Page 1788 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Safety, Health, Environmental & Quality Bulletin No 676

13 June 2019

Silica Dust

Please see enclosed a safety bulletin that
was shared with us by Vinci Facilities.

Silica is a natural substance that is found
in many common building materials,
including concrete, brick and plastics.

When drilled or cut fine dust is generated
which can be breathed in and cause lung
cancer or silicosis.

The fine dust when airborne is invisible to
the naked eye.

When cutting, drilling or otherwise
disturbing materials containing silica,
consider the need to supress the dust
generated. Spray the area with water and
consider tools with built in extraction
devices.

Always wear appropriate respirators to
protect yourself, but remember that these
won’t protect people nearby, and the fine
dust will be airborne for some time after
you have finished the drilling/cutting task.

Even sweeping the area after the work is
complete can cause the silica dust to
become airborne – continue to apply water
to keep the dust levels down throughout
the job.

Source: www.notimetolose.org.uk