TABLE OF CONTENTS The presence of dusts and fumes in the workplace has been a part of industrial life for many years and the hazards associated with them are well known. Systems have been developed to control these and reduce the exposure of them to personnel. Many of the techniques used were based on empirical data and often the resulting control system was a compromise between effective control and cost. Although industrial activity was subject to The Factories Acts it was only specific hazardous substances such as lead and asbestos that had clearly defined permitted levels of exposure. The introduction of The Health and Safety At Work Act 1974 completely changed attitudes to dust and fume control not only at the workplace but also at points of emission of dusts and fumes to the outside atmosphere. The attitude towards working conditions has changed from one of accepting some work as "dirty" to one where these conditions will not be accepted. To ensure that control measures are effective in controlling hazardous substances specific regulations, which are part of The Health and Safety At Work Act 1974, have been introduced.
The effect of these changes on the Plant Engineer has resulted in a greater increase in the burden of work and in the content and level of knowledge of the subject. Account must now be taken of the work and activities within the plant, its effect on personnel inside and...
