Silica Dust: Be Prepared!

Exposure to silica dust is a real threat in the construction industry. This harmful dust can lead to serious lung damage, meaning that using the best mitigation and protection equipment is crucial for worker safety. By taking the right safety precautions, you can protect yourself and others from the effects of silica dust.

Silica dust is produced when materials like concrete, granite, and rock are subject to grinding, sawing, cutting, and drilling. When you know that your project will result in a dusty atmosphere, be sure to take the right precautions to reduce the production of, and exposure to, silica dust.

Steps YOU can take to prevent exposure:

• Dust control: Keep things wet! Use water and wet working methods for your project. Also, you can use equipment with dust control features.
• Respiratory Protection: Protect your lungs! Be sure to use the correct, certified respirators needed for your job. Also, be sure to take facial fit training and testing before use.
• Protective Clothing: Wear washable or disposable clothing when working on a dusty jobsite. Before leaving the jobsite, change into clean clothes and wash used clothing to avoid contamination of outside areas.
• Air Monitoring: Don’t just assume the air is clear. Regularly check air quality to make sure your dust control methods are working effectively.

OSHA requires that employers limit exposure and protect their employees from silica dust. Thankfully, there are precautions you can take to protect yourself and others.

Looking for the best silica dust mitigation and personal protective equipment? Best Line Equipment has what you need to keep yourself and others safe! Visit one of our locations or view our flyer on silica dust mitigation to learn more!