Crystalline Silica has been a major concern across the globe and workers from the Construction Industry are the ones that are at maximum risk due to various activities that they carry out. When workers carry out construction and demolition tasks with concrete, bricks, mortar, tiles, stone,e or other masonry materials, they are at high risk of inhaling crystalline Silica.

Apart from that, the amount of crystalline silica can also vary in various products. For instance:

  • Engineered stone can contain 80% to 95% of Silica
  • Ceramic tiles can contain 5% to 45% of Silica
  • Autoclaved aerated concrete can contain 20% to 40% of Silica
  • Concrete contains less than 30% Silica
  • Brick can contain 5% to 15% of Silica
  • Marble contains less than 5% Silica

Now the question that remains is how to reduce the dust from spreading and harming your workers and the surrounding environment. Well, below are a few effective ways:

2 Effective Ways to Reduce the Dust Containing Crystalline Silica in Construction Work:
  • Engineering Controls:

Many tools can be used to control the exposure of Crystalline Silica right from the source! For construction activities like cutting, mixing, grinding, and others, you can either barricade the area for limited dust exposure or you can use engineering tools such as Water Suppression or dust suppression tools that can control the exposure of Dust right from the source!

Usually, construction activities like mixing and grinding are covered with dust suppressors as well as Industrial Vacuums to cover and seal the opening completely! Barricades can be used for activities where the use of engineering tools is not possible and the use of PPE kits and Respirators for effective dust protection.

  • Cleaning and Maintenance practices:

For those activities where dust cannot be controlled with engineering tools, effective cleaning and maintenance of those areas after every shift is essential! The use of certified Type H Industrial Vacuum Cleaners along with HEPA filters is advised by the majority of governing bodies for effective cleaning and silica dust contamination. Apart from that, Industrial Vacuums also come with disposable plastic bags that can be used for effective disposal of Silica Dust.

With these two methods, you can control the spread of Silica Dust from most Construction activities and save your workers from fatal Silicosis and your organization from heavy penalties and on-the-spot fines. To get the best cleaning equipment and correct attachments, you can opt for an obligation-free onsite demo!

All you have to do is get on a call with our technical experts at 0426 291 402 or call our toll-free number 1800 438 822. You can also email us at hello@industrialvacuums.net.au.