Health expert warns of bioaerosol risk

A health expert has warned that waste companies need to be more aware of the health risk of bioaerosols to their workers, at a health and safety conference in Stockport yesterday (September 27).

Speaking during the fourth annual Health and Safety in Waste Management conference organised by letsrecycle.com, Dr Peter Sykes, principal lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University, urged caution from operators in the absence of specific legislation and guidance on the hazard.

Bio-aerosols, a collection of biological particles including fungi, bacteria, and actinomycetes and their components made airbourne through shredding, turning, and screening material, are present across all areas of the industry but can be particularly prevalent in the treatment of organic waste.

While little is known about their long-term consequences on human health, Dr Sykes said that the limited data available suggests they may contribute to respiratory illnesses including toxic pneumonitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and farmers lung.

While risk control should be undertaken so far as is reasonably practicable, Dr Sykes indicated the development of specific legislation would clarify what form of monitoring and health surveillance is required, as well as what type of respiratory protective equipment, such as BS EN 149:2001 accredited filtering masks, should be worn and when.

However, guidance issued by the Association for Organics Recycling (AFOR), he said, currently offers some practical advice on the area.

Hazard

Speaking at the conference, Dr Sykes admitted the problem of bioaerosols was an occupational hazard, but one the waste industry needed to act on.

He said: When we talk about bioaerosols, we get a varied view between people who think they will harm us and those who are still waiting for more evidence. The debate has moved on from four or five years ago, it is now time to recognise the potential risks and what we can do to prevent them.

He added: Current activities give rise to high levels. Even when the dust levels are low, the microbial content of the dust maybe at levels we should be concerned about.

All too often I see people unaware of what they should be looking for. A lot of risk assessments we have seen have not been detailed enough so there is a need for education and to inform staff about bioaerosols and bioaerosol risk.

Exposure

Dr Sykes went on to highlight vehicle cabs as a typical environment where high levels of bioaerosols could be found, due to a culture of invincibility among workers who may wind down vehicle windows during loading and unloading, exposing themselves to the particles.

Waste Industry Safety and Health (WISH) chairman Chris Jones added it fell on operators to ensure all necessary safety measures were taken on their site. He went on to warn managers that insurers were now starting to see potential cases in bioaerosols.