
that not all assessments involve the same amount of
work or the same degree of competence. For example,
assessment of risks for standard bricklaying, glazing or
roofing will be straightforward compared with
demolition work or industrial painting. In demolition for
example exposure to a wider range of hazardous
substances, at substantial concentrations is more likely.
24 Whatever the type of business, each employer is
,~
required to carry out an assessment in a systematic way
if the work is liable to expose people to hazardous
substances.
25 Having completed the assessment of risks the next
stage is to consider the precautions required.

26 The employer must either prevent, or where this is exposure of employees and others who may be affected,
not reasonably practicable, adequately control the to substances hazardous to health.

Prevention

27 The employer should start by considering all material or use in a safer form (eg paste-form rather
options and combination of methods for preventing than dry), preparation of materials off-site under
exposure. Examples of prevention include abandonment controlled conditions, or eg for paint work, the use of
of a hazardous material, substitution by a less hazardous water based paints rather than solvent based materials.

4
 Adequate control
28 Where all possibilities of prevention are exhausted
then one or more combinations of control measures
need to be considered. Before resorting to personal
protective equipment every attempt should be made to
adopt any of the following, (but personal protective
equipment may be necessary on a temporary basis
where other measures are not technically feasible at
present to adequately control exposure):
(a) use of plant (eg by enclosure) or working methods
including handling (eg by wet methods) to
minimise exposure to hazardous substances in
particular in the form of dusts, fumes;
(b) local exhaust ventilation (eg on portable or fixed
plant). This can be applied often with enclosure;
(c) blower and extraction ventilation eg in confined or
other enclosed spaces;
(d) adequate levels of general/dilution ventilation;
(e) reduction of number of employees in work area.
This may well involve re-phasing of particular
work;
(f) reduce employees period of exposure;
(g) regular cleaning of work areas by wet or vacuum
methods;
(h) prohibit eating, drinking or smoking in
contaminated areas;
(i) provision of good hygiene facilities for washing,
eating and storage of clothing. This is particularly
important for the control of ingestion and skin
contact risks.
29 HSE Guidance Note EH40 lists the standards for
the control of exposure for inhalation risks. Substances
<t
listed in EH40 have been assigned either a MEL or an
OES:
Substances with maximum exposure limits (MEL)
Exposure should be reduced as low as reasonably
practicable and in any case below the stated limits.
Substances with occupational exposure standards (OES)
Exposure should be reduced to these standards.
If exposure exceeds the OES, control will still be
5
deemed adequate if it has been identified why the OES
has been exceeded and steps are being taken to comply
with the OES as soon as reasonably practicable.
Standards for personal protective equipment
(PPE) including respiratory protective
equipment (RPE)
30 RPE must be capable of controlling exposure, be of
an approved type or be to an approved standard. It
should be suited to the wearer and be appropriate to the
job. Suppliers advice should be sought and HSE
guidance consulted.
31 In many site situations where eg engineering
controls are not feasible it will be necessary to control
exposure to absorption via the skin or ingestion, by
using personal protective equipment. A good standard
of personal hygiene facilities will need to be provided in
addition to any other control methods adopted.
Protective wear eg clothing, eye protection should
conform with appropriate standards and effectively
protect the wearer and be suitable for the job. Suppliers
