Write a toolbox talk on Respirable Silica

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# Regulated and restricted access areas ([redacted phone]) (cont.) ## The written exposure control plan (cont.) Exposure control at construction sites: For construction activities, you must designate a competent person to implement the written exposure control plan and reg- ularly inspect job sites, materials, and equipment. You can designate any of your employees to be a compe- tent person if the person: • Can identify silica dust hazards at the construction site - Is authorized to promptly eliminate or minimize the hazards at the site • Has the knowledge and ability to implement the written exposure control plan for the site Yearly review of written exposure control plan: You must review and evaluate the effectiveness of the written exposure control plan at least once a year and update it as necessary to ensure the information is current. Availability of the written exposure control plan: Allow the written exposure control plan to be viewed or cop- ied by each employee covered by Oregon OSHA's silica rules and their designated representatives. Abrasive blasting: If your employees do abrasive blast- ing that uses crystalline silica blasting agents you must follow all of the requirements for the written exposure control plan and the requirements in Oregon OSHA's ventilation rules (see [redacted phone].94). ## Respiratory protection ([redacted phone]) Employees exposed to silica dust must wear respirators when: • Engineering controls are being installed or work practice controls implemented and their exposures exceed the PEL - Engineering and work practice controls are not feasible and their exposures exceed the PEL • Engineering and work practice controls are not suf- ficient to keep their exposures at or below the PEL • They are working in a regulated or restricted access area When respirators are required, you must also have a respiratory protection program that meets the require- ments of Oregon OSHA's respiratory protection rules (see 1910.134). …

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CPWR TOOLBOX THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING TALK # Prevent Exposure: Silica Dust in Enclosed Cabs Silica is in many materials common on construction sites, such as sand, concrete, and rock. When heavy construction equipment disturbs these materials during, for example, demolition and paving, dust containing crystalline silica can be released into the air. Workers who breathe this dust are at risk of developing serious, sometimes fatal lung diseases such as silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It has also been linked to illnesses such as kidney disease. ## Grace's Story Grace's work involves moving silica-containing materials at above ground mines and construction sites. Although she typically works in an enclosed cab, dust can get into the cab through, for example, a broken door seal or when she opens the window to communicate with other workers. Grace started wheezing, being short of breath, and feeling tired after even short periods of work. She went to her doctor and described her work history. Grace's doctor x-rayed her chest and had the x-ray read by a certified Class B reader because of Grace's possible exposure to silica. The results helped in diagnosing Grace's lung disease. - What caused Grace's illness? * How could this illness have been prevented? * Have you ever been exposed to silica dust, or do you know someone who has? If so, what happened? ## Remember This ➤ Keep the cab as free as possible from settled dust. Make sure the cab is equipped with a properly working air filtration system with a filter efficiency rating of 95% or higher (e.g., MERV-16). Inspect the filter and notify your supervisor if it needs to be cleaned or replaced. ➤ Inspect the cab for holes, gaps, cracks, and broken seals around doors, windows, joints, power line entries, and controls. Make sure door seals, closing mechanisms, and gaskets are working properly. Notify your supervisor if repairs or replacements are…

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CPWR TOOLBOX THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING TALK Silica is in many materials common at construction sites, such as sand, concrete, rock, mortar, and brick. During tasks that disturb these materials (cutting, grinding, blasting, and jackhammering, for example), dust containing crystalline silica can be released into the air. Workers who inhale this dust are at risk of developing serious, sometimes fatal illnesses such as a lung disease called silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It has also been linked to illnesses such as kidney disease. ## Frank's Story Frank has been a laborer for 22 years. His work frequently involved cutting, jackhammering, and drilling concrete. Water or vacuums were not used to control the dust, and he rarely was given a respirator. He began to have shortness of breath, wheezing, and tiredness after even short periods of work. Frank went to the doctor and told him about his work history. The doctor had Frank's x-ray read by a certified Class B reader because of the possible silica exposure. The results helped in diagnosing Frank's silicosis. Have you ever been exposed to silica dust from the work you were doing or from work going on nearby? # Silica ## * How could this illness have been prevented? ## Remember This ➤ Use vacuums and/or water to reduce dust at the source, before it becomes airborne. When these controls are not enough, use respiratory protection. - Keep dust control systems in good working order, and check vacuum filters and hoses regularly to make sure they are not clogged. - Do not use sand (or other substances containing more than 1% crystalline silica) for abrasive blasting. Substitute less hazardous materials. - If a less hazardous material is not available, use the appropriate respiratory protection. ➤ Avoid eating, drinking, and smoking in areas where there is silica dust. A good practice is to first leave the dusty area and wash your hands and face. …

