This toolbox talk outlines how to identify and control hazardous dust and fumes on construction and maintenance sites. It explains common sources such as cutting, sanding, grinding, welding, gas cutting, heating metals and disturbing old materials including lead, asbestos and fibreglass. Key health risks include silica related lung disease, nasal cancer from hardwood dust, asbestos related cancers, metal fume fever, and solvent exposure symptoms. Recommended controls include planning to eliminate hazards where possible, using local extraction and dust collection on tools and plant, deploying portable extraction, and wearing suitable respiratory protective equipment with correct use and fit. Workers should also consider the impact of their tasks on others nearby.
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