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| Dust can be a serious hazard on construction sites. |
There
are many reports on the dangers of silica dust, which can cause the deadly lung
disease of silicosis. Now NIOSH (the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Healthy) has published a study on how to reduce exposure to this dangerous substance at construction
sites, where silica hazards are quite common. Some of the materials that
can release silica when cut, ground or shaped include:
- Fiber-Cement Siding*
- Bricks*
- Mortar*
- Concrete*
Fortunately, workers needn’t
be defenseless against this growing hazard.
NIOSH scientists found that vacuum cleaners can be a valuable, low-cost tool for minimizing crystalline silica inhalation.*
This can be done by connecting a vacuum to a compatible circular saw, enabling
the paired devices to collect much of the dust that would typically scatter on
jobsites.*
Proper implementation of this
practice isn’t as simple as it sounds, though. Only the correct combination of vacuum air-flow, hosing, saw blade and more combined with adequate work practices will be effective.* Users can
also plug the devices into an intelligent vacuum switch. Doing so eliminates the need to turn the dust collection system on and off, and guarantees the vacuum and
saw components are always working in tandem.*
Perhaps the most low-tech advice in the study results is using
the power saw outside whenever practical.* You only want confined space
when it comes to the disposal of collected dust. The study endorses covered trash containers near work stations of saw operators so waste is
unable to escape.*
Then maintenance comes into
play. Filter bags and cartridges should be inspected daily along with regular
checks for wear on the saw blade.* Still, this is an investment worth considering given the potential workforce
consequences.
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