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# HAZARD ALERT State of California CAL OSHA Department of Industrial Relation ## To: Employees and employers in the granite counter top fabrication industry Fabricating granite counter tops and other silica-containing materials may expose workers to levels of respirable crystalline silica above state limits, as was found recently by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health. Workers who inhale excessive amounts of crystalline silica can develop silicosis, a serious and potentially fatal lung disease. Silicosis is a progressive and irreversible condition of the lung that can lead to serious disability or death. Additionally, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) considers inhaled crystalline silica to be a known human carcinogen. Crystalline silica is a natural component of the earth's crust and is a basic component of sand, quartz, and granite rock. Workers with impaired lung function due to silica exposure are more susceptible to other respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis. The health hazards of silica are not new. Silicosis is one of the world's oldest known occupational diseases, with reports dating back to ancient Greece. Although very high short-term exposures to silica (as experienced by many workers in past times) can pose a serious health hazard, long-term exposures to silica levels exceeding the state limits also pose serious health hazards. Activities such as grinding, cutting, routing, drilling, chipping, or polishing on granite and other stone materials containing crystalline silica can create airborne dust and the potential for a health hazard to workers. The granite itself or the finished counter top does not present a health hazard. Silica exposures above the permissible exposure limit were found during recent inspections by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health at granite counter top fabrication facilities. High silica exposures have also been found in other businesses performing simila…

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# SILICA EXPOSURE Date Posted: 08/24/2016 Silica is found in many materials common on construction sites, including sand, concrete, rock, mortar, and brick. When workers cut, grind, abrasive blast, jackhammer or perform other tasks that disturb these materials, dust containing crystalline silica can released into the air. Workers who inhale this dust are at risk. Silica can cause serious, sometimes fatal illnesses including a lung disease called silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ## HOW DOES SILICA INHALATION CAUSE HARM TO THE LUNGS? Silicosis can develop within a few weeks to even decades after exposure. When people breathe silica dust, they inhale tiny particles of the mineral silica. This dust can cause fluid buildup and scar tissue in the lungs that cuts down your ability to breathe silica LEARN MORE OF THE IMPACTS OF SILICA ON THE LUNGS READ ABOUT THE HAWKS NEST TUNNEL DISASTER The Hawks Nest Tunnel disaster was a large scale incident of occupational silicosis as the result of construction. Workers found the mineral silica and were asked to mine it. The workers were not provided with protective masks and many workers developed silicosis. A large number of workers eventually died, in some cases as quickly as within a year ## HOW TO PROTECT FROM THE HAZARDS OF SILICA DUST • Use vacuums or water to reduce or eliminate the dust at the source, before it becomes airborne. When these controls are not enough, use respiratory protection. Routinely maintain dust control systems to keep them in good working order. • Do not use sand or other substances containing more than 1% crystalline silica as abrasive blasting materials. Substitute less hazardous materials. • Wear disposable or washable work clothes and shower if facilities are available. • Vacuum the dust from your clothes and change into clean clothing before leaving the work site. Do not bring dust home. • Do not brush or blow off the dust. • Do not eat, drink,…

