Approximately 2 million construction workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica in their workplaces, specifically those who drill, cut, crush, or grind silica-containing materials such as concrete and stone. Crystalline silica, although found naturally in materials such as quartz, is hazardous when very small and respirable particles are inhaled. These respirable dust particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause disabling and sometimes fatal lung diseases, including silicosis and lung cancer, as well as kidney disease.
Because construction workers who work with sand, stone, concrete, brick and mortar are exposed to this type of hazardous exposure, OSHA has issued a final rule to curb lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in workers by limiting their exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The rule is comprised of two standards, one for Construction and one for General Industry and Maritime.
There are basic safety measures that employers can use to prevent this type of injury, including:
- A water hose to wet dust down at the point of generation.
- When sawing concrete or masonry, use saws that provide water to the blade.
- Use dust collection systems which are available for many types of dust generating equipment. Use local exhaust ventilation to prevent dust from being released into the air.
- Use abrasives containing less than 1% crystalline silica during abrasive blasting to prevent harmful quartz dust from being released into the air.
NIOSH also notes that if controls cannot keep dust levels under an acceptable level, respirators should be used and that respirators should not be the primary method of protection.
Prevention and safety go hand in hand—at Diversified Safety Services, we’re ready to help you with these and other safety concerns.
