Dangerous wood chip???

[Rough Hewn]

Just got sent this…

[Retired Climber]

It's a very well known problem. 

 

Aspergillus fumigatus spores are one to watch out for I think. 

Edited September 15, 2021 by Retired Climber
Add info.

[Doug Tait]

Yes, be careful around steaming piles of anything!

[Squaredy]

Very interesting - I have never had a chipper, though many customers have approached me asking for chip.  What is the method to avoid the problem?  Or is it just a fact of life that handling large quantities of woodchip that has been hanging around is a dodgy business?

[Doug Tait]

We're told to wear a mask if we're shovelling it by hand, especially in an enclosed space. 

[Retired Climber]

I think it's a bit like a bee sting; for most of us, most of the time, it's just a slight irritation, but if you are susceptible it can cause you real problems. Obviously quantity breathed in is also relevant. 

 

[ChrisNewport]

I recall a story on here of a team of three guys shoveling week old chip off a truck and all 3 ended up in hospital.

[Rob_the_Sparky]

We (groups of parents) shovel it by hand every month or so at school and sometimes it is dry and mouldy.  Never had a problem so I guess it depends if you are already susceptible and how much you breath in.  I always stand back from the dust when this happens but you can't avoid breathing some of it.

[Vedhoggar]

Wood dust and fungal spores can both be harmful with some types of wood worse than others also the amount of fungal spores will vary depending on various factors, it would be wise to wear a P2 or P3 mask when shovelling wood chip as a precaution.

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Agriculture - Lung disease

WWW.HSE.GOV.UK

 

See attached. Obvioulsy much worse is stored indoors / under cover with restricted air-flow.