One of the primary occupational hazards for construction workers, masons and stone cutters is inhalation of crystalline silica dust. Health problems associated with silica dust have been documented for centuries in miners and stone workers, and unfortunately industrialization has only increased production of silica dust and consequently increased the potential for health problems.
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Why is silica dust hazardous?
Silica, also known as quartz, is a very common mineral that occurs naturally in concrete, sand, masonry, rock, granite and similar materials. When these materials are cut or subject to high pressure applications, microscopic silica dust particles are released into the air. Inhaling even a small amount of silica dust can cause a serious and irreversible health condition called silicosis, which may lead to lung cancer and other respiratory problems, permanent disability and premature death. The most common form of silicosis is due to small, incremental exposure to silica dust over the course of many years.
What regulations are in place regarding silica dust?
Managers are responsible for protecting their workers from exposure to crystalline silica dust. In the UK, the HSE has set the Workplace Exposure Limit to 0.1mg/m3 averaged over 8 hours. In the US, OSHA also requires employers to maintain silica dust levels below their Permissible Exposure Level of 0.1mg/m3.
Who is susceptible to health problems from silica dust?
Anyone working in mining, construction, stone cutting, masonry, concrete cutting, or any industry which employs sandblasting is at risk. If you regularly work with any of the following materials, you need to take action to protect yourself and workers from silica dust inhalation:
- Sandstone, gritstone, quartzite, flint: contain up to 90% crystalline silica
- Concrete, mortar: contains at least 70% crystalline silica
- Shale: contains 25-70% crystalline silica
- Tile: contains 30-45% crystalline silica
- Slate: contains up to 40% crystalline silica
- Granite: contains up to 30% crystalline silica
- Brick: contains up to 30% crystalline silica
How can a masonry saw help?
Using a high quality masonry saw and the right techniques can minimize the production of silica dust and help protect you and your workers. The simplest and most effective way to reduce silica dust exposure with your masonry saw is by using a wet cut technique. An adequate water supply will significantly reduce airborne silica dust particles, even when cutting abrasive concrete, which is very high in silica content and tends to produce a lot of dust. To help with this, SIMA masonry saws come equipped with large capacity water tanks, up to 45L, making wet cutting an easy task on site or in the shop. Using high quality diamond blades that are appropriate for the material you are working with can also help, especially if wet cutting is not an option for your project. If you must dry cut, make sure to use a diamond blade designed for dry cuts, and cut in short, shallow passes to avoid overheating the blade.
Other good practices to prevent silica dust inhalation
Anyone who is cutting concrete, stone, tile, brick or similar materials should wear personal protective equipment including but not limited to a respirator mask designed to protect against silica dust inhalation. Personnel working nearby during cutting should do the same. Make sure that all stone cutting, tile cutting, etc. is done in an area that is well-ventilated. And if you typically sweep up after cutting, wet sweeping will minimize the amount of dangerous silica dust that gets kicked up into the air again.
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