Masonry Magazine December 1998 Page. 30
Respirators, Engineering & Administrative Controls
Respirators, engineering & administrative controls can be effective methods of respiratory protection against silica dust. For the best protection, respirators should be selected carefully for hazards such as silica and are to be used only in conjunction with engineering and administrative controls. Examples of NIOSH certified filter type respirators that are effective for protection against silica are high efficiency filters (HEPA) used on powered, air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) or N100, R100, or P100 filters used on non-powered respirators. Abrasive blasting operations, in construction, require more extensive respiratory protection. Comprehensive information is available in such NIOSH publications as, "Preventing Silicosis and Deaths in Construction Workers" (DHHS NIOSH Publication No. 96-112). This NIOSH Alert provides a complete list of specific respirators which are necessary, based on given exposure levels.
Dust masks are not an approved method of respiratory protection against silica dust. When respirators are used, OSHA requires employers to establish a comprehensive respiratory protection program. Respiratory protection programs are outlined in the NIOSH Guide to Industrial Respiratory Protection. The results of our pilot study indicate that knowledge about silica dust, silicosis, and respiratory protection methods is limited. A safety program can only be effective if contractors and workers jointly participate in developing a safety strategy for masonry work sites. The popular method of getting occupational safety and health messages to workers is through the customary, weekly "tool-box talks" and the workers insisted that they prefer straight-forward information, particularly in print format with pictures.
Want More Information?
For free copies of silicosis educational materials call NIOSH at 1-800-35-NIOSH or check the NIOSH web site at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh or check the OSHA web site at: http://www.osha.gov.
References
1. Preventing Silicosis and Deaths in Construction Workers. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 96-112, p2.
2. Work-Related Lung Disease Surveillance Report 1996. Cincinnati, Ohio: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1994; DHHS NIOSH Publication No.96-134.
3. Linch KD: Crystalline silica dust exposure: compliance in he construction industry, Fairfax R (eds.) Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1219): 577-580, 1997.
4. Linch KD, Millor WE, Althouse RB, Groce DW, Hale JM: Surveillance of respirable Crystalline silica dust Using OSHA Compliance Data (1979-1995). Am J Ind Med (in Press)
5. NIOSH guide to Industrial Respiratory Protection. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 87-116
Great Ideas In Masonry Construction
One of a series.
What To Use On Shaky Ground: The Wire-Bond Clip
The Wire-Bond Clip is the first steel welded clip designed for adjustable veneer systems in seismic applications. Masons like it because it installs quickly, and they're confident of its performance. Straight and cut wire fits easily into the clip providing a strong continuous system in the brick veneer. The clip and wire fit into a 3/8" mortar joint, and are aligned in the same level plane as the hook. This insures heavier mortar coverage and avoids the hassles of using bulky clips which could result in oversized mortar joints.
The Wire-Bond® Clip is available with all our adjustable hook-and-eye systems including rectangular ties, adjustable tab, and the RJ-711, our plate-and-hook combination which ties masonry to steel studs. Our new HCL-711 has the added feature of two pointed prongs which pierce wallboard, minimizing compressive movement.
The Wire-Bond Clip and associated veneer systems conform to requirements of Uniform Building Codes for seismic zones. We've conducted extensive laboratory tests and the results are available for your review. Contact your Wire-Bond distributor today, or call us at 1-800-849-MRCA (6722). The Wire-Bond Clip... use it on shaky ground!
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