No one is immune to the dangers of silica dust!
Everyday construction workers are faced with a multitude of dangers; from physical and biological hazards to invisible gases, fumes and dust. Respirable silica dust is one of the most dangerous threats, yet we are only just waking up to the dangers of this silent, invisible killer.
Silica is one of the most common naturally occurring elements on the earth and is found in most masonry materials including sand, asphalt, glass, quartz, concrete, mortar, plaster, brick, tiles and even some plastics.
In its natural state, silica is not normally hazardous however caution should be exercised when dealing with these materials. It is when the material is cut or processed that the deadly respirable silica dust is produced. This dust is so fine that the body’s natural defences such as hair and mucus cannot prevent the particles from entering the lungs.
These inhaled particles are highly dangerous and can cause lung cancer, silicosis, difficulty breathing and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Already termed as "asbestosis 2.0", silicosis is an irreversible scaring of the lungs which occurs when silica dust is inhaled. However, unlike asbestosis, it can set in in a matter of weeks and in the worst cases it can be fatal. Silicosis cases are typically diagnosed between 22-46 years of age and once diagnosed has a life expectancy of just 3 years.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, and weight loss.
Silica dust is harmful when inhaled over a long period of time at low to moderate levels, or short periods at high levels. Smoking also increases the risk and severity of silicosis.
PPE such as dust masks and respirators should be used as a last method of protection. They do nothing to control the spread of dust.
For respirators to be effective the user must be clean shaven and often the respirator must be professionally fitted. They must also comply with AS/NZS 1716 – Respirator protective devices and must have at least a P2 filter.
They also do not protect those in the surrounding area, not only other construction workers but also members of the public, bystanders etc.
Work practice controls include taking measures to reduce dust exposure such as:
Essentially, these work practices only minimise exposure and does not completely eradicate silica exposure.
Removing silica dust at the point where the dust is created is the most effective way to minimise the risk of silica exposure. Such control methods include:
A great example of “on tool dust extraction systems” is the Guarda Edge cutter. The saw features Tri-Vac technology and extracts not only dust but also slurry and engine fumes away from the operator to a wet dry vacuum.
Guarda has also developed a Vacuum Generator for working on remote sites or sites with no services. It is a wet/dry vacuum powered by a petrol engine and can be fitted with a water pump to supply water to the saw.
Whilst silica exposure is an age-old problem, the dangers of exposure are only just being realised.
The global silicosis epidemic is estimated to have so far affected tens of millions of workers. Silicosis is entirely preventable if using the right technology and work practices to control silica exposure.
We’re a family business with over 100 years’ collective experience in concrete construction equipment. So we know all the hard truths about concrete.
For more information about Guarda saws and vacuums, simply click here to get in touch with us today.