Proper protection to avoid exposure. Objective To build knowledge on silicosis by defining it, explaining the dangers associated with it, and identifying.

Proper protection to avoid exposure

Objective

• To build knowledge on silicosis by defining it, explaining the dangers associated with it, and identifying ways to reduce exposure

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Background

• Silicosis is a disabling and sometimes fatal chronic lung disease caused by overexposure to dust containing crystalline silica

• Can lead to difficulty breathing due to fluid buildup and scar tissue


Background

• Symptoms of the disease may not appear until many years after exposure

• Shortness of breath

• Severe cough

• Weakness

• Silicosis cannot be cured, but it is completely preventable.


Where can silica be found?

• Crystalline silica is found in many building and landscape materials

• Sand

• Concrete

• Masonry

• Rock

• Granite


How causes exposure?

• The dust created by cutting, grinding, drilling or otherwise disturbing these materials can contain crystalline silica particles

• These dust particles are very small

• You cannot see them, but silica dust causes lung disease and lung cancer

• A very small amount of airborne silica dust can create a health hazard


What is PEL ?

• Permissible Exposure Limit

• (PEL or OSHA PEL)

• Legal limit in the United States for employee exposure to a chemical substance or physical agent


What is the PEL for silica?

• OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1926.55(a) requires construction employers to keep worker exposures at or below a (PEL) of 0.1 mg/m3

• If you can see the dust particles in the air, you are over the PEL

• You are at risk even if you cannot see the dust


Methods to control silica dust

• Wet cutting

• Local exhaust ventilation systems

• Isolation of the cutting process from surrounding employees by means of distance, enclosure or other methods



• Personal Protective Equipment

• Wear a tight-fitting respirator, without a beard or mustache

• Facial hair can prevent the respirator from sealing to your face



• Personal Protective Equipment

• Wear disposable clothing over work clothes

• Safety discard the clothing before leaving the worksite in a manner that does not spread contamination

• Wearing dusty clothes home creates risk for others

• If possible, change into clean clothes before leaving the worksite



• Good personal hygiene

• Thoroughly wash hands, arms, face, and any other exposed parts of the body before eating or leaving the worksite

• Do not eat, drink, or smoke tobacco products in dusty areas


Review

• Crystalline silica is found in the landscape industry

• The dust created by cutting, grinding, drilling or otherwise disturbing these materials can contain crystalline silica particles


Review• PEL is a legal limit in the United

States for employee exposure to a chemical substance or physical agent

• Permissible Exposure Level (PEL) of 0.1 mg/m3

• Silicosis cannot be cured, but it is completely preventable


Proper protection to avoid exposure. Objective To build knowledge on silicosis by defining it, explaining the dangers associated with it, and identifying.

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