TABLE OF CONTENTS Hazards. According to the Technical Rule for Hazardous Substances N 901, Wood dust is recognised as being associated with the following hazards:
Fire and explosion (it can form explosive mixtures with atmospheric oxygen).
Sensitising effects on the respiratory tract and the skin is documented for domestic and tropical timber.
Oak and beech wood dust have been classified as carcinogens, category 1 (known human carcinogens) since 1986. Unspecified wood dust as such is classified as a carcinogen, category 3 (known or suspected carcinogens with limited evidence). (Technical Rule for Hazardous Substances N 905.
In 1987, the atmospheric limit value for wood dust (the TRK [263] value) was established at 2 mg/m 3 for new plants and 5 mg/m 3 for old / existing plants. Since 1996, the 2 mg/m 3 value, [264] measured as inhalable ( E ) [265] dust (Technical Rule for Hazardous Substances N 900), applies to all workplaces where wood dust is generated. At European level, the limit value for hardwood dust is 5 mg/m (Council Directive 1999/38/EC).
Relevant legislation at national level. In 1986, the so-called ZH 1/139 was published for the first time, a regulation of the BG, which deals with the extraction and separation of dust and chippings. This regulation was updated in 1990 but withdrawn completely in 1993, after the TRGS 553 (see below) was published. In 1992, all rules concerning the use of wood dust were summarised and consolidated in the so-called Technical Rule for...