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WORK SAFE KENTUCKY Free safety resources provided by KEMI HOME SAFETY RESOURCES SAFETY TRAINING SAFETY BLOG ABOUT KEMI CONTACT US O # Crystalline Silica Exposure ## Print a Sign-In Sheet | Spanish Version ## What Is Crystalline Silica? Crystalline silica is a basic component of soil, sand, granite, and many other minerals. Quartz is the most common form of crystalline silica. Cristobalite and tridymite are two other forms of crystalline silica. All three forms may become respirable size particles when workers chip, cut, drill, or grind objects that contain crystalline silica. ## What Are the Hazards of Crystalline Silica? • Silica exposure remains a serious threat to nearly 2 million U.S. workers. - High-risk jobs include: abrasive blasting, foundry work, stonecutting, rock drilling, quarry work, and tunneling. - Crystalline silica has been classified as a human lung carcinogen. • Breathing crystalline silica dust can cause silicosis, which in severe cases can be disabling, or even fatal. • The respirable silica dust enters the lungs and causes the formation of scar tissue, thus reducing the lungs' ability take in oxygen. • There is no cure for silicosis. • Since silicosis affects lung function, it makes one more susceptible to lung infections like tuberculosis. In addition, smoking causes lung damage and adds to the damage caused by breathing silica dust. ## Where Are Construction Workers Exposed to Crystalline Silica? Exposure occurs during many different construction activities including: • Abrasive blasting with sand to remove paint and rust from bridges, tanks, concrete structures, and other surfaces. • Keep records of workers' silica exposure and medical exams. • Jackhammering. • Rock/well drilling. • Concrete mixing and drilling B. • Brick and concrete block cutting. ## Where Are General Industry Employees Exposed to Crystalline Silica Dust? General Industry exposures to crystalline silica result from a variety of manufacturing and ma…

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# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) 。 Where workers are exposed above the PEL, CSHOS should inquire as to the location of regulated areas and ensure through interviews that the employer demarcates and limits access to any regulated area(s) and requires the use of respirators by workers in those areas. • Methods of Compliance (29 CFR § 1910.1053(f) and 29 CFR § 1926.1153(d)(3)). 。 o CSHOS should verify the dust controls and safer work methods employers use to protect workers from silica exposures above the PEL. According to the OSHA and NIOSH Hazard Alert, the following are control options for countertop manufacturing and finishing operations: 。 Using water spraying systems and remote-controlled tools at the impact site where a saw or grinder generates dust. 。 Large bridge or gantry-like saws usually use water sprays and can be remote-controlled for dust control and cooling. 。 Hand-held angle grinders can be modified to deliver water to the point of contact with the stone. 。 Wet-edge milling machines or stone routers can replace dry grinders in shops. They provide a clean edge profile with a diamond wheel. 。 Using hand tools (e.g., drills, masonry saws, grinders) equipped with a shroud and a vacuum with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA)-filter when wet methods are not practicable. - o Installing local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems at fixed locations to capture dust at its point of origin. 。 Using a combination of both water and ventilation controls, if necessary. 。 Using - wet sweeping or HEPA-filtered vacuuming instead of dry sweeping or compressed air. 。 Replacing water and air filters as needed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions to control dust. • Adjusting water flow as necessary to control dust, following manufacturers' recommendations for water flow rates. - o Pre-washing stone slabs prior to cutting. - o Implementing regular and thorough housekeeping procedures for water slurry and settled dust…

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# SUBJECT: Inspection Procedures for the Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard (cont.) ## References: (cont.) MNOSHA Instruction CPL 2-2.80 December 9, 2020 # Cancellation: None. ## Background: The term "silica" refers broadly to the mineral compound silicon dioxide (SiO2), which can be crystalline or amorphous in molecular structure. The silica standards apply only to crystalline silica-not amorphous silica. Quartz is the most common form of crystalline silica, and cristobalite is also sometimes encountered in the workplace (e.g., refractory bricks containing quartz can convert to cristobalite when subjected to prolonged high temperatures). The silica standards focus on the health effects related to the inhalation of respirable dust, which is generally defined as particles that are capable of reaching the gas-exchange region of the lung (i.e., particles less than 10 microns (μm) in aerodynamic diameter). Exposure to crystalline forms of silica is associated with a number of health effects, including silicosis (an irreversible and potentially deadly lung disease), lung cancer, other non-malignant respiratory diseases (such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), kidney disease, immunological effects, and activation of latent tuberculosis (TB) infections. Crystalline silica has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen-Carcinogenic to Humans-by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) [IARC, 2012], https://monographs.iarc.fr. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) has also listed respirable crystalline silica as a known human carcinogen since 2000 [NTP, 2016], https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/annualreport/2016. Appendix C of this Instruction provides further information on silica, including its sources and industrial uses, as well as on the adverse health effects of silica exposure. Occupational exposure to crystalline silica occurs in a variety of workplace settings, including mining, manufacturing, construction, an…

