Safety Tip: Silica Dust
April 17, 2018
Activities such as abrasive blasting with sand, sawing brick and concrete, sanding or drilling into concrete walls, grinding mortar and cutting or crushing stone exposes workers to respirable crystalline silica dust. What is silica dust and how can you protect yourself?
What is Silica Dust and What are the health risks associated with Silica Dust?
Crystalline silica is a mineral that is found in the earth's crust. Respirable crystalline silica are very small particles that are created when cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling and crushing stone, rock, concrete, brick, block and mortar. Workers risk of exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust are associated with activities such as abrasive blasting with sand, sawing brick or concrete, sanding or drilling into concrete walls, grinding mortar and cutting or crushing stone. Workers who inhale silica dust are at an increased risk for Silicosis (an incurable lung disease that can lead to disability and death), Lung cancer, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Kidney disease.
Tips and recommendations when it comes to controlling your exposure to Silica Dust:
- Training is required annually, as with most OSHA standards
- Three types of control for exposure are: Engineering (vacuum with HEPA filters), Administrative (read labels or SDS to determine if a product contains silica dust- powered concrete, sand bags) and PPE (respiratory protection, Tyvek suits)
- Air monitoring determines if exposure is above OSHA PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit)
- Wash clothing separate from family laundry. Keep work boots out of the home environment
- Wash hands and face with water to eliminate dust before breaks, lunch and after shift
- Do not eat, drink or use tobacco products in dusty areas
- Water spray helps eliminate airborne silica dust when cutting and drilling concrete. Use other wet methods for cutting, chipping, drilling, sawing or grinding concrete or brick
- Reduce exposure by substituting materials with no silica, move individuals away from cutting or grinding of concrete, control rooms with barriers or enclosures, use local exhaust ventilation system with HEPA filters and tools with dust collecting systems (drills, grinders)
- Do not use a powered blower with dry dust
- Be informed, reduce exposure to dust, use respirator, be trained and practice good personal hygiene at workplace to protect self and family
- Use eye protection such as googles with dust particulates
- Air monitoring may be required
Source: www.osha.gov
When it comes to HVAC systems, no two buildings are exactly alike. The success of your system doesn’t end at installation - it depends on how it’s serviced and maintained for years to come. That’s why choosing the installing contractor for ongoing service provides an edge few building owners take full advantage of. With AT Mechanical, we bridge the gap between construction and service, ensuring our clients benefit from the same knowledge, skills, and engineering capabilities that went into designing and installing their systems. 1. We Know the System from the Inside Out No one knows your equipment better than the team that put it in place. From day one, we’ve had hands on the design, layout, and installation giving us intimate knowledge of every piece of equipment, its location, and its role in your building’s comfort and efficiency. 2. We Hold the Original Data Drawings, submittals, equipment lists, as-builts - these aren’t just pieces of paper. They’re a roadmap for long-term performance. Because we were the contractor, we already have this information on file, meaning fewer delays, better troubleshooting, and more informed maintenance planning. 3. Our Service Techs Work with Engineering Backing Typical service companies dispatch techs who may never have seen your system before. AT Mechanical’s team combines field experience with engineering knowledge, ensuring problems aren’t just fixed, they’re solved with foresight into long-term performance. 4. Faster Problem-Solving, Smarter Preventive Maintenance When an issue arises, our background as the installer cuts down on diagnostic time. And when it comes to preventive maintenance, we know exactly what to prioritize based on how your system was designed to perform. That means less wasted time, fewer surprises, and a longer system life. 5. A True Lifecycle Partner From construction through decades of service, we’re built to be your partner for the entire lifecycle of your system. That continuity sets us apart from companies that only handle one side of the equation. From Construction to Care Your HVAC system is one of the largest investments in your building, and its performance directly affects energy costs, comfort, and even your reputation with tenants or customers. Working with the contractor who installed your system means you’re not starting from scratch every time you need service. Instead, you gain a partner who: Already understands the unique design and performance goals of your equipment. Has immediate access to all original documentation, drawings, and specifications. Can provide both short-term fixes and long-term planning strategies. Brings engineering knowledge and service capabilities together under one roof. With AT Mechanical, you get more than a service provider - you get the same team that designed, built, and understands your system at its core. That’s the kind of continuity and expertise that keeps your building running efficiently for years to come.
Strength Comes Not From Size But From Utilizing a Flexible and Dynamic Approach The HVAC industry is constantly changing, improving, and evolving. With a company culture that is collaborative and client-focused, AT Mechanical has been able to achieve success and growth, continuing to gain the trust and respect of those in the industry. As a full-service HVAC mechanical design contractor, AT Mechanical has differentiated itself from competitors by eliminating mistakes, focusing on being flexible and dynamic, utilizing forward-thinking systems and solutions and providing the best technology, resources, and tools to the team. To read the article featuring AT Mechanical, please visit SMACNA Greater Chicago .
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