Respirable Crystalline Silica 101

Respirable crystalline silica … are you familiar? If you are, you may know that silica is found in sand, stone, concrete, and mortar, and is used to make glass, pottery, ceramics, and bricks. When workers cut, saw, grind, drill, and crush stone, rock, concrete, brick, block, and mortar, respirable crystalline silica is created.

The particles found in respirable crystalline silica are at least 100 times smaller than ordinary sand, and are extremely dangerous when inhaled. This exposure increases the risk of developing serious diseases such as: Silicosis (lung fibrosis caused by the inhalation of dust containing silica), lung cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and Kidney Disease.

As of September 2017, OSHA implemented the Final Rule to Protect Workers from Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica. Per OSHA, this rule creates new standards for going dustless in the construction industry. By requiring an operation of engineering controls, this regulation will help prevent workers from breathing silica dust.

Compliance for the construction industry is effective September 23, 2017, and Sunbelt Rentals can help you prepare. Our extended line of dustless solutions not only creates a safer work environment, but is easy to use, increasing the overall efficiency by reducing cleaning time.

What does going dustless mean for you?

• Safer work environment for your team members
• Maximizing productivity
• Reducing cleaning time

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