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OSHA FactSheet CONTROL SILICA DUST Breathe Easier # OSHA's Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction Workers who are exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust are at increased risk of developing serious silica-related diseases. OSHA's standard requires employers to take steps to protect workers from exposure to respirable crystalline silica. ## What is Respirable Crystalline Silica? Crystalline silica is a common mineral that is found in construction materials such as sand, stone, concrete, brick, and mortar. When workers cut, grind, drill, or crush materials that contain crystalline silica, very small dust particles are created. These tiny particles (known as "respirable" particles) can travel deep into workers' lungs and cause silicosis, an incurable and sometimes deadly lung disease. Respirable crystalline silica also causes lung cancer, other potentially debilitating respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney disease. In most cases, these diseases occur after years of exposure to respirable crystalline silica. ## How are Construction Workers Exposed to Respirable Crystalline Silica? Exposure to respirable crystalline silica can occur during common construction tasks, such as using masonry saws, grinders, drills, jackhammers and handheld powered chipping tools; operating vehicle- mounted drilling rigs; milling; operating crushing machines; using heavy equipment for demolition or certain other tasks; and during abrasive blasting and tunneling operations. About two million construction workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica in over 600,000 workplaces. ## What Does the Standard Require? The standard (29 CFR 1926.1153) requires employers to limit worker exposures to respirable crystalline silica and to take other steps to protect workers. Employers can either use a control method laid out in Table 1 of the construction standard, or they can measure workers' exposure to silica and independen…

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# Appendix D Silica Background Information and Additional References (cont.) ## Forms and Sources of Crystalline Silica: (cont.) subjected to contact with molten metal [Markowitz and Rosner, 1995; Ganter, 1986; Cheng et al., 1992; Bergen et al., 1994]. ## Major Industrial Sources of RCS Exposure: Crystalline silica is an important industrial material, and occupational exposure occurs across a broad range of industries. There are over 30 major industries and operations where exposures to RCS can occur. They include such diverse workplaces as foundries, dental laboratories, concrete products, and paint and coating manufacturing, as well as construction activities like masonry cutting, drilling, grinding and tuckpointing, and use of heavy equipment during demolition activities involving silica-containing materials. Sand and gravel are used in road building and concrete construction. Sand with greater than 98% silica is used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics. Silica sand is used to form molds for metal castings in foundries, and in abrasive blasting operations. Silica is also used as a filler in plastics, rubber, and paint, and as an abrasive in soaps and scouring cleansers. Silica sand is used to filter impurities from municipal water and sewage treatment plants, and in hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas recovery. Silica is also used to manufacture artificial stone products used as bathroom and kitchen countertops, and the silica content in those products can exceed 85 percent (Document ID 2178, Attachment 5, p. 420). OSHA's Final Rule's economic analysis has a listing of general industry, maritime, and construction North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) industries with potential for significant occupational exposure. However, there are numerous other operations in which silica may be used or otherwise encountered, and it is important to be aware of the risk of silicosis in industries not previously recognized to be at risk. ## History o…

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HAZARD ALERT SILICA CPWR 【● THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING ## Are you in danger? Silica can be found in many building materials, including... ‣ sand - concrete - rock - mortar ‣ masonry - and some paints If you do the following to these materials... ‣ abrasive or sand blast grind - cut or saw - drill ▸ jackhammer - or crush/demolish Then the answer is YES. The dust around you contains silica - and breathing it can be deadly. ## Why it's deadly You can be in danger even if you don't see the dust. When you breathe dust that contains silica, the tiny particles damage your lungs. The lung disease silicosis can form in your lungs in as little as a few weeks of very high dust exposure. Even breathing small amounts over time can cause disease years later. By the time it gets hard to breathe, you are already sick and there is no cure for silicosis. Silica dust also causes lung cancer, increases your chance of getting tuberculosis, and has been linked to COPD and other illnesses. ## Learn more about silica: - Work Safely with Silica is a one-stop resource about exposures and controls including a free planning tool (www.silica-safe.org) - Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Final Rule to Protect Workers from Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica (https://www.osha.gov/ dsg/topics/silicacrystalline/construction.html) - The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) - Silica (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ silica/) ## Protecting Yourself - Three Methods 1 ## Use Water Water can keep silica dust out of the air - and out of your lungs. Use tools with water attachments to control dust at the source. Water can also keep dust down during activities like sweeping and demolition. The International 2 ## Use a Vacuum Use tools with vacuum attachments to capture the dust right where it starts. Dust is drawn into a hood or cover attached to the tool, through a hose, and into a …

