Silica Dust Safety

What is Silica Dust?

• Crystalline silica is a basic component of soil, sand, granite, and many other minerals.  

• When materials containing silica are cut, ground, drilled, or otherwise disturbed, tiny respirable particles are released into the air.  

• These particles, when inhaled, can cause severe and irreversible lung damage.  

Health Hazards:

• Silicosis: A progressive and incurable lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust.  

• Lung Cancer: Silica dust exposure increases the risk of lung cancer.  

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Silica dust can contribute to COPD.  

• Kidney Disease: Studies have linked silica exposure to kidney disease.  

• Other Health Issues: Silica exposure can also lead to autoimmune diseases and other health problems.  

Gypsum Board (Drywall) and Silica:

• While gypsum board itself is primarily made of gypsum, the joint compound used for finishing drywall seams often contains crystalline silica.  

• Sanding drywall joint compound, cutting drywall, or demolition of drywall can release silica dust into the air.  

Concrete and Silica:

• Concrete is a major source of silica dust because it's made from cement, which contains sand and other silica-containing materials.  

• Activities like cutting, grinding, drilling, and demolishing concrete release significant amounts of silica dust.  

Safety Requirements:

• OSHA Regulations:

  • The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict regulations regarding silica dust exposure.  

  • These regulations specify permissible exposure limits (PELs) and require employers to implement control measures.  

• Engineering Controls:

  • Wet Methods: Use water to suppress dust during cutting, grinding, and drilling.  

  • Local Exhaust Ventilation: Use tools equipped with dust collection systems and HEPA filters.

  • Tool Mounted Vacuums: Tools that have a vacuum attached to them are very useful.  

• Respiratory Protection:

  • Workers must wear appropriate respirators when cutting or sanding silica containing materials.  

  • Respirators must be NIOSH-certified and properly fitted.  

  • HEPA filter equipped respirators are a must.

• Work Practices:

  • Implement dust control measures, such as cleaning up dust with HEPA-filtered vacuums.  

  • Limit worker exposure by scheduling work to minimize the number of people in dusty areas.

  • Provide worker training on silica hazards and safe work practices.

• Housekeeping:

  • Regularly clean work areas to prevent the accumulation of dust.

  • Use HEPA-filtered vacuums for cleaning.  

  • Avoid dry sweeping or compressed air, which can disperse dust.  

• Medical Surveillance:

  • Employers must provide medical surveillance for workers who are exposed to silica dust.  

  • This includes lung function tests and chest X-rays.  

Key Takeaways:

• Silica dust is a serious health hazard.  

• Strict adherence to OSHA regulations is essential.  

• Engineering controls and respiratory protection are crucial for worker safety.

• Proper training and medical surveillance are vital.