Masonry Magazine February 2004 Page. 42
Silica & SAWS
Under the proposed standard, wet cutting is a method that can be used for controlling air-borne crystalline silica. A respirator is still required and the problem does not end by just wet cutting.
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40 Masonry February 2004
Masonry: Aren't most masons using wet cutting already?
Arnswald: It's 50/50 between wet and dry cutting.
Masonry: It seems as if OSHA has based their reasoning on dry cutting. How does wet cutting fit into the scenario?
Arnswald: Under the proposed standard, wet cutting is a method that can be used for controlling air-borne crystalline silica. A respirator is still required and the problem does not end by just wet cutting. The slurry that is generated must also be dealt with. If allowed to dry, the resultant fines must be handled according to the standard.
Masonry: Has Multiquip, or any other manufacturer that you know of, completed any studies on cutting masonry, the silica dust produced or silicosis?
Arnswald: We have done studies regarding the cutting of masonry products, but have not done any studies in regards to the silica dust.
Masonry: What type of instruction does Multiquip give to purchasers of brick and block saws?
Arnswald: Through being a member of the Saw Manufacturers Institute, which is part of AEM (the Association of Equipment Manufacturers), the industry has developed standard warning pamphlets that are packaged with the machines and decals that are applied directly on the machines. These pamphlets and decals cover the safe operation of the machines and advise the operators of the equipment as to what protective equipment they should be using, such as safety glasses, gloves and respirators.
Masonry would like to thank Multiquip, Inc., and Jeff Arnswald for their interest and participation in this discussion.
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