There are a few health and safety issues you'll need to be mindful of when you're preparing a subfloor and applying coatings and toppings.

The main ones relate to manual handling, dust, fumes and skin contact.

Manual handling

Grinding and sanding subfloors can be hard work. Walk-behind machines are large and heavy, and often awkward to get on and off a vehicle.

If you don't have any mechanical lifting aids, you'll probably need an offsider to help you get the machine from your workshop to the jobsite and into position.

Hand-held sanders and grinders also need to be handled carefully.

When you're working on your knees or in a crouching position, you have to be constantly aware of your posture and balance, the position of your hands and feet, and the location of the power lead.

For more details on the safe work procedures you should follow when using these sorts of power tools, go to the unit: Concrete grinding.

For general information on good manual handling practices and personal protective equipment, see: Safety at work.

Dust

Airborne dust is a big problem for flooring installers.

Concrete and cement dust contains silica particles which can cause scarring of the lungs if you're regularly exposed to it.

Timber dust can trigger allergic reactions in some people, and over time may cause nasal or lung cancer.

The best way to reduce the amount of dust floating in the air is to collect as much as possible while it's being generated.

Hand-held sanders and grinders should have dust bags fitted.

Walk-behind machines generally have vacuum ports that allow you to connect an external industrial vacuum cleaner, or alternatively have fitted bags.

Another method of reducing airborne dust is to wet it down.

Walk-behind grinders and scarifiers often have hose attachments that allow water to be sprayed directly onto the concrete while it's being worked.

If you don't have a mist sprayer, you can sprinkle wet sand on the floor before you start grinding.

Sweeping the floor surface also causes dust to cloud up and float in the air.

One solution is to use an industrial vacuum cleaner wherever possible.

If you must use a broom, spray a light mist over the dust first.

Finally, if you're generating dust or working in a dusty area, make sure you wear a mask. This includes when you're putting a levelling compound into a mixing bucket.

The mask should be rated P2. Don't use a domestic 'nuisance dust' mask, because it's not designed for industrial use.

Note that a dust mask alone is not sufficient protection if you come across old flooring products that contain asbestos.

In these instances, you need to notify the person in charge of the site and talk about how to handle it.

There are laws in place that control the removal and disposal of old asbestos-based building products.

For more information on dealing with asbestos, see the Code of Practice produced by Safe Work Australia called: 'How to safely remove asbestos'.

Fumes

Some products give off fumes, especially if they're based on acids, solvents or epoxy resins.

These fumes can cause long-term health problems if you regularly breathe them in.

Sometimes they can make you feel very sick in a matter of minutes if you're working in an area with poor ventilation.

Signs of being affected include light headedness and breaking out in a cold sweat.

Always read the safety directions that come with hazardous products - you'll find them printed on the side of the container or packaging they're supplied in.

In particular, pay attention to the ventilation requirements.

You may have to use a fan to blow the fumes away and wear a cartridge-type respirator while you're working.

It's also a good idea to take regular breaks, say every 10 to 15 minutes, and go outside to get some fresh air. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the product will have full details on how to use and store the product safely, and there will be a section on what personal protective equipment you should wear.

Some products come with an MSDS in the box or packaging.

Your company should also have MSDSs for all hazardous products on file.

Skin contact

There are lots of products that come with the warning: 'Avoid contact with skin and eyes'.

These include products that contain cement powder, acid, solvents and epoxy resin.

Some of them may burn your skin or cause dermatitis; others have toxic chemicals that can be absorbed through your skin.

In these cases, you should wear gloves while you're mixing and using the products.

You may also need to wear safety glasses if there is a chance that the product might splash into your eyes.