Respirable Crystalline Silica
(RCS)
RCS
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What is it?
Why should we be concerned about it?
Where might we be exposed to it?
What can we do about it?
– Best practice
– Monitoring
What is RCS?
• RCS stands for respirable crystalline
silica
• Very basically this means silica dust that
can get into the lungs
• Silica is a mineral commonly found in
high proportions in sand & gravel–
however it’s not too easy to breathe it in
is this natural form!
Why should we be
concerned about it?
• If silica dust is inhaled into the lungs it
can stay there for many years
• Silica dust in the lungs can cause
silicosis – people with this are at
increased risk of tuberculosis and lung
cancer
Why should we be
concerned about it?
• It can also cause chronic,obstructive
pulmonary disease – this can causes
breathlessness, often with a cough
• Because of these concerns the
exposure level has recently been
reduced to 0.1mg/m3
Where might we be
exposed to it?
• In it’s natural state within a damp
aggregate it is unlikely that we can
breathe in sufficient quantities to cause
a problem
• However when in a dust form
– e.g. crushing, bagging, dried
silt, cutting product, this may
be hazardous
What can we do
about it? - Plant
• Minimise dust generation! e.g.
– Damp down roads in dry conditions
– Keep water sprays on crushers
• Contain the dust in an area
excluded to people, that can be
cleaned/dampened before entry,
e.g.
– Housing around a crusher
What can we do
about it? - Plant
• Reduce exposure by filtering – e.g.
ensure shovel air filters are maintained
in a good condition
• Ensure that drivers are aware of good
practice and adhere to this – e.g.
operate the shovel with the door closed
and windows shut
What can we do
about it? - Plant
• Reduce exposure by extracting the dust
by use of local exhaust ventilation (LEV)
– make sure you keep these tested!
What can we do
about it? - Plant
• Finally, if all else fails & people still have
the potential to be exposed to RCS then
use suitable PPE, e.g.
– Air stream helmets
– Appropriate dust mask, correctly worn!
What can we do
about it? - People
• Carry out personal & plant dust
monitoring & review the results
• Carry out occupational health (OH)
screening as recommended by our OH
suppliers
Summary
• RCS is a potential killer
• Review the risk at your site from
previous monitoring results
• Minimise generation of dust
• Minimise personal exposure
• Review OH results