MDF Assigment

Uses: -It may be used to make display cabinets, wall-panels and storage units.

The health risks are generally based on the machining and dust-particle control while working with MDF. Once MDF has been finished as furniture, or whatever, there is little or no acknowledged health risk.

If formaldehyde in MDF is being used, and cut or worked, at your workplace your employer should first try to use a safer material. If there is no alternative to using fibreboard then your employer should consider low emission board. Some board manufacturers are advertising low formaldehyde or zero formaldehyde emission boards made to the stringent German 'E1' standard. This standard is currently being reviewed by the European Union.
Where dust cannot be eliminated, the employer has to introduce control measures which will adequately reduce dust levels. This will require adequate ventilation. The most effective control measure is Local Exhaust Ventilation. The exhaust mechanism is normally attached to the workstation where board is being cut. As wood fibres are released from the board the exhaust should remove them from workplace air. This ensures that most of the dust is removed from the atmosphere as board is worked. Your employer should also keep the workplace clean and ensure that the workplace is free of any dust. Gloves should be provided to avoid formaldehyde coming into contact with the skin, and suitable masks should be provided to avoid inhalation or ingestion of fibres.

Storage: Dont store where it could get wet or mear a source of ignition. store in low humidity ant temperature high temp and inadequate ventalation could allow the development of formaldehyde vapors in the storage area.