Safety solutions for Silica hazards in your construction site

According to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), due to its presence in commonly used construction materials, RCS is the second biggest health risk to construction workers, following asbestos [1]. The HSE estimates that excessive exposure to silica was responsible for between 10 and 20 deaths annually over the last 10 years [2].

Silica or silicon dioxide (SiO2) is one of the most common naturally occurring minerals on the planet, found in varying amounts in most rocks, sand and clay. For example, sandstone contains more than 70% silica, whereas granite might contain 15-30%. Silica is also a major constituent of construction materials such as bricks, tiles, concrete and mortar [1].

RCS is commonly used to refer to the tiny particles (at least 100 times smaller than ordinary grains of sand) of crystalline silica that are too small to be seen by the human eye. They can remain in the air for extended periods of time and inhaled deeply into the lungs. These particles are created when handling, using, cutting, sanding or carving materials containing crystalline silica [3, 4].

Despite advances in workplace safety practices, construction workers still face many, potential silica hazards. Building materials, construction techniques and personal protective equipment (PPE) standards are always evolving, so it’s critical to understand how these changes impact a worker’s exposure to silica on a construction site. When the safety and health of employees who work with silica or welding hazards is a priority, everyone on your team stands to benefit.

Find the information you need to help protect construction worker safety and health when exposed to silica, welding and grinding operations. Discover how 3M can help you protect the workers that make project success possible, from ground-breaking to ribbon cutting. Download our free eBook today !

References:

• 1. Health and Safety Executive, “Cancer and construction: Silica”, [Online]. Available:
  http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/cancer-and-construction/silica-dust.htm
  [Accessed August 17, 2022].
• 2. Health and Safety Executive, “Silicosis and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis”, [Online]. Available:
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/
  [Accessed August 17, 2022].
• 3. CPWR, “The Construction Chart Book (6th edition)”, February 2018. Chart 50f [Online]. Available:
  https://www.cpwr.com/wp-content/uploads/publications/The_6th_Edition_Construction_eChart_Book.pdf
  [Accessed 16 September 2021].
• 4. Health and Safety Executive (HSE), “INDG463 –Control of exposure to silica dust – A guide for employees”, 2014.[Online]. Available:
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg463.pdf
  [Accessed 19 October 2021].
• and CPWR, “The Construction Chart Book (6th edition)”, February 2018. Chart 50f [Online]. Available:
  https://www.cpwr.com/wp-content/uploads/publications/The_6th_Edition_Construction_eChart_Book.pdf
  [Accessed 16 September 2021].