Silica Hub - Employee Resources | healthinconstruction

Silica Dust Resources for Employees

8 Things You Need to Know:

1. When we say ‘Silica dust’ we mean Respirable

Crystaline Silica (RCS).

2. Silica Dust (RCS) is Deadly – In fact, hundreds

of people die from Silicosis each year.

3. Silicosis is a debilitating and fatal disease, that

causes inflammation and scarring which ultimately

reduces the lungs’ ability to take in oxygen.

4. Silica dust can also cause COPD, lung cancer,

tuberculosis, kidney disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

5. Silica Dust (RCS) is a naturally occurring substance which can be found in a number of materials, such as: Granite Concrete Slate Tile Brick Plaster When these materials are cut, drilled, sanded, grinded or polished it creates an abundance of respirable crystalline silica dust particles.

6. RCS particles are 100 times smaller than a grain of sand, meaning that they aren’t visible to the human eye - Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it is safe!

7. Know your limit! The Work Exposure Limit (WEL) for respirable crystalline silica is: 0.1 mg/m3 as an 8 hour time weighted average. This is equivalent to a pen dot. Being exposed to anything more could put your life in danger - Ask your employer how they are measuring Silica exposure?

8. RCS is being likened to Asbestos – it is highly dangerous, yet over 600,000 workers are still being exposed to silica dust each year – Don’t be one of them.

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5 Things You Need to Do:

1. Always familiarise yourself with risk assessments and control guidance.

2. Ensure you are fully trained on engineering controls such as LEV equipment.

3. Ensure you have the correct PPE and check that your RPE is properly face-fit.

4. Always follow site guidance and never cut corners.

5. Call out bad practice and help other people to understand the risks.

An Essential Guide to Using Engineering Controls:

When we say 'engineering controls' we mean things like:

Extraction and filtration system (also known as LEV)
M-Class vacuums (capture 99.95% of harmful particulate)
H-Class vacuums (capture 99.99% of harmful particulate)
On-tool water suppression
Larger water cannons & jet mists
Enclosures/ screens

So, How Do You Stay Safe When Using Them?

First of all, read through the risk assessments for your activities and familiarise yourself with the hazard control measures that have been specified. Ensure you know:

Where the equipment is stored
How it is set-up
How it is operated
How to check/ clean/ maintain the unit

If you are using an LEV system there are some key things to remember:

Ensure that the work area has been screened off from other live environments to prevent dust migration.
Always position the extraction hood as close to the activity as possible to ensure that all harmful dust is captured at source.
For Silica dust (RCS), the LEV unit should have a HEPA filter, which can remove 99.97% of harmful particulate.
The unit should have an 'airflow' indicator or 'filter full' light, to let you know when the system isn't operating effectively. Make sure you switch off the unit and tend to the maintenance. If you cannot correct the fault, do not continue using it.
All pieces of kit require a Thorough Examination and Test (TExT) at least once every 14 months - check to see when the kit was last tested. If the TExT is out of date, let a manager know and do not use it.
If you are putting a room under negative or positive pressure to control airflow, you might require a differential room pressure monitor to confirm that pressure is being maintained.
You may also require dust monitors to confirm that dust is not migrating.

Attix B1 with floor foot - Skanska Trials.JPG

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An Essential Guide to Using Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE):

RPE is a particular type of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect the wearer from breathing in harmful substances such as Silica.

The two main types of RPE are respirators and breathing apparatus.

Respirators can be loose fitting or tight fitting.

Loose fitting respirators might include hoods, helmets, visors, blouses and suits. Tight fitting respirators can be powered or non-powered and rely on have a good seal with the wearer's face. If there is a leak in the face seal, you may be exposed to harmful contaminants, which is why a fit test is required by law.

Either way, you must ensure that the selected mask is adequate for Silica dust, and ensures exposure is kept under 0.1 mg/m3 as an 8 hour time weighted average. You must also ensure that it is suitable for your task and environment - such that you can work freely, without additional risks due to the RPE. When working with Silica, it is usually recommended that you wear either an FFP3, or a half-face/ full-face mask with P3 filter.

This video has been filmed by BSIF and the HSE to help you understand how to correctly wear a mask, so that it properly protects you from hazards such as Silica Dust. Click the video to turn the sound on.

Remember: Your employer is responsible for providing a face-fit respirator BUT YOU are responsible for checking it on a daily basis and keeping it in good condition. You must make your employer aware if your respirator becomes worn or faulty.