should be consulted as necessary. See also CONIAC
leaflet IACL 16 on protective clothing in construction.
Use of control measures
32 Employers need to establish procedures to ensure
that controls, including PPE, are properly used. This
will involve periodic checks and remedial action. In turn
employees should cooperate fully in the use of control
measures and maintain high personal hygiene standards.
Defects should be reported to management.
Maintenance, examination and test of control
measures
33 All measures to ensure control should be effective
for the protection of employees. Where local exhaust
ventilation is provided, in addition to weekly visual
inspections, an examination and test should be made at
least once every 14 months. Apart from one-shift
disposable respirators, RPE should be checked:
(a) monthly, or more frequently in severe conditions;
(b) for half masks in occasional use in low toxicity
conditions, at up to three month intervals;
(c) records should be kept in all cases, for at least five
years.
34 Even with control measures, leaks, spills or other
uncontrolled releases of a hazardous substance can
occur. Contingency plans should be made to deal with
such occurrences.
Monitoring
35 Monitoring of worker's exposure, to check on the
effectiveness of control measures, is unlikely to be
Health surveillance
36 The aim of health surveillance is to protect
employees health by early detection of adverse effects
of exposure to hazardous substances; it may also serve
as a check on adequacy of control measures.
37 The need for surveillance should be considered by
employers as part of the assessment. Surveillance is
appropriate where:
(a) a disease or adverse effect may be related to
exposure; and
(b) it is likely that this could arise in the circumstances
of the work; and
(c) there are valid techniques for detecting the disease
or effect.
Any decision on surveillance must be related to the
nature and degree of exposure. As part of the
assessment it may be helpful to obtain information on
human exposure where this is available. The material
supplier may be able to provide such information.
38 Unless there is no significant acute or chronic
health risk, the following are examples of situations
where surveillance will be appropriate:
(a) exposure to substances of known systemic toxicity
eg organophosphorous insecticide/wood
preservatives. Clinicaillaboratory investigations
may be needed;
6
required in most construction activities provided the
control measures are properly maintained - inadequate
control will often be obvious. However, monitoring may
be appropriate where, for example, failure of control
measures could pose a serious risk to health either
because of the toxicity of the substance or the extent of
exposure, or both eg monitoring of HzS (hydrogen
sulphide) gas in tunnelling or sewer repair work.
(b) asthma-causing substances eg isocyanates.
Enquiries regarding respiratory problems by
management with referral as necessary to
doctor/nurse;
(c) substances known to cause severe dermatitis eg
epoxy resins, cement, pesticides. Skin inspections
should be carried out by a responsible person with
relevant knowledge appointed by the employer;
(d) substances which may cause skin cancer eg coal tar,
or pitch. Skin inspections should be carried out as
under (c).
39 Suitable accommodation and facilities should be
provided where surveillance is done at employers
premises.
40 Records (kept for 30 years) should be made of
health surveillance including full personal details of
employees, job history involving exposure to substances
requiring surveillance in the course of the present jobs.
For surveillance procedures set out in paragraph 37
above, the record should also include the date of
surveillance, who carried it out and the results. Self-
employed people are exempted from health surveillance
requirements.
41 Where an employer ceases to trade (eg company
wound up) HSE should be notified and the surveillance
records offered for HSE use.
 Training and information

