If you work with or around silica dust, it’s important that you know the dangers of this substance. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of silica dust and what you can do to protect yourself from its harmful effects.

What is silica dust?

Silica dust is a fine powder that is created when cutting, grinding, or drilling materials that contain silica. Silica is a natural mineral found in the earth’s crust. When these materials are disturbed, the resulting dust can be breathed in by workers and cause serious health problems.

Which worksites contain silica dust?

Silica dust is created when working with materials like concrete, brick, mortar, and sand. It’s also present in many industrial jobs, such as mining, quarrying, tunneling, and demolition. If you work in one of these industries or with these materials, you’re at risk for exposure to silica dust.

Dangers of silica dust:

The small particles of silica dust can enter the lungs and cause inflammation. This can lead to scarring of the lungs and difficulty breathing. Over time, silica dust can cause lung cancer, silicosis, and other respiratory illnesses. In severe cases, silica dust exposure can be fatal.

How to avoid making silica dust:

• Wet cutting or grinding concrete, stone, or masonry can significantly reduce the amount of dust created. 
• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to clean up silica dust. 
• Avoid using dry sweeping methods as this will only disperse the dust into the air. 
• Use local exhaust ventilation to capture silica dust at the source. This is especially important when using power tools.

How to prevent inhalation of silica dust:

• Wear a respirator or dust mask when working with or around silica dust.
• Wash your hands and face after exposure to silica dust.
• Avoid eating or drinking in areas where silica dust is present.

Symptoms of silica dust poisoning include: 

• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing

If you think you may have been exposed to silica dust, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Silica exposure can lead to serious health problems, so don’t delay in seeking medical attention.

Working in an industry where exposure to silica dust is a risk can be dangerous to your health so it’s important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself.

This Post Is Part Of A Series: 101 Toolbox Topic Ideas For The Construction Industry
Do you struggle to come up with toolbox talk ideas each week to discuss with your workers? Fear no more, Work Safety QLD is here to the rescue with 101 Free Toolbox Talk Ideas for the Construction Industry.