Silica is a mineral that is commonly encountered on construction sites. When workers cut, drill or grind materials containing silica, such as slabs, concrete or limestone, they are constantly exposed to large amounts of silica. This silica is then released into the atmosphere, where it can be ingested by nearby employees. Inhaled silica can harm the human body in a number of ways, especially the Respiratory system. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, over time, silica inhalation can lead to silicosis and lung cancer. Silicosis can cause scar tissue to form in the lungs of an infected person, and depending on the severity of the scarring, this can lead to death.
Construction workers can inhale silica dust from a variety of sources. Concrete workers are exposed to silica dust when mixing, sawing, hand drilling, chipping, grinding and cleaning. Site preparation workers may be exposed during earthmoving, excavation, trenching and demolition, and plasterboard workers may be exposed when cutting plasterboard and sanding joints.
Construction workers are exposed to silica dust on a daily basis when cutting, grinding and drilling concrete and other rock materials. Construction workers are concerned about the inhalation of dust and its health effects.
If you and your team are exposed to silica dust, you will need to wear a Respirator mask with filters. While you may think that all you need to do is provide Respirators for your employees while they work, OSHA rules require employers to use "engineering controls" to prevent exposure to respirable crystalline silica in the first place. Here are some examples of engineering controls.
To reduce airborne dust, use water during grinding.
Use an acceptable dust cover.
Use a dust collector of suitable size with an air filtration rate of at least 90%.
Respiratory protection is required when engineering measures are not sufficient to prevent employees from coming into contact with crystalline silica.
What is the best way to control silica dust?
When you want to control silica dust, a Respirator is the best option.
While most Respirators have adjustable straps, you must ensure that your employees have access to the right safety equipment. When choosing a Respirator, proper fit is essential. Some masks may be too small or too large for some employees, so team leaders should offer a choice of solutions. If an employee has facial hair, choose a Respirator that covers the entire face to prevent air from leaking out over the edges of the mask.
If you wear a Respirator mask, always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Comfort is as important as a good seal. A worker may need to try several sizes of Respirator or Respirators from different manufacturers before finding the best fit for his or her facial anatomy. A positive and negative pressure seal check is required after wearing the Respirator to confirm that there are no leaks that could reduce the Respirator's effectiveness.
Keeping the full face Respirator mask in good working order is easy. The cartridges should be intact, the inhalation and exhalation valves should function properly, the shoulder straps should not slip or break, the facepiece should not be torn or abnormal and the Respirator should be sufficiently clean.
In conclusion, silica exposure on construction sites is on average very high and can be very serious. Respirators must be worn by all workers working on construction sites. The gas mask will provide full protection for workers and prevent silica dust from entering their lungs.
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