REASON:
Breathing
in
Silica
dust
must
be
prevented
or
controlled
WHY:
Inhalation
of
Silica
dust
can
lead
to
long-‐term
health
problems
OUTLINE:
This
talk
covers
sources
of
Silica
dust,
associated
health
risks
and
how
to
control
exposure
What
is
Silica?
1.
Crystalline
Silica
is
a
basic
component
of
soil,
clay,
sand,
shale,
slate,
granite
and
many
other
minerals,
including
components
used
to
make
concrete
and
mortar.
2.
Quartz
is
the
most
common
form.
3.
Many
materials
in
the
construction
industry
contain
Crystalline
Silica,
including
Bricks
and
Concrete
Blocks.
4.
When
workers
chip,
cut,
drill,
grind,
grit
blast,
scabble
or
tunnel
through
objects
that
contain
Crystalline
Silica
the
particles
can
become
small
enough
to
breathe
in.
5.
The
use
of
power
tools
can
lead
to
high
exposure
if
exhaust
systems
or
wet-‐cutting
processes
are
not
maintained
or
used.
Health
hazards
and
symptoms
1.
Crystalline
Silica
has
been
classified
as
Human
Lung
Carcinogen.
2.
Breathing
Crystalline
Silica
dust
can
also
cause
Silicosis,
which,
in
severe
cases,
can
be
disabling
or
even
fatal.
3.
When
silica
dust
enters
the
lungs
it
causes
scar
tissue,
reducing
the
ability
of
the
lungs
to
take
in
oxygen.
4.
There
is
NO
CURE
for
Silicosis.
Since
Silicosis
affects
lung
function,
it
makes
a
person
more
susceptible
to
lung
infections
like
Tuberculosis.
5.
In
addition,
smoking
causes
lung
damage
and
adds
to
the
damage
caused
by
breathing
in
Silica
Dust
Preventative
and
Protective
Measures
1.
Replace
crystalline
silica
materials
with
safer
substitutes
where
possible.
2.
Use
engineering
or
administrative
controls
(such
as
local
exhaust
ventilation
and
wet
cutting)
3.
Use
the
CORRECT
PPE
to
reduce
exposure
to
a
safe
level,
where
necessary.
4.
Wear
Disposable
or
Washable
work
clothes
and
use
shower
facilities,
if
they
are
available.
5.
Participate
in
training,
exposure
monitoring,
and
health
screening
and
surveillance
programmes
to
monitor
any
adverse
health
affects
caused
by
exposure.
6.
Be
aware
of
the
tasks
creating
crystalline
Silica
Dust
and
consider
who
may
be
affected,
including
the
general
public.
7.
DO
NOT
eat,
drink
or
smoke
in
areas
where
crystalline
silica
dust
is
present,
wash
your
hands
and
face
outside
dusty
areas
before
performing
any
of
these
activities