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Worksite Checklists
Manage workplace health risks by pinpointing opportunities for improvement and things you need to be aware of or have in place
Anticipate, recognise, evaluate and control
workplace exposures on a construction site
CHEMICAL AGENTS
Chemical agents or chemicals such as sealants, adhesives, glues, epoxy resins, solvent based paints, isocyanate based foams/paints, mineral oil and cement based products are used every day on construction sites.
If these chemicals are not safely used, you could be at risk. The potential of chemicals to cause harm depends on a number of factors including how long and how often you are exposed to them.
Exposure to chemicals can result in various short and long term health effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, dermatitis, burns, eye damage, respiratory illness/disease, cancer, reproductive effects, liver or kidney disease.
When using chemicals on a construction site, it is important to know how dangerous they are. It is also important to ensure that you have the necessary controls in place to keep you, your work colleagues and the environment safe.
Source: HSA
ASBESTOS
Asbestos has been widely used in construction materials and for a number of purposes including fireproofing, thermal insulation, electrical insulation, sound insulation, decorative plasters, roofing products, flooring products, heat resistant materials, gaskets and chemical resistance.
Disturbing asbestos containing materials during maintenance, refurbishment or demolition work is a concern for potential exposure as asbestos fibres may be released into the air, which, if breathed in, can cause serious, and often, fatal diseases such as asbestosis, asbestos related lung cancer (bronchial carcinoma) or mesothelioma. These diseases can take many years (15 – 60) to develop. There is no cure for asbestos-related diseases.
A refurbishment/demolition asbestos survey is required where the premises, or part of it, needs upgrading, refurbishment or demolition. Surveys must by carried out by a competent person.
Source: HSA
LEAD
Lead is a toxic heavy metal which is found in many different products including rolled lead sheeting, paints, glass, solder, plastic and rubber compounds. Therefore, workers can be exposed to lead in a variety of work activities.
There are two routes of entry of lead into the body: inhalation of dusts or fumes containing lead and the ingestion of lead containing materials.
Lead is very toxic to the human body and prolonged or repeated exposure causes damage to the nervous system, kidneys, blood and is suspected of causing cancer.
Source: HSA
SILICA
Crystalline silica is widely found in nature. Occupational exposure to crystalline silica dust occurs in many industries including: quarrying, mining, mineral processing (e.g. drying, grinding, bagging and handling), slate working, stone crushing and dressing, foundry work, brick and tile making, some refractory processes, construction and demolition work, including work with stone, concrete, brick and some insulation boards, tunnelling, building restoration, pottery and ceramic industries. Basically where concrete, stone or sand based materials are used, there is a potential for exposure to crystalline silica dust.
Inhalation of fine dust containing crystalline silica can cause lung damage (silicosis), which in severe cases can be disabling, or even fatal. Silicosis is irreversible and treatment options are limited.
Source: HSA
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