Masonry Magazine July 2001 Page. 26
Silica Dust Hazards and Control
Silica is a natural substance found in the earth's crust and a major component of concrete and masonry material. Construction activity such as cutting or drilling concrete or block releases silica dust. This dust must be controlled. Engineering and administrative controls such as lowering dust by wetting materials during operations and enforcing proper hygiene practices can help.
If these controls do not keep silica dust below the recommended levels, respiratory protection is needed. Unlike other dust, silica breaks into small particles which escape normal defenses. These respirable particles pass through the body's protection systems, such as nose hairs and enter the deepest parts of the lung. Silica dust will even pass through a filter found in a simple dust mask designed to capture other nuisance dusts. A respirator with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter is needed to stop these tiny particles.
The use of a respirator mandates that an employer implement a written Respiratory Protection Program and assign a program administrator. The program includes the actions taken to ensure the proper use of the respirator. The first part is the identification and evaluation of hazards. In the case of silica, monitoring must be performed to evaluate the level of exposure. Once it is determined, a respirator is selected based on the results. Depending on the level, a half-mask or full-face mask respirator, with the HEPA filter described above, is required. Check the respirator instructions and label or consult the vendor supplying the respirator. All respirators should have a National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) or Mine Safety
MASONRY RESTORATION SET
OUR MORTAR REMOVAL SET INCLUDES:
Trow & Holden "Type B" short stroke air hammer with 1" piston"
10 air hose assembly with all hardware installed, including Staubli push-button Quick-Connect
Mortar removal chisels (4)
1/8" and 1/4" carbide cape chisels,
4-tooth carbide ripper, 1/4" steel swept cape chisel (chisels also avail. in thicknesses starting at 1/32")
Tool pouch and literature on tool use
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET STARTED FOR A SPECIAL PRICE $449
"Use with 5 HP compressor
MADE TO LAST IN BARRE, VERMONT
TROW & HOLDEN COMPANY
45 SOUTH MAIN ST., BARRE, VT 05641
IN VERMONT CALL 802-476-7221
OUT OF STATE CALL 1-800-451-4349
26 MASONRY JULY, 2001
QUALITY MASONRY TOOLS
KING BRICK HOD
WTOOLS.
4619 Dulin Creek Road House Springs, Mo. 63051
Phone: (636) 671-4187 Fax: (636) 375-3625
Toll Free: 1-800-245-3544
PLANK-TIE
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Manufactured by ISI
Scaffold Plank Protection
180 Mill Street, Waynesboro, VA 22980
(540) 949-6839 FAX (540) 949-5531
email isi@scaffoldstrap.com