The scary thing about silica dust is that it is extremely small, so you can be inhaling the particles and not even know it. Silica Dust Specialist Certificate Health Effects of Silica Dust
SILICA DUST EXPOSURE HOW TO
Training programs and certifications will ensure that you and your team are properly trained when it comes to workplace safety and how to handle it. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your employees is by investing some time into a training program, such as those provided by the National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP). This will keep it from being stirred up every time someone moves. Proper housekeeping procedures.You should be cleaning and getting rid of excess dust on a regular basis.This will help keep people from wandering into the affected area and exposing themselves. Hazard warning signs.Make sure there are signs warning of the hazard posted around.This helps detect any medical conditions early on so that any diagnosis and treatment can be administered as soon as possible. Periodic medical exams.For those that could be exposed, consider regular medical exams.This keeps you from exposing extra people. Operator isolation.Those working with the materials that can produce silica should be separated from those who aren’t.
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Respiratory protection devices. These devices are a form of personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect you from inhaling anything you shouldn’t be inhaling.Vacuum dust collection.There are dust collection systems that will suck the particles out of the air for you.In turn, this will cut down on the amount of silica dust surrounding you and your work area. Wet methods. There are certain steps you can take to introduce fine, water droplets (e.g., mists) into the air that can help suppress some of the particles flying everywhere while working.Obviously, you’re going to want to avoid silica dust as best as you can, so there are some prevention steps you can take to protect yourself and your coworkers from being exposed. If the nodules continue to grow and reach larger sizes, it can negatively effect your breathing by making it harder to take in enough oxygen. When someone inhales silica, the lung tissues develop fibrotic nodules and scarring around the silica particles.
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How to Protect Yourself from Illness Caused by Crystalline Silica Exposure If you work in the manufacturing of the above materials, demolition or road construction, you have probably been exposed to silica dust particles. Even if you’re just a janitor or security guard working near a site with these materials, you run the risk of being exposed. Silica particles can be released if you chip, cut, drill or grind materials like: According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the general industry includes jobs in industries outside agriculture, construction or maritime. Those who work in the general industry employment sector are also at risk of being exposed. However, there are a number of other workers who are at risk of being exposed. Purchase the Silica Dust Specialist Course Who is At Risk for Crystalline Silica Exposure?Īs previously mentioned, construction workers are commonly known to be exposed to silica dust. But are you aware of just how dangerous it can be?įor those who work in construction, as well as public health and safety workers and even fire department employees, you need to understand the risks of being exposed to silica dust and how to protect yourself from it. You’re probably also familiar with the exposure to crystalline silica. You know you’re going to have dusts and remnants from the materials flying everywhere and getting all over you. If you work in construction, you know that you’re being exposed to many different materials and tools.
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Who is At Risk for Crystalline Silica Exposure?.