Woodworking Merit Badge

[182much]

I just became a meit badge counselor for woodworking.
One of the requirements pertains to the use of a dust mask.
I know that a mask should be worn at all times,but there are certain woods that a mask is a MUST. Anyone know of a website where I might be able to find this info?
Also the last I heard, when a finger is severed (God forbid) it is best to place the piece in a bag of ice and take it to the Dr.
Is this still the practice, or is there something new?
Thanks

[Tom Slick]

This might help
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/wooddust/recognition.html

http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec24/ch299/ch299h.html

http://en.allexperts.com/q/First-Aid...t-finger-1.htm

http://health.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=15445

[shoottx]

Wood Toxicity

http://www.woodturner.org/resources/toxicity.cfm

[drumpriest]

http://www.cs.rochester.edu/u/roche/...isc/wood.toxic

To me, it really is important to wear it all of the time, if at all possible. New research is showing that wood dust can cause lung cancer. But if you are doing minimal wood working, you can get away without one on occasion, and you're probably fine. Having said that, it's MUCH worse if you are not using a DC with good filtration, etc....

Oak recently has been shown to be a carcinogen. Some of the more exotic species cause more immediate reactions. I know a lot of people who cannot work walnut, for instance, and certainly any of the rosewood family can be problematic. (bubinga included)

No idea about the finger, it's a great question though...

[Pappy]

That was one of the Badges I offered to counsel when I was a Scoutmaster. Not an easy badge to earn.

[Black wallnut]

Since you live in the state of Kalifornia then it would be advisable to always wear a dust mask while woodworking! Most every substance known to mankind is "known to the state of Kalifornia to cause cancer!"

All humor aside I think that dust masks are greatly over used. Most are only margionally effective since they do not completely seal to the face. In this way IMHO they give users a false sense of security. If dust is seriously causing fear then a sealing particulate filter mask should be used.

First aid for a cut off finger is as of the last I've heard exactly as you descibe, ice the digit and get it along with the victom to an ER pronto. Prevention measures including risk awareness is possibly more important. Please make sure you insist on the Scouts following YPT guidelines for the MB contact visits. Thanks again for your service to youth!

WE1-614-08

[182much]

Thanks

Thanks Guys
I knew I would get the info I needed here.
What a GREAT bunch of people here.
Thanks again
Mel

[LinuxRandal]

Since you live in the state of Kalifornia then it would be advisable to always wear a dust mask while woodworking! Most every substance known to mankind is "known to the state of Kalifornia to cause cancer!"

WARNING

Breathing is a sign of a terminal condition known as life, and has been shown that it can be hazardous to your health.