42 The information required for employees or others on
the site who may be affected includes:
(a) the nature and degree of risks to health from
exposure, ie assessment results;
(b) the control measures adopted, the reasons for them
I
and their use;
1 use of protective equipment and emergency procedures.
(c) reasons for the use of personal protective
equipment;
(d) the monitoring arrangements where appropriate,
including results where a MEL is exceeded;
(e) where appropriate the purpose and arrangements for
health surveillance and access to individual records.
43 The above information also has to be given to
employees safety representatives in accordance with the
1977 Safety Representatives and Safety Committee
Regulations.
44 Instruction should enable workers to know and
understand what they should do and the precautions
required at all stages of the job, including emergency
situations. Training must include methods of control,
45 Employers should ensure that any person who
carries out a duty on behalf of their employer (eg makes
an assessment) has the necessary information,
instruction and training to do so. (See also paragraphs
20 to 23.)

i
1

7
 Appendix 1 List of relevant publications
COSHH
I Control of substances hazardous to health
Regulations 1988,Control of carcinogenic substances
Approved code of practice. HMSO. ISBN 0 11 8854682
(COP29).
Health and Safety Executive Leaflets
2 Introducing COSHH a brief guide for all
employers to the new requirementsfor controlling
hazardoussubstances in the workplace.IND(G)65
1988
3 Introducing assessment: a simplified guide for
employers. IND(G)64. 1988.
4 Hazard and risk explained. IND(G)67. 1988
Copies of the above leaflets may be obtained free from
HSE information centres.
5 COSHH Assessments: a step by step guide and
skills neededfor it. HMSO. 1988. ISBN 011 8854704.
Hazardous substances information sources
Materials suppliers labels/hazard data sheets.
2 Occupational exposure limits. HSE Guidance Note
EH 40/89, HMSO. ISBN 0 11 885411 9. (revised
annually)
3 Information approvedfor the classification
packaging and labelling of dangerous substances for
supply and conveyance by road 2nd ed. HMSO. 1988
(Authorised and approved list) ISBN 0 11 883901 2
Part IAI
4 Substances for use at work: provision of
information. HS(G)27.HMSo. 1988.ISBN 0 118854585.
I 5 HSE Guidance Notes: Those relevant to
I construction include:
I 2
I Environmental hygiene series
EHI Cadmium: health and safety precautions. HMSO
1986. ISBN 0 II 883930 6
EH7 Petroleum based adhesives in building
operations. HMSO.1977. ISBN 0 11 883032 5
EH8 Arsenic: toxic hazards and precautions HMSO.
1987. ISBN 0 II 8839438
EH9 Spraying of highlyflammable liquids HMSO.
1977. ISBN 0 II 883034 I
8
EH16 Isocyanates: toxic hazards and precautions.
HMSO. 1984. ISBN 0 11 883581 5
EH22 Ventilation of the workplace. HMSO. 1988.
ISBN 0 11 885403 8
EH26 Occupational skin diseases: health and safety
precautions. HMSO. 1981. ISBN 011 883374 X
EH43 Carbon monoxide. HMSO. 1984.
ISBN 0 11 883597 1
EH44 Dust in the workplace: general principles of
protection HMSO. 1984. ISBN 0 II 883598 X
EH46 Exposure to mineral wools. HMSO. 1986.
ISBN0 11883521 1
Medical series L
MS8 Isocyanates: medical surveillance. HMSO.1983.
ISBN 0 II 883565 3
MSI5 Welding. HMSO. 1978. ISBN 011 8831844
MSI7 Biological monitoring of workers exposed to
organophosphorus pesticides HMSO. 1987.
ISBN 0 11 883951 9
General series
GS5 Entry into confined spaces HMSO. 1977.
ISBN 0 11 883067 8
GS29/4 Health and safety in demolition work. Part 4:
health hazards. HMSO. 1985. ISBN 0 II 8836048
GS46 In situ timber treatment using timber
preservatives: health and environmental precautions.
HMSO. 1989. ISBN 011 8854135
Respiratory protective equipment
1 BS 4275: 1974Recommendationsfor the selection,
use and maintenance of respiratory protective
equipment. From: BSI Sales Department, Linford Wood,
Milton Keynes. MKI4 6LE
Many of the HSE Guidance Notes listed above give
advice on RPE.
Hazardous substances - monitoring
1 HSE Guidance Note EH42. Monitoring strategies
for toxic substances (rev. ed) HMSO.1989.
ISBN 0 118854127.
Other publications
I A guide to safe use of chemicals in construction
CIRIA. 1981. ISBN 0 860171728 (currently under
revision).
 2 Construction Safety Manual Section 25 BEC/BAS 8 Managing health and safety in construction: Pt 1,
London. BSA. 1985 principles and application to main contractor/suh -
contractor projects. HMSO.1988. ISBN 0 11883918 7
3 Development of contaminated land (Dept of Pt 2: Management contracting. HMSO. 1988.
Environment Circ. 21/87. Welsh Office Circ 22/87). ISBN 0 II 883989 6.
HMSO.1987
9 HSE Leaflet IND(S)21 Control of hardwood dust.
4 Health Hazard Information Sheets (HSE): 1987.
No 1 - Cement. 1985 10 HSE Leaflet IND(G)72 Health hazards to painters.
No 5 - Solvents. 1988 1989.
No 7 - Skin hazards. 1988
No 8 - Pesticides. 1989 11 COSHH in Construction: A BEC Guide
5 Construction Summary Sheets (HSE): ISBN 01852630078 from BEC Publications, 2309
Coventry Road, Sheldton, Birmingham B26 3PL.
SS15 - Confined spaces. 1988
SS 12 - Flame cutting and welding with compressed 12 Your health and painting from Paintmakers
gases. 1988 Association of GB Ltd. Alembic House, 93 Albert
6 Health and safety in welding and allied processes. Embankment, London SE I 7TY.
1983. The Welding Institute. 3rd ed, Cambridge. 1983.
ISBN 0 853001464 13 Workmanship on Building Sites BS 8000: 1989.

7 Protective clothing andfootwear in the

construction industry CONIAC leaflet IAC!L16 Rev.
1986.

