Health and Safety
Precise Partitions practices, promotes and provides training in "best practice" Health & Safety procedures.
 
Safe working habits and conditions ensure that occupational exposure is minimised. To reduce airborne dust, open bags and mix products with water in well ventilated conditions; avoid contact of dry products with eyes and skin; and always wash exposed skin after use. In the event of contact with eyes, irrigate immediately with plenty of water. Cutting plasterboard with power tools and sanding generates dust, so should be kept to a minimum. Ideally all operations which produce dust should be carried out in well ventilated conditions; where possible a dust mask selected in accordance with BS 4275 : 1974 should be worn. The general approach to control of occupational exposure to airborne dust is outlined in Health & Safety Executive Guidance Note EA44. When using liquid products take care to avoid contact with eyes. Should this happen, irrigate immediately with plenty of clean water and seek medical advice.

The Health & Safety Executive Guidance Note EH40/94 gives information about airborne concentration of substances in the workplace for which constant daily exposure will not cause harmful effects, known as Occupational Exposure Standards (OES). The Health and Safety Executive reviews OES's annually in the light of new medical evidence. Good working practice on site helps eliminate other potential hazards. Heavy products should only be lifted in the correct way using mechanical handling equipment where necessary. Metal components should be cut and handled carefully to avoid cuts and abrasions. Plasterboard is a lining material and will not support body weight. Adequate support should be provided for installers where necessary. Further details and advice on exposure limits, codes of practice and regulations are available from:
 
HSE Library and Information Service
2 Rose Court, Southwark Bridge, London SE1 9HS Tel: 020 7717 6000.