In the factory

This information is for people that work in factories, including those that produce textiles, electronics, metals, bricks, ceramics and plastics. 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.

  • Isocyanates

    Found in products including paints, coatings, foams, glues and flooring.

  • Fumes and gases from metalworking

    A mixture of gases, including nitrous oxide (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), shielding gas (e.g. argon, helium) and ozone (O3) and very fine particles.

  • Silica dust

    Created when working on materials that have silica in them, such as concrete, mortar, sandstone, or natural and engineered stone (e.g. quartz, quartzite, and granite) used for walls, flooring and countertops.

  • Dyes

    Certain ingredients in dyes.

  • Metalworking fluids

    Neat oils or water-based fluids used for lubrication and cooling when working with metals. They are sometimes called suds, coolants, slurry or soap.

  • Asbestos

    A group of tiny minerals that was used a lot in building work in the past. When material containing asbestos is moved or damaged, a dust containing fibres of asbestos can go into the air and be breathed in.

  • Dusts

    Factory work can expose you to many types of dust, including chemicals in powder form, mineral dusts, and natural or artificial textile fibres. Each type of dust can pose its own health risks when breathed in.

  • Chemical vapours

    Factory work can also expose you to vapours from a range of chemicals, including ammonia, acid gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other airborne toxic substances. Effects of breathing these in can range from irritation to more serious harm, depending on what you are exposed to and how much.

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 five 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.

  • Wear the right protective equipment

    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.

  • When cleaning

    Check ingredients in cleaning products and avoid those that will put you at risk.

    Use wipes not sprays so that you are putting less chemicals into the air for you to breathe in.

    Follow label instructions about the safe use of chemicals.

  • 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. This should include making sure you understand the hazards you may face, the precautions to take, and how to access Safety Data Sheets for materials you work with.

    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