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# SILICA IN CONSTRUCTION (cont.) ## HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SILICA EXPOSURE IN THE WORKPLACE? • Employers are required to evaluate procedures to identify if they create silica dust and might overexpose you and conduct a silica exposure assessment to determine if respirable silica is present at or above the action level (25 μg/m3) and in what quantities in accordance with WAC [redacted identifier]. the • Use local exhaust or ventilation systems that capture the dust at the source and collect it in a system with HEPA filtration or water to reduce or eliminate dust at the source before it becomes airborne. When these controls are not enough, use respiratory protection. Routinely maintain dust control systems to keep them in good working order. • Use wet methods when cutting, grinding, or breaking concrete, brick, mortar, block, or similar materials. • Do not use sand or other substances containing more than 1% crystalline silica as abrasive blasting materials. Substitute less hazardous materials. - Use NIOSH-approved respirators when exposure cannot be maintained below the permissible exposure level (PEL) (50 μg/m3) in accordance with WAC 296- 842 for Respirators and WAC [redacted identifier]. - Wear disposable or washable work clothes and shower if facilities are available. Vacuum (equipped with HEPA filtration) the dust from your clothes and change them into clean clothing before leaving the work site. Do not brush or blow the dust off! Do not bring dust home! • Restrict access to areas on the site where silica dust is being generated. • Avoid eating, drinking, and smoking in areas where silica dust is present. Wash your hands and face outside dusty areas before performing any of these activities. - Restrict housekeeping practices, such as sweeping, blowing, or disturbing dust that may expose workers to silica where feasible alternatives are available. • Wet dust before sweeping or vacuum dust (with a dust collection system equipped with HEPA f…

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# Activities that could put workers at risk: ## Manufacturing ▸ Metal casting ▸ Glass products ▸ Ceramics, clay, and pottery ▸ Asphalt paving material ▸ Cut stone and stone products - Abrasives ▸ ▸ Paint and rubber products ▸ Filtered foods and beverages ## Construction ▸ Chipping, hammering, and drilling rock ▸ Crushing, loading, hauling, and dumping rock ▸ Abrasive blasting ▸ Sawing, hammering, drilling, grinding, and chipping masonry, concrete, or fiber- cement siding ▸ Demolition of concrete or masonry structures ▸ Dry sweeping or using pressurized air to blow concrete, rock, or sand dust Oregon OSHA's silica rules (there are 13) were written to help employers control their employees' exposure to silica dust. The rules apply to all work-related exposures in gen- eral industry and construction workplaces, with two exceptions: ## Key term hr TO PEL 34 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air averaged over an eight-hour day. # Oregon OSHA's silica rules 3 1. The rules do not apply to the processing of sorp- tive clays. Sorptive clays are used in consumer products and industrial applications such as pet litter and sealants for landfills. ## Permissible exposure limit (PEL) 2. The rules do not apply to employee exposures that will never exceed 25 micrograms per cubic meter of air under any foreseeable circumstances. (Known as the action level.) This exception does not apply if engineering controls are used to maintain exposure levels below the action level. The failure of control measures are foreseeable circumstances. These silica rules do not apply to agriculture or forest activities employers, although there are still exposure limits for these industries. You can refer to the limits in Table Z-3 of the applicable air contaminants rule. ## A rule-by-rule summary of the key requirements ## The exposure assessment ([redacted phone]) Your employees' exposures to silica dust must not exceed the permissible exposure limit (PEL), which is 50 m…

