Do You Have Silica Dust Under Control?

During construction, renovation and maintenance work, dust is a common problem, but do you really know the health risks associated with certain types of dust, such as Silica dust?

Silica dust is the 2nd highest cause of occupational cancer deaths (after asbestos), with 1,000 UK workers dying from exposure to Silica dust every year. The concern is now so great, that there is an All Party Parliamentary Group Report which argues that Silica dust should be treated the same as asbestos. Furthermore, if an HSE inspector visits your site or facility and finds that dust is not being managed effectively, they will take action.

Silica dust is commonly found within stone, rock, concrete, brick, mortar and plaster. When we work with these materials, Silica dust particles become airborne. These dust particles are so small that they easily become lodged in our lungs, and over time, can cause Silicosis. Silicosis is a chronic lung disease which stops the lungs from functioning effectively and can be fatal.

How Should I Manage Dust?

Let’s start with the hierarchy of control; Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls and PPE. Elimination and substitution are considered the most effective risk reduction strategies, however if you are unable to physically remove the hazard, redesign the job, substitute materials or change the process, then you need to look at engineering controls before you jump to administrative controls or PPE.

Selecting the correct type of dust extraction unit is important, but how you set up the equipment is just as important. To protect yourself and others from Silica dust, RVT Group recommend following The 3C’s® methodology (Capture, Contain, Control):

1. Capture the dust at source by using an extraction unit with a suitable capture hood. Position the hood as close to the activity as possible to ensure that as much dust is captured as possible. Ensure the unit has a suitable airflow for the task in hand, and that it contains a HEPA filter. HEPA stands high-efficiency particulate air, and refers to the efficiency of the filter at trapping extremely fine airborne particles. Filters are regarded as a ‘true HEPA’ (EU13 or higher) if they filter to an efficiency of more than 99.95% in 0.3 Microns in size.
2. Contain the work area to ensure that those working nearby are not negatively affected by any residual airborne dust. You can seal the room using plastic sheeting, or you could create a stand-alone work zone by erecting a cutting enclosure.
3. Control the residual airborne dust by putting the work area under negative pressure. When the airflow is controlled in this way, it ensures that there is zero dust migration into adjacent areas. This is particularly important when working in live or sensitive environments. Finally, never use a broom to clean up settled dust, always use a suitable M-Class or H-Class vacuum (H-Class for Silica Dust).

What Dust Control Equipment is Available?

RVT Group offer a wide range of dust control equipment that is suitable for Silica Dust Control:

Dustex® Raptor (1000m³ airflow/hour)

Dustex® Dustmaster® Pro (2500m³ airflow/hour)

Dustex® B3 Vacuum (H Class)

Dustex® Dust Props

Soundex® Cutting Enclosure

View all Dust Control Solutions

Educational Resources for Silica Dust Control

RVT Group offer a number of free health and safety resources:

Whitepaper: Understanding the Dangers of Silica Dust

Poster: Silica Dust – What You Need to Know

Tool Box Talk PDF: The Dangers of Silica Dust