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
SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.
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.
SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.
Where can silica be found?
• Crystalline silica is found in many building and landscape materials
• Sand
• Concrete
• Masonry
• Rock
• Granite
SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.
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
SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.
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
SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.
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
SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.
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
SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.
Methods to control silica dust
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Wear a tight-fitting respirator, without a beard or mustache
• Facial hair can prevent the respirator from sealing to your face
SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.
Methods to control silica dust
• 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
SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.
Methods to control silica dust
• 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
SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.
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
SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.
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
SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.