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CLEANING AND HYGIENE DUST – MUCH MORE THAN


A NUISANCE! Silica related deaths are increasing year-on-year, making dust a serious issue. How can we look to tackle the problem? James Miller, managing director at dust extraction specialists Dustcontrol UK explores the matter further…


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ilica dust is a problem that suffers from a lack of recognition. The majority of us have heard about the health hazards presented by continued exposure to asbestos.


It’s widely covered in the media and the vast majority of people, even if they don’t work in construction or the associated industry, upon hearing the word ‘asbestos’ know to be wary in its presence.


The problems linked with silica dust on the other hand suffer from a lack of wider awareness. There are now more than six hundred and fifty silica related deaths per year, making it the second largest cause of occupational lung cancer after asbestos. Construction workers have a 2-3 times greater chance of contracting COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) than the average due to their exposure to the dust over the course of their working life. Silicosis (as the lung disease is known)


isn’t a new problem. Miners and stonecutters throughout the ages have suffered from its effects, with historians as far back as Ancient Greece and Roman times referring to respiratory problems caused from miners inhaling dust. However modern construction processes have seen the impact of these effects increase significantly over recent years as the number of sufferers has risen sharply. Silica on its own isn’t a problem and is present in sand, granite, cement, stone and other commonly used building materials. The amount of silica contained within these materials varies. For example with sandstone, silica makes up between 70 and 90% of the content, however with marble or limestone, silica equates to only 2% of the total substance. The variation within concrete can see it range from constitutingas little as 25% to as much as 70%, so it really does depend on the particular materials that have been used. However it’s often the case that during the course of construction techniques, such as cutting or grinding concrete, chasing out mortar and drilling in enclosed spaces, the broken down silica forms into respirable crystalline silica (RCS). It is RCS that provides the hazard, which, when inhaled, can cause incurable lung cancer following a prolonged period of exposure. RCS is extremely fine and isn’t visible in normal lighting, which means that, whilst you might think that the air is clear; this isn’t necessarily the case. The pervasiveness of silica means that it’s not just miners and stonemasons who need to be cautious in today’s world. Anyone working in the construction industry is at risk, as simple tasks such as sweeping or the pouring of powders can send RCS particles into the air, which can then make their way into the lungs.


14 PUBLIC SECTOR ESTATES MANAGEMENT • JULY/AUGUST 2014


There is a responsibility on employers to look after their workforce in the modern era. Not only does poor preparation in the workplace leave employees susceptible to potential health hazards, it also leaves employers susceptible to future liability claims being made against them. Asbestos claimants have been awarded compensation running into millions of pounds and there’s the worry that victims of silicosis could look for similar levels of damages as the number of sufferers continues to rise. With this in mind then, it pays to be aware of the potential issues that prolonged exposure to silica can cause and to put appropriate safeguards in place. There are a number of steps that can be taken to minimalize the risks presented by working with silica dust; here are my top ten tips:


1. IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM By identifying any potential risk, you’re in the best position to help reduce the impact. List any activities that could present a hazard and consider the possibility of bringing in an industrial hygienist to undertake a full assessment. They will assess the air quality of the working environment and be able to advise you on the proper safety measures that you can look to implement.


2. USE SUBSTITUTE MATERIALS As manufacturers of building materials


become increasingly aware of the risks posed by prolonged exposure to silica dust, they’re looking for safer alternatives that they can introduce into the market. Opting to use alternative materials that don’t contain silica completely eradicates the risk of silicosis. Therefore if there is a non-silica based material that’s available to use and that does the same job then it’s advisable to take it.


3. UTILISE DUST EXTRACTION If dust is an unavoidable problem, then read the HSE document CIS36 and take appropriate steps. Mobile dust extractors built to Application Class M (medium) or H (high) help to take out the dust at source and eliminate the need for sweeping, nullifying the risk of it getting airborne.


Use high efficiency cyclone based mobile dust extractors or install temporary vacuum


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