What Your Need To Know About Silicosis
What is silicosis?
Silicosis is permanent lung damage caused by breathing dust containing extremely fine particles of
crystalline silica. Crystalline silica is found in materials such as concrete, masonry and rock. When these
materials are made into a fine dust and suspended in the air, breathing in these fine particles can produce
lung damage. Silicosis can be totally disabling and may lead to death.
Where Do You Find Silica Dust?
Here are some examples of the industries and activities that pose the greatest potential risk for worker
exposure:
- Construction (sandblasting, rock drilling, masonry work, jack hammering,
tunneling).
- Mining (cutting or drilling through sandstone and granite).
- Stone cutting (sawing, abrasive blasting, chipping, grinding).
- Dry sweeping or pressurized air blowing of concrete or sand dust.
- Demolition of concrete and masonry structures.
How is Silicosis Prevented?
The key to silicosis prevention is to prevent dust from being in the air. TOSHA requires dust to be
controlled whenever possible. Implementing simple control methods may help to reduce the exposure to
silica dust.
Example: Utilize a water hose to wet dust down at the point of generation. Here are some steps you can
take to protect employees:
- Perform air monitoring.
- Utilize dust control systems and keep it in good maintenance.
- When sawing concrete or masonry use saws that provide water to the blade.
- Use dust collection systems which are available for many types of dust generating equipment.
- Minimize exposures to nearby workers by using good work practices.
When To Use Respirators:
Respirators should only be used until adequate dust controls are in place. Respirators should not be the
primary method of protection. If controls cannot keep dust levels below the NIOSH Recommended
Exposure Level of 0.05 mg/m3 for up to 10 hrs/day, then respirators that provide enough protection shall
be used.
-
Select respirators that provide enough protection.
Utilize good hygiene and maintenance of respirators.
Implement a comprehensive respiratory protection program.
Employees required to wear respirators must submit to medical examinations.
Brentwood Services Loss Control
Medical Monitoring:
Medical examinations should be available to all workers who may be exposed to respirable crystalline
silica. Such exams should occur before job placement or upon entering a trade, and at least every 3 years
thereafter.
Training:
Workers should receive training and education that includes the following:
- Information about the potential health effects of exposure to respirable crystalline silica.
- Engineering controls to reduce the exposure to silica dust.
- Protective equipment.
Brentwood Services Loss Control