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Not done Cytech but have done Weldtech, there was zero health and safety chat.
Well, maybe a bit about the angle at which you apply pressure to a pedal wrench so you don't slip and punch the floor or chainrings (and maybe that was meant to be transferable to all tool use?) but nothing about chemicals.
M_V
Thanks for everyone's replies RE: my health and safety concerns. Really interesting to hear everyones experiences, and reassuring to know that I'm not the only person concerned about these chemicals.
I think bike mechanics fall into an interesting grey area, we're able to work on vehicles (with braking mechanisms, and other critical safety bits) without (or with optional) qualifications. I've never done a Cytech*, and know plenty of others that haven't either. As far as I can imagine, untrained car mechanics wouldn't be allowed to carry out servicing, even though the industries share a lot of chemicals (and responsibilities).
Should there be some kind of authority over workshop safety as in other industries? It sounds sensible, but I can't see how it would be implemented, or if it should be. There are benefits to being in a fairly unregulated industry, and I doubt a lot of struggling workshops can afford to lose 'unqualified' staff either.
As Leshaches and others have mentioned, the first thing we can do is to protect ourselves. Back in the workshop tomorrow, and I'll be wearing gloves and a mask and chatting to my employer. It's only the 3 of us, but hopefully we can spark some conversations with other mechanics in the city.
I'm 25 and have been messing with dirty bikes and chemicals for the last 5 years or so, more regularly in the last 2 months. After more research I'm feeling a little less comfortable with those last 5, and less excited about the next! It's glove time.
*According to the site they cover health and safety in every module.