WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DUST

The effects of respirable Silica dust and strategies to minimise dust emissions

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, employers have a responsibility, as far as is reasonably practicable, to keep their workers not only safe, but healthy as well.

This means thinking about how risks like dust can be managed or eliminated entirely. An emerging concern in the industry is Silica dust of a size that can be breathed deep into the lungs. This is known as ‘Respirable Crystalline Silica’ or RCA. Fortunately, with some care, this can be controlled or even eliminated – and we can help you do that.

WHAT IS ‘RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA’ (RCA)?

Silica is a natural mineral which is found in rocks, sand and clay. It is thus found in bricks and concrete too. A small fraction of Silica occurs in a sharp, hard crystalline form. Particles smaller than 10 microns in diameter can be breathed directly into the lungs and can cause damage leading to Silicosis. This is called ‘Respirable Crystalline Silica’ or RCS. 

MANAGE DUST USING CONTROL SYSTEMS

Using local extraction ventilation, either fixed or on-tool

  • Shadow vacuuming
  • Vacuum clean-up rather than sweeping
  • Not blowing dust with compressed air

MANAGE DUST BY SWITCHING METHODS

  • Use direct fastening methods instead of drilling and anchoring.
  • Use wet coring with slurry collection system instead of anchoring.

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