Silica and other Dusts and How to Protect Ourselves

Silica exposure in construction is a serious health concern, primarily due to the inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust generated during various construction activities. Exposure to this dust can lead to severe respiratory illnesses like silicosis, lung cancer, and other health issues. OSHA has established standards to protect workers from silica exposure, emphasizing engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection. 

Health Hazards:

• Silicosis:

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A debilitating and incurable lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, leading to inflammation and scarring of lung tissue. 

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Lung Cancer:

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Exposure to respirable crystalline silica is classified as a human carcinogen, increasing the risk of lung cancer. 

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):

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Silica exposure can contribute to COPD, a progressive lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. 

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Kidney Disease:

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Studies have also linked silica exposure to an increased risk of kidney disease. 

Common Construction Activities That Generate Silica Dust: 

• Abrasive blasting with sand:

This process involves propelling abrasive materials at high speeds, creating significant silica dust. 

• Sawing, drilling, grinding, or crushing:

These operations, particularly with materials like concrete, brick, and stone, release respirable silica dust. 

• Demolition:

Demolishing structures made of silica-containing materials like concrete and masonry can generate substantial dust. 

• Cutting or crushing stone:

This process, used in various construction tasks, releases silica dust into the air. 

• Tuckpointing:

The process of removing and replacing mortar between bricks or stones can generate silica dust. 

OSHA's Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction: 

• Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL):

OSHA has set a PEL of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m3) averaged over an eight-hour shift. 

• Engineering Controls:

Prioritizing the use of engineering controls, such as ventilation systems and wet methods, to minimize dust generation during operations. 

• Work Practices:

Implementing safe work practices, like using wet methods, to reduce dust exposure. 

E Light performs scopes of work that DO NOT involve significant silica exposure but we do need to take steps to limit the exposure that we do have. Whenever drilling in masonry or concrete use vacuum attachment or dust control attachments on the drill. These can be obtained from prefab and help limit silica dust in the air. We can also use spray bottles with water to wet down areas we are drilling to limit dust.

We are in the process of testing projects for dust and silica so you will most likely come across this testing being done. The purpose of the testing is to determine the amount of exposure we do have with our typical tasks. We will make the results of that testing available when completed.

Another thing we need to consider when it comes to dusts is our eyes. Some preventative things we need to do to prevent dust and particulates from entering our eyes and doing damage:

1.      Do not wear contact lenses on the project. For two reasons: a. If you are involved in an arc blast, most likely your contacts will be permanently melted to your eyeballs. And b. dusts can get between your contact lens and your eyeball and do damage. It is better for electricians to prescription glasses at work.

2.      When working overhead and drilling concrete or masonry products our SHEP requires that you wear a full face shield or goggles over your safety glasses to prevent dust and particles from getting in your eyes. I also recommend the same thing when working on ceiling tiles overhead due to the dust and particles that fall from ceiling tiles.

You all do a great job of us and we appreciate your hard work. We want you to be safe and also healthy. Work hard, excel in your career and take care of yourself so you can enjoy retirement and life. Simple things can be done to ensure that.