-~ -
 Appendix 2 Hazardous substances found in the contruction industry
Substance and hazard
1 Dusts
CEMENT: Dennatitis from chromate
impurities, skin bums, eye, mouth and
nose contamination from lime contents
and when wet
MAN MADE MINERAL FIBRE: Mineral
wool irritant to respiratory tract,
eyes and skin
GYPSUM: Irritant to throat, nose and
eyes
SILICA: Silicosis, and increased risk
of respiratory complaints
WOOD-DUST: Irritant, allergic
reactions (eg western red cedar,
and other hard woods) may cause
nose cancer; resin bonded materials
very irritating, or sensitising.
Dust from treated wood (eg with
fungicide) or surface finishes
may pose further hazards
2 Fumes and gases
Welding, brazing cutting produce a
wide variety of fumes depending on
metals being worked on, the
electrodes used, fluxes etc
Fumes are highly irritating to
respiratory system (chronic
mainly in effect - Main gases
evolved are carbon monoxide,
nitrous fumes and ozone
HYDROGEN SULPHIDE: Extremely
toxic: irritates eyes, nose and throat
and potentially lethal
CARBON MONOXIDE. Toxic,
potentially lethal
i
i 10
l
Activities
Masonry and plaster work
in particular
Insulation work in particular
Plastering and masonry work
Grit blasting of masonry,
concrete scabbling, granite
polishing, tunnelling in
silicate rock, power cutting
of furnace brickwork/liners
Carpentry work. Most
problems connected with use
of power machinery, eg
belt sanders, dry rubbing
down of paintwork
(wood or metal)
Welding etc and exposure
of other trades working in
vicinity. Confined spaces
are particularly hazardous
Work involving sewers,
drains, excavtions in made
ground, demolition of sulphur
stripping plants in refineries
Operation of liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG)
equipment, petrol or diesel
plant in or close to confined
spaces.
Control methods (where prevention
of exposure is not possible)
Minimise spread of dry materials;
respiratory protection for dry
mixing/handling gloves, waterproof
boots, personal hygiene, barrier
creams before and after working
(see Health Hazard Sheet 5)
Minimise cutting and handling;
respiratory protection
One piece overall, gloves, eye
protection (See Guidance Note
EH 46)
Control - see cement
Wet methods, process enclosure
with dust extraction: respiratory
protection
Off site-preparation under exhaust
ventilated plant
Onsite-enclosure and exhaust
ventilation
Wet rubbing down
Dust extraction on portable tools
Respiratory protection
(See leaflet IND(S) 21(L
I ~
J
Local exhaust ventilation first
choice for confined spaces: good
general ventilation: air supplied
helmet
Confined space procedures (see
GN: GS5): exhaust and forced
ventilation: airline/self contained
apparatus: monitoring
Site away from confined spaces;
Mechanical ventilation
3 Chemical products
There are many thousands in use in
mixture form. The list below gives
broad categories of product.
SOLVENTS eg toluene, xylene,
white spirit etc are present
in many construction products eg
paints, lacquers, glues, strippers
or thinners. Solvents are hazardous,
entering the body through inhalation
(or accidental ingestion) and via skin
contact - dermatitis can also result
RESIN SYSTEMS: Isocyanates:
eg MDI, TDI, (eg 2 pack systems)
or adhesives. Known
respiratory irritant causing
sensitisation/asthma. Paints however
less hazardous when brushed or rolled
Epoxy: severe irritant and sensitisers:
toxic, particularly to liver
Unsaturated polyester: Styrene vapour
both toxic inhalation (liver), also narcotic
and irritant to eyes and skin
Some resin systems may contain
carcinogens
PESTICIDES eg timber preservatives,
fungicides. Vapour irritant to skin,
damage to nervous system, other organs
from range of active ingredients
LUBRICANTS: Mineral oils cause
dermatitis, acne and possiblity skin
cancer. Respiratory damage in mist form
ACIDS/ALKALIS: Hydrochloric,
hydrofluoric and sulphuric acids
commonly used. Harmful to skin,
eyes and produce irritant fumes
Used in many activities, but
particularly decorative
applications, tile fixing, use
of resin systems on site.
With most materials risks
increase in relation to
quantity used and frequency/
duration, particularly spray
application or work in iI1
ventilated/confined places
MDI for thermal insulation
of buildings (eg roof sprayed)
Polyurethane for decorative
work by brush, roller or
spraying
Work using high strength
adhesives for joining structure
units, floor tube and pipe
coatings
Glass fibre-reinforced structure
work, claddings and coatings
in situ timber treatment
particularly in confined space
or work of long duration
Near machines; mould release
agents in form work: mist from
compressors and air tools in
confined spaces
Chiefly masonry cleaning
11
Select safest material and method
of application.Ensuregood
ventilation.
Confined spaces procedure (see
GN: GS5) including mechanical
ventilation/use of air line or self-
contained breathing equipment, and
similar standards for spray work.
'Airless' or 'mist-less' spray
techniques should be considered.
Impervious protective clothing and
good washingfacilitieslbarrier
creams are important (see Health
Hazard Sheet 5, HSE Leaflet
IND(G)72L)
For application by brush, roller or
spreader maximise natural ventilation.
Supplement with mechanical extraction/
air mover. Otherwise RPE Impermeable
gloves for hands. For sprayed work air
line breathing apparatus to be used.
Impervious coverall for spraying
activities. In all cases, good standards of
washing and eating facilities, away from
work areas. See EH 16/socyanates. GS 5
Entry into confined spaces.
Health surveillance may be appropriate
Set out in Guidance Note GS 46 and
Health Hazard Sheet No 8
Filtration to reduce mist, from machines;
good ventilation; respiratory protection,
and protective clothin (Impervious to oil);
good personal hygiene facilities
Use weakest concentrations possible.
Skin and eye protection: personal
hygiene
Respiratory protective equipment with
'fuming' acid
Emergency drench
4 Site contaminants

