Keep Workers Safe from Exposure to Silica Dust

"Did You Know? The manufacturing, finishing, and installing of natural and engineered stone countertop products can expose workers to health hazards from silica dust. This can lead to serious and life-threatening illnesses including silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease.

Exposure can be prevented by using a combination of protective measures, such as:

Wet methods that apply water at the point where silica dust is made;

Local exhaust ventilation that removes silica dust at or near the point where it is made; and

Enclosures that separate workers from the dust or isolate the work process.

Read our fact sheet to learn how to protect workers from silica dust exposure."

https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3768.pdf

(Shared from yesterday's OSHA QuickTakes email update. Pictured is page one from OSHA's fact sheet.)