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I instructed part of a Cytech course, and there were some h&s elements, mainly the obvious ones: wear safety glasses, don’t send press fit bearings flying across the room, keep fingers out of turning wheels, etc. Anything more in depth came from us instructors. Hopefully one day there will be a more holistic approach to mechanics’ h&s, including ventilation, biomechanics, and chemical dangers as well as injury prevention (rest! stretch! w exercise opposing muscle groups!). Perhaps a brief book on the subject might help? Is there one already?
A lot of companies have strong financial incentives to avoid h&s becoming a sticking point for mechanics, just like in mining or the auto industry. Examples: exposure to dust from carbon fibre or carbon nanotubes could result in asbestosis (research in progress), exposure to greases and oils can cause all sorts of reactions (well established), even some bike paints and cheap packaging and definitely petrochemicals can off-gas stuff that is harmful to breath in all day every day.
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Leshaches
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.