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# SILICA IN CONSTRUCTION Date Posted: 10/28/2023 OSHA estimates that more than 840,000 workers are exposed to silica levels that exceed the new permissible exposure limit (PEL) annually. Silica is found in many materials common on construction sites, including sand, concrete, rock, mortar, stone, and brick. When workers cut, grind, abrasive blast, jackhammer, or perform other tasks that disturb these materials, dust containing crystalline silica can be released into the air. Workers who inhale this dust are at risk. Silica can cause serious, sometimes fatal illnesses, including a lung disease called silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It has also been linked to other conditions, such as kidney disease. ## EFFECTS OF SILICA Overexposure to respirable silica dust can cause many health hazards. When the small particles are inhaled, they can penetrate deep into the lungs causing dangerous and sometimes fatal lung diseases. ## SILICOSIS According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breathing dust from silica-containing materials can lead to silicosis. Silica dust particles become trapped in lung tissue, causing inflammation and scarring. The particles also reduce the lungs' ability to take in oxygen. This condition is called silicosis. Silicosis results in permanent lung damage and is a progressive, debilitating, and sometimes fatal disease. ## LUNG CANCER Many studies have shown a relationship between silica dust and the risk of lung cancer. This is because the dust causes the lungs to scar, and this scarring can lead to lung cancer. ## CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD) Silica and other dust also cause COPD. COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchiectasis, and chronic airway obstruction. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2014, COPD ranked as the third leading cause of death in the U.S., with over 147,000 deaths. In addition, COPD was projected to become the …

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# What is crystalline silica? Crystalline silica is the scientific name for a group of minerals containing silicon and oxygen. Crystalline means that the oxygen and silicon atoms are arranged in a specific pattern. Crystalline silica is a common mineral found in naturally-occurring and man-made materials such as sand, stone, and engineered stone countertops. ## Forms of crystalline silica Crystalline silica exists in several forms, including quartz, cristobalite, and tridymite. Tridymite is the most potent, but least common, form. Cristobalite, which occurs naturally in volcanic rock, is often found with quartz in the Pacific Northwest. Of these forms, quartz is the most common; in fact, it's the second most com- mon mineral on the planet. (Feldspar is most common.) ## What is silicosis? Silicosis is a lung disease caused by breathing dust that contains particles of crystalline silica - particles so small you can see them only with a microscope. The cause of silicosis has been known for centuries- the earliest cases of silicosis were recorded before the first century—yet workers continue to die every year from the disease. Crystalline silica exists almost everywhere in our natural environment. It's abundant in soil, sand, dust, quartz, and granite rock. Not surprisingly, crystalline silica also exists in products that we make or use every day at home and at work. For example, china table- ware is made from materials containing finely ground quartz. And unwashed root vegetables such as pota- toes are coated with soil containing crystalline silica - a possible health hazard for those who harvest, sort, and bag them without appropriate exposure controls. It's important to remember that crystalline silica can cause silicosis only when it is inhaled as dust or a fine powder. When they are inhaled, the silica particles become trapped in the lungs and damage the tissue. The lung tissue scars and forms small rounded masses called nodules. Over time, the nodules grow…

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# Silica-Cutting and grinding concrete ## Explain dangers You wouldn't breathe in carbon monoxide. So, why would you breathe in the cloud of dust that's created when you cut or grind concrete, brick, or stone? That cloud contains very tiny particles of silica. Your lungs have a tough time removing these particles. Over time, scars develop on your lungs. At first you may have no symptoms, but eventually you may develop shortness of breath, a severe cough, wheezing, and tightness of the chest. This can often be fatal. Cutting and grinding silica without protection can lead to disastrous outcomes. - You can develop silicosis after only a few weeks or months of exposure. - The disease can become worse even after you've stopped working with silica. - More and more studies are finding that silica exposure also causes lung cancer. Most concrete and masonry products contain high amounts of silica. When you cut or grind these products, you are being exposed to silica if measures are not taken. Although most diseases associated with silica exposure are not curable, they are preventable. ## Identify controls Here are some measures you can take to reduce the amount of silica in the air when cutting or grinding. ## PLAN BEFORE CUTTING OR GRINDING - Notify workers that you will be generating silica dust. Tell them to keep at least 10 m (3 ft) away. Post warning signs. - Do the work in an area away from other workers or do it when no workers are around. - If you can't prevent the spread of dust to nearby workers who are not protected, set up an enclosure around the cutting or grinding operation. • Use a respirator. An N95 filtering facepiece respirator (i.e., dust mask) may be appropriate when doing short-duration tasks, when local exhaust ventilation is available on tools, or when working outside. Otherwise, a more protective respirator is required. Minimum protection is a half-facepiece air-purifying respirator with an N95 filter. - Before starting work, make…