The first step to reducing the amount of silica dust in the air is to follow OSHA’s specific safety and health regulations, which vary depending on the equipment being used and the type of work being done. Additional silica dust safety best practices include:
Be aware of material containing silica.
Knowing which materials contain silica will help you avoid inhaling dust when working with it. Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in quartz. Products made from quartz that contain silica include:
- Concrete and concrete blocks
- Stone and bricks
- Glass and ceramic material
- Certain types of paint and coatings
Crushing, abrading, drilling, and grinding items made from these products release silica dust into the air. Because these materials are commonly found on construction sites, construction workers must use the appropriate dust extraction equipment depending on the type of tool being used for a job.
Always wear the appropriate protective apparel.
Providing workers with the right personal protective equipment and apparel is a crucial part of preventing exposure to silica dust. Respiratory masks are an original piece of safety equipment required by OSHA for work involving materials containing silica. Other suggested protective apparel includes:
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
- Coveralls
After the work is done, wash or dispose of the used protective equipment to avoid silica dust particulates from spreading.
Pro tip: The right fit makes a difference when it comes to the effectiveness of protective apparel. See how to choose the right respirator mask and use our guide to find work gloves in your size.
Pay attention to the amount of time spent working around silica dust.
The more time you spend in areas where silica dust levels are high, the more you are exposing your lungs to particles that can cause silicosis and the other diseases listed above. OSHA has different dust extraction equipment requirements depending on whether a shift involving work on material containing silica dust is four hours or eight hours. For this reason, it is essential to monitor the time each worker is exposed to silica carefully.
Bonus tip: Do not allow your crew to consume food or beverages in areas with high silica dust levels. Make sure that breaks are taken away from areas where work is being conducted to limit additional exposure.
Communicate the hazards to your crew.
Communication is a critical part of preventing most hazards on the Jobsite, including silica dust inhalation. Make sure your crew knows of the health risks associated with silica dust, which materials contain silica, and what type of work is more likely to create a risk of exposure. Developing a hazard communication plan and informing your crew of the dangers of dust inhalation could save someone’s life.
Bonus tip: Hang the appropriate safety markers and signage to indicate areas in which silica dangers are present, and permit access only to workers who are trained on silica dust safety.
What are the other diseases associated with silica dust?
In addition to silicosis, several other diseases and health conditions can as a result of long-term silica dust inhalation. These diseases range from mild to severe, with some being fatal illnesses. They include:
- Bronchitis
- Chronic renal failure
- Emphysema
- Lung cancer
As mentioned above, taking the appropriate safety precautions is the primary method for preventing all of the diseases associated with silica dust inhalation.
Trade professionals in the construction industry trust Industrial Vacuums & Engineering for our offering of dust management equipment, tools, and safety supplies. Visit Safety Matters to read tips to help you protect your crew and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
