In the bakery

This information is for people that work in bakeries, flour mills, kitchens and food preparation areas. It gives information on things in the workplace that could damage the lungs and advice on how to protect them.

What are the hazards?

These are some of the hazards you may come into contact with at work.

  • Flour

    Working with flour creates a lot of dust, and can lead to dust clouds in the air.

  • Dusts

    From improver products which contain enzymes like  fungal alpha-amylase, and other ingredients like egg, soya, spices, citrus oils and flavourings.

  • Cleaning products

    You may also be exposed to cleaning products, including:

    • Benzalkonium chloride (quaternary ammonium compound) – found in disinfectants and cleaners for floors and hard surfaces
    • Chlorine-based agents (sodium hypochlorite) – the main ingredient in bleach
    • Some scents within cleaning products, e.g. limonene, which gives some products a citrus smell
    • Isothiazolinones – used in some washing up liquids and laundry washing liquids

Smoking or vaping harms your lungs

Smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung conditions like COPD and lung cancer.
Vaping also exposes your lungs to harmful chemicals.

Quitting smoking or vaping will help protect your lungs.

Nicotine is addictive, and stopping can be difficult.

Conditions

How can your health be affected?

How to protect yourself

Your employer has a responsibility to ensure the work environment is appropriately ventilated and that you are provided with protective clothing and appropriate safety advice.

Here are six things you can do to ensure you’re doing everything you can to protect your lung health at work.

  • Assess Risk

    Do risk assessments to make sure you are doing jobs safely and efficiently.

  • Ventilation

    Make sure that your work area is appropriately ventilated so that cleaner air can come into the room.

    Make sure you have a dust extractor and that it is switched on and working.

  • Work carefully

    Avoid making dust clouds:

    • Load ingredients carefully
    • Transfer flour with a scoop
    • Start mixers up at the slowest setting
    • Clean up any spilled ingredients straight away
    • Roll bags of ingredients downwards and away from you
    • Use a flour shaker when dusting flour
    • Avoid using powdered enzymes; try to use gel or microgranules instead
    • Keep lids on dough bins
    • Clean up using a wet mop or an industrial vacuum

  • Wear the correct mask

    Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) can help reduce exposure to harmful substances, particularly when other measures cannot fully control what’s in the air. Depending on your work, this could include masks, gloves or eye protection. Your employer is responsible for providing the right equipment for your role, as well as training on how to use it correctly.

    Different masks and other PPE are available in a range of sizes and designs. If you are having trouble using the equipment supplied by your employer, you should discuss the options for using a different kind.

  • Health Check-ups

    Get your health checked regularly. If there is a health scheme at your workplace, take part in it. Otherwise, see a healthcare professional regularly and make sure they know about your workplace. Health surveillance might include answering questions about your symptoms or lung function tests. This can help identify problems early.

    If you notice any new symptoms or are concerned about your health, don’t wait. Report them to your doctor or occupational health scheme promptly.

  • Know what to expect from your employer

    Your employer has a responsibility to reduce your exposure to harmful substances. This can include using safer alternatives where possible, ensuring adequate ventilation, and providing the right equipment, training and safety advice.

    If any of this seems to be missing at your workplace, it is worth raising it with your employer, health and safety representative or union.

More information