proper protection to avoid exposure. objective to build knowledge on silicosis by defining it,...

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,...

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