Long-term exposure to respirable crystalline silica, often simply referred to as silica, can often lead to the development of a lung disease known as silicosis. This serious illness leads to damage to the lungs and can result in death in the most extreme cases. Construction workers are often exposed to high levels of silica, most especially those workers who operate or work near electric and pneumatic hand-operated grinders. These grinders are typically utilized in the surface-finishing or slot-cutting processes of construction. Studies have indicated that there is a relationship between developing silicosis and hand-operated grinders.
OSHA has indicated that there are several effective methods which can help lower construction workers’ silica exposure risks. They include:
•Adjustments in work methods and equipment: Simple adjustments in work equipment and methods can often lower silica exposure levels. This can include using jigs to increase the amount of space between workers and the work area where silica is being stirred. Other methods may involve modifying the ways that casting, pouring, installing, or finishing concrete are handled.
•Vacuum dust collection (VDC) systems: These systems include a shroud surrounding the grinding wheel, hose, filters, and a vacuum—used to pull air via the shroud. How effective this type of system will be varies on the user’s operating skill, the specific surface being finished, and how efficient the actual dust collection system is.
•Wet grinding: This method has proven extremely effective for reducing workers’ silica exposure levels. Wet grinding involves handheld, water-fed grinding equipment, and existing grinding equipment can also be modified to add the capability for wet grinding.
Water serves to wet silica dust particles before they can actually become airborne, and is an excellent way to control dust exposure.
When wet grinding is employed, it may be unnecessary to use further forms of respiratory protection. However, when wet methods are not feasible and VDC systems are used instead, further respiratory protection steps are generally appropriate. This typically takes the form of a properly fitted, NIOSH-approved disposable respirator or half-facepiece. These are appropriate up to only a certain exposure level. Whenever these types of respiratory protection are required, employers must be sure to enact and use written respiratory protection programs and train their employees in the relevant safety measures.
If neither wet grinding nor VDC systems are used, employers may be required to provide their workers with full-face piece respirators. It is also important to remember that employees who are working in the vicinity of hand-operated grinders, but not actually operating the grinders, may also need to take respiratory protection steps, such as wearing the appropriate respirators. Companies should take the appropriate actions to monitor the levels of exposure to which their workers are exposed on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, however, workers are still subject to the dangers related to developing silicosis and hand-operated grinders no matter the safety steps taken by companies. Defective equipment can also put these hard-working construction workers in danger of silicosis or other injuries. It may be appropriate for those who are injured, or the surviving relatives of those who are fatally injured, to file civil lawsuits to seek financial restitution in a court of law. For these individuals, consulting with an experienced personal injury or workers’ compensation attorney may provide them the knowledge of their rights they need to decide how to proceed.
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Source: OSHA-NIOSH document regarding hand-operated grinders and silica exposure