Health and safety are top priorities at OHM International, Inc. Please review the following information and guidelines regarding occupational health and safety in a respirable crystalline silica dust (RCS) environment. Take time to educate your staff on the proper procedures to eliminate the dangers of silica exposure from fabricating any material.
Crystalline silica is a natural mineral that is commonly found in quartz, as well as other natural materials such as sand, granite, sandstone, and quartzite. It is also a component of many manufactured products used as common construction materials. While crystalline silica is dangerous when airborne and inhaled, it is not considered to be dangerous when installed in a slab form for a permanent installation, as the silica is encapsulated within the slab itself.
Silicosis is a type of pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease caused by breathing tiny bits of silica, that may affect workers in the stone fabrication and the construction industries. Silicosis is an incurable and sometimes fatal lung disease caused by exposure to RCS even in amounts less than 10 microns. The most common symptoms of silicosis are shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue. Workers should immediately report any respiratory concerns.
However, Silicosis can be prevented by following the proper safety procedures. OHM International, Inc. recommends that any plant fabricating Valiant Surfaces become familiar with health and safety regulations and standards involving silica dust, educate the employees with the measures and follow these guidelines to protect workers from silica dust exposure:
1. Use of water-integrated machinery.
One of the best methods to reduce silica dust is through wet cutting and grinding. Cutting quartz surfaces dry results in high levels of RCS. The use of water during fabrication will greatly reduce airborne silica dust and is strongly recommended.
2. Water Treatment Systems
The use of a water treatment system is effective in removing silica particles safely from the facility. These systems remove particles from the water and compress for disposal. Water can then be safely returned to the equipment for fabrication procedures.
3. Air Purification Systems
Air purification systems should also be used. These systems pull crystalline silica from the air and collect into disposable filters for safe removal.
4. Monitor Airborne Dust
It is very important to monitor the amount of airborne dust. No mater what reduction methods are used, frequent monitoring is essential to ensure levels are staying within applicable regulations. Exposure can be reduced by keeping proper records and periodically reviewing procedures to minimize airborne silica dust.
5. Ventilation System
Proper workspace Ventilation is extremely important to the safety and health of employees and the reduction of airborne silica dust. Ventilation systems capable of capturing and removing RCS are highly recommended. Standing fans can also be used to move dust particles away from the workspace, although a built-in Ventilation system is preferable.
6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE should always be used to protect employees. Employees should always wear a respirator when cutting or grinding quartz surfaces. It is critically important that all employees receive training on proper use of a respirator to ensure that the equipment fits properly.
7. Safety Precautions for Workers
Each employee should be trained regularly in safety procedures involving reduction of risk in the workplace. Any new employee should receive formal training on the necessary safety procedures before such employee cuts or grinds quartz surfaces. In addition to limiting exposure, it is recommended that employees wear washable or protective clothing and rinse off any particles before leaving work. This will also help prevent exposure to people outside of the workplace. Employees should not eat or drink in any work areas where there is exposure to silica dust. Employees should also wash their hands and face prior to eating. Periodic screening is recommended.
8. Ongoing Education
While the initial training and safety precautions are imperative, it is also important to provide ongoing education to ensure all workers stay involved in proactively reducing the risk of exposure. Please distribute this document to all employees and post it in a conspicuous place in the work area. We will also provide a Spanish version of these recommendations.
Please see link below for the OSHA respirable crystalline silica standards.
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1053
For additional guidelines, documents, and course related to silica exposure prevention please refer the Natural Stone Institute’s silica page devoted to protection against Silicosis.
www.naturalstoneinstitue.org/silica
OHM International Inc. remains committed to ensuring the health and safety of all individuals working in the stone fabrication industry.