Site re-development Determination of previous usage of

These hazards are present in the
involving; site. Thorough site examination and
soil/structures or arising from
safe clearance methods.
previous 'industrial' activities,
groundwork, demolition, Respiratory protection and
for example: toxic metals/materials
tunnelling activities protective clothing. Highest
at gas works, tanneries, hospitals eg
particular: work near personal hygiene standards.
ferrocyanides, cadmium, arsenic,
contaminated water courses. Protective clothing particularly for
phenols. Dangerous by inhalation, hands; consult doctor on
ingestion and skin contact/absorption immunisation for tetanus!hepatitis B.
Good personal hygiene standards
Microbiological risks include Weils
disease, tetanus, hepatitis B

12
 Appendix 3 Steps to take in making an assessment
Gather all relevant information

Identify substances hazardous to health

Consider planned events Consider unplanned events

1 Routine work operations I Work 'crises'
2 'One off' events 2 Accidental release
3 Future changes in work operations 3 Deterioration of control
4 Failure of control

Resulting Exposures
What substance?
How could it act?
Where will it be?

o How will it act?

Who may be exposed?
Under what circumstances?
What will the degree of
exposure be? etc

Consider effectiveness of existing prevention or control methods (Measurement may be necessary - atmospheric
sampling, biological testing - if there is doubt about exposures).

Estimate potential exposure

Compare with valid standards of adequate control

Reach conclusions about existing and foreseeable risks

If control is or may foreseeably become inadequate, decide on the steps required to establish and maintain adequate
control. (Personal protective equipment should only be used when other methods do not achieve adequate control.)
Other methods may not be reasonably practicable, for example, in an emergency or during outline maintenance
operations.

Decide on the need for any further exposure monitoring

precautions health surveillance

Review if circumstances change

13
 Appendix 4 Self employed workers
I Irrespective of whether site workers are
employed or self-employed, any person who has
control of work on a site will have
responsibilities. The Construction Regulations
place duties of compliance on contractors as well
as employers. The Health and Safety at Work Act
also requires every person to conduct their work
so that anyone who may be affected by the work
is not put at risk.
2 When interpreting health and safety law, the
pay, tax or national insurance arrangements are
not the main factors in deciding whether or not a
Appendix 5 Possible plan for managing information
Gathering information
I Review all data on Substances (Sources:
Suppliers, HSE Guidance Notes, Trade Associations
etc).
2 Prepare inventory, grouping substances by type,
hazard and use.
Making a general (generic) assessment
3 Prepare in-house materials data sheets recording
essential data on hazards, use, precautions needed
(prevention, control etc).
4 Test validity of assessment by site sampling
noting work practices, existing precautions etc (some
monitoring may be needed). Note any further training
requirements.
Printed in the UK for HMSO
14
.....
worker is self-employed. As far as the courts are
concerned there are usually only two types of
people working on site: those who are genuinely
independent contractors and those who are .
deemed as employees working under the direct
control of a company or individual.
3 In most cases people who work directly to
you on site will be regarded by inspectors and the
courts as employees. However even though they
may not be employees, the Health and Safety at
Work Act requires you to protect their health and
safety.
SITE/JOB SPECIFIC ASSESSMENTS
5 Determine what work situations may need more
detailed assessment. In complex situations technical
back up may be needed eg for exposure evaluation.
Action
6 Provide site manager with site assessment
documentation (generic, job specific or both).
7 Ensure information, instruction and training for
employees. '~
8 Make arrangements for evaluating compliance
with the plan.
9 Coordinate with other contractors via main or
managing contractor.
M20 6/90