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Wood dust
Airborne wood dust presents an exposure hazard to workers. Activities likely to produce high dust levels include:
- Machining operations, particularly sawing, routing, and sanding
- Using compressed air to blow dust off furniture or equipment
- Emptying the bag from a dust extraction system or vacuum
See our resources for more information on working safely around wood dust.
Resources
Exposure to ash during logging operations after wildfires
What is the potential risk?
Conducting forest harvesting activities after wildfires introduces the potential for exposure to wood ash. Workers can be exposed to ash particulates...
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Combustible Wood Dust Explosions
Combustible wood dust refers to the fine, dry wood particles that are a by-product of milling wood. This video explains why it's such a hazard in sawmills and wood shops, and also shows how it increases...
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Combustible Wood Dust Explosions (Video Discussion Guide)
This video discussion guide provides background information on combustible wood dust and suggestions for facilitating discussion before and after viewing.
Additional resources:
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The dangers of using compressed air to clean up combustible dust
A WorkSafe Bulletin WS 2016-05