Silica is the second most common occuring element in the earth's curst and is found in many materials on demolition sites. Workers are exposed to harmful amounts of silica dust in a variety of ways, such as:
-Sawing, hammering, drilling, grinding, and chipping of rock, concrete, floor tile, thin-set
-Abrasive blasting
-Plaster Demolition
-Jackhammering operations
-Concrete/Asphalt Crushing
-Building Demolitions
-Dry sweeping or pressurized air blowing
Workers who inhale this dust are at risk. When silica dust is inhaled, the lungs react by developing scars, or fibrois, around trapped silica particles, making breathing very difficult and inhibiting oxygen from entering the bloodstream. Silica dust exposure can cause serious sometimes fat illnesses, including a lung disease called silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It has also been linked to other illnesses such as kidney disease. Workers can be in danger even if the dust is not visible.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
Workers need to be aware, which is the key to preventing silica dust hazards. Recognize when silica dust may be generated and plan ahead to eliminate or control the dust at the source. Demolition workers, have many options to protect themselves. The hierarchy of controls is the preferred method of preventing and controlling hazards. The hazard controls in the hierarchy are, in order of effectivness: Elimination/Substitution/Engineering/Administrative/Personal Protective Equipment.
Best Practice Recommendations:
-Use water - Wet methods keep silica dust ouf of the air and the lungs (Engineering Control)
-Use dust control systems (HEPA vacuums, local exhaust ventiliation or air scrubbers, Open windows or doors, use fans (Engineering Controls)
-Use proper respiratory protection and other PPE when controls can't keep exposures at safe levels or when required
-Do not eat, drink, or smoke near areas that contain silica dust.
-Practice proper hygiene. Wash hands before eating, drinking, ect.
-Be aware that high silica concentrations can occur inside and outside enclosed areas during operations such as concrete or masonry sawing or blasting