Ventilation
Many processes in the textile industry generate dust and fumes. These particles in the air can be breathed in, casuing damage to the lungs and throat as well as irritating the eyes and skin. Workers mixing dyestuffs or chemicals used in finishing fabrics are particularly at risk. Extractor fans can be installed in areas used for these processes, or within a fume cupboard.
Storage of chemicals
The majority of chemicals in a work environment present a risk to health, even cleaning agents. Chemicals can be poisonous if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. Warning labels indicate the nature of the hazard. They should be stored in their original containers with instructions on how to use them. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), introduced in 1994, set out the hazards of toxic substances such as dyes, mordants and detergents, identifying which are hazardous. They detail how the substance is to be stored and handled and how to proceed if there is an accident.
Machine guards
Fingers and hands are most at threat when functioning textiles machinery. Most machines have guards fitted to prevent fingers and hands being placed near moving parts. However these often need to be removed to set up or maintain the machine, it is also important that they are accurately replaced afterwards.
Accident procedures
All workplaces should display details of health and safety procedures. This includes evacuation procedures (e.g. fire drill, and general instructions in case of accidents e.g. where to go and who to notify).
Protective clothing
Employers in the etxtile industry have an obligation to provide their workers with the protective clothing necessary to carry out their jobs. Employees have an obligation to use the protection provided.
Risk assessment
This involves looking at the activities carried out in a workplace and assessing the risks associated with each one. Procedures or additional protection must be put in place to elimiminate or reduce risk. Risk assessment covers all aspects of workplace: layout, environment, use and storage of chemicals and tools and machinery.
The Health and Safety at Work Act
Introduced in 1974, the act makes employers legally responsible for the health and safety of employees and makes employees responsible for using the safety equipment provided.
Product safety
Many products carry symbols that indicate the product has passed a series of quality and safety tests. This is the user’s guarantee that the product is safe to use for the purpose specified. The quality of materials, components and manufacturing processes used ensure the safety of the product.
Safe by design
Safety needs to be designed into a product and is often included in the specification. Fabrics and components used must be suitable. Manufacturing processes must also be considered. The end use of the product must be considered throughout the designing and making process.
