Masonry Magazine December 2009 Page. 24
DUST COLLECTION
contain silica. When these building products are cut, drilled or ground using diamond blades or cup wheels, they create fine particles of silica in the air. When small silica dust particles are inhaled, they can embed themselves deeply in the lungs, where oxygen and carbon dioxide gases are exchanged. There, the lungs cannot clear out the dust by mucous or coughing. The silica
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WARNING
Grinding cutting drilling of masonry, concrete, metal and other materials with silica in their composition may give off dust or mists containing crystalline silica. Silica is a basic component of sand, quartz, brick clay, granite and numerous other minerals and rocks. Repeated and/or substantial inhalation of airborne crystalline sillica can cause serious or fatal respiratory diseases, including silicosis, In addition, Califormia and some other authorities have listed respirable crystalline silica as a substance known to cause cancer.
dust causes the formation of scar tissue, thus reducing the lungs' ability to take in oxygen. Many workers with silicosis develop other health problems such as tuberculosis and lung cancer. There is no cure for silicosis. Silicosis is the most common occupational lung disease worldwide.
Controlling silica dust at work
THE ONLY EFFECTIVE PROTECTION against silicosis is the prevention of silica dust in the air. Employers must take measures to ensure that workers are not exposed to silica dust. There a number of simple control measures that can be taken to effectively reduce the amount of airborne silica.
Tools causing dust, such as grinders and saws, should be fitted with water attachments or dust extraction devices. Where possible, water is the preferred method for elimination of dust.
Tools fitted with water attachments are the most effective in suppressing dust. Using water during cutting or drilling can reduce the amount of dust by as much as 75 percent.
When grinding concrete or other masonry materials, a shroud with a vacuum attachment should be used. Shop vacuums do not provide adequate protection from the recirculation of fine particles of silica dust in the air and should not be used. Vacuums that have a HEPA Filter are the preferred method for collecting dust.
If dry grinding is performed, regular vacuuming and wet sweeping of floors also will help to remove settled dust during these operations. This practice is particularly important to stop dust from being kicked back into the air.
Wear disposable or washable work clothes, and shower if facilities are available. Vacuum dust off your clothes or change into clean clothing before leaving the worksite. Do not take contaminated clothes home.
Do not eat, drink or smoke in areas where crystalline silica dust is present.