Tips of the trade: dealing with silica dust control

01 Know the facts
Silica is a natural mineral present in large amounts in many construction materials. It is broken into very fine dust (respirable crystalline silica or RCS) during common tasks such as cutting or grinding concrete, chasing out mortar or drilling in enclosed spaces. Regularly breathing in this dust can cause serious lung disease such as silicosis and lung cancer.

02 Limit the risk
List the activities that put workers at risk. It might be useful to bring in an industrial hygienist who can sample the air that the workers breath. One of the best ways to eliminate exposure is to use materials that don’t contain crystalline silica.

03 Use dust control systems
Use cyclone-based mobile dust extractors or install temporary vacuum systems designed for the construction industry with suction guards fitted to power tools to capture dust at source. Always use construction vacuums instead of sweeping and use airborne dust cleaners to draw down remaining ambient dust which can be created simply by people walking around.

04 Monitor
Monitor the air to determine workers’ exposure to silica dust. Also, monitor the health of workers through regular medicals. Those who work with materials containing crystalline silica should wash their hands before eating, drinking, or smoking. They should shower (if possible), and change into clean clothes before leaving the worksite.

05 Communicate
Make sure any product that contains silica is labelled. Safety data sheets must also accompany products that contain more than 0.1% crystalline silica. Put up signs in the relevant spaces that identify work areas, tasks, and equipment that may expose workers to crystalline silica.

By James Miller, managing director at Dustcontrol UK