11th July 2005, 10:13 AM
About 15 years ago I worked on industrial reclamation schemes on lead mines, and just sent off by my then employer without a word about H&S. The mining tailings were finely ground and full of heavy metals. The engineers on site were slightly shocked that we had been given no brief, gloves, facemasks, water to wash hands etc. I had to arrange these things myself, after talking it over with someone in the Health and Safety Executive (you can also phone in problems anonymously). Strangely enough there wasn't a whimper from the organisation employing me.
At the very least you should have gloves and somewhere to wash your hands. Facemasks where dusty are also a good idea. Disposable suits and showers are needed in some situations.
Asbestos is a potential hazard in most buildings as well (pre 1980 or so), and your employers are legally obliged to identify it, map it, assess it and present all workers with the results, with advice on how to proceed.
At the very least you should have gloves and somewhere to wash your hands. Facemasks where dusty are also a good idea. Disposable suits and showers are needed in some situations.
Asbestos is a potential hazard in most buildings as well (pre 1980 or so), and your employers are legally obliged to identify it, map it, assess it and present all workers with the results, with advice on how to proceed.