Masonry Magazine December 1998 Page. 29
Knowledge about Silicosis Prevention
Both contractors and workers felt that one of the most effective methods of reducing dust at the masonry work site was to use wet sawing when cutting brick-but only when a saw was stationary and, of course, not when cutting joints in walls or when cutting corners. The problem is that wet sawing takes more time and contractors are often under strict time frames and cannot afford to wait for bricks to dry in order to be placed in a "course of work."
Contractors believed dust masks were adequate in reducing the amount of dust their workers breathed. Several stated that they provided an ample supply of dust masks at their work sites, but that whether or not workers consistently wore them was beyond their control. Typically, only workers in the direct vicinity of dusty procedures wore masks, even though studies conducted by NIOSH have shown significant dust levels throughout masonry work sites.
Workers also believed respirators were effective dust prevention devices, but many didn't wear them because of discomfort, breathing difficulties, or simply, neglect. Union workers, who reported more use of respiratory protection than their non-union counterparts, stated that often the respirators provided were not suitable for their tasks. One of the problems in getting workers to wear respiratory protection may be that both workers and contractors have misconceptions about what represents appropriate respirators. Several participants described respirators with a full face piece and dual canisters as the necessary type, when, in fact, there are others that are appropriate and more comfortable for use on masonry work sites.
More than 14,000 workers have died from silicosis, hundreds add to this death toll each year. Overexposure to crystalline silica is well documented in the construction industry... particularly in brick laying and masonry.
Can Silicosis be Prevented?
Although there is no cure for silicosis, it is 100 percent preventable if employers, workers, and health professionals work together to reduce exposures. The key to silicosis prevention is to prevent as much dust as possible from being in the air. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires administrative or engineering controls be used whenever possible. An example of a simple engineering control method that may be effective is using a water hose to wet dust down at the point of generation.
Here are some steps you can take to protect your workers:
Use concrete or masonry saws that provide water to the blade whenever possible.
Use available dust collection systems for dust generating equipment.
Minimize exposures to nearby workers by using good work practices (e.g., warning others).
Use abrasives containing less than 1% crystalline silica during abrasive blasting to help prevent harmful quartz dust from being released in the air.
Periodically measure dust levels in the air to ensure they're below the NIOSH REL
Use respirators only if controls cannot keep dust levels below the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Levels (REL): they should not be the primary method of protection.
Select respirators that provide enough protection. Keeping respirators fit for use requires continual maintenance.
Respirators are considered the last line of defense for protection against.
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