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SILICA TOOLBOX TALK HANDOUT
BENEFITS
Workers in various trades and industries, including mining, tunnelling, quarrying, masonry, metal foundries and ship and bridge repair, can be exposed to crystalline silica dust.Crystalline silica is a mineral that can cause lung cancer and silicosis when inhaled.As a result, employers have a duty under the OHS laws to protect workers from exposure to it.To fulfil that duty, you should educate workers exposed to this hazard.
HOW TO USE THE TOOL
Give this handout to workers as part of a safety talk to educate them on the hazards posed by exposure to silica dust. Whoever gives the talk, whether a supervisor, safety coordinator, foreman, training provider, etc., should cover the hazards of silica dust, safe work procedures for work that may generate such dust and proper use of appropriate PPE.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The Center for Construction Research and Training
Spot the Safety Violation: Prevent Exposure to Silica Dust
Model Crystalline Silica Exposure Plan
Fact Sheet -- What Is Crystalline Silica?
Hazard Alert: Worker Exposure to Silica During Fracking
Ontario MOL Guideline: Silica on Construction Projects
SILICA TOOLBOX TALK HANDOUT
Silica is found in many materials common on construction sites, including sand, concrete, rock, mortar and brick. When workers cut, grind, abrasive blast, jackhammer or perform other tasks that disturb thesematerials, dust containing crystalline silica can be released into the air. Workers who inhale this dust are at risk of developing serious, sometimes fatal, illnesses including a lung disease called silicosis, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Silica has also been linked to other illnesses such as kidney disease.
HERE’S AN EXAMPLE
Frank worked as a laborer for 22 years dry cutting,jack-hammering and drilling concrete. Water or vacuumsweren’t used to control the dust and he rarely wasprovided with a respirator. He began to experienceshortness of breath, wheezing and tiredness after evenshort periods of work.
After a co-worker developedtuberculosis, the government required all workers to get a chest x-ray. Frank told his doctor abouthis work history. The doctor had Frank’s x-ray read by acertified class “B” reader because of the possible silicaexposure. The results helped in diagnosing his silicosis.
1. Have you ever been exposed to silica dust eitherbecause of the work you were performing or work
going on nearby?
2. How frequently is equipment with water or vacuumsattached used to control dust at your worksite?
3. Have you known anyone who has developed asilica-related health problem?
PREVENTING HEALTH PROBLEMS FROM SILICA
- Use vacuums or water to reduce or eliminate the dustat the source, before it becomes airborne. When thesecontrols aren’t enough, use respiratory protection.Routinely maintain dust control systems to keep themin good working order.
- Don’t use sand or other substances containing morethan 1% crystalline silica as abrasive blasting materials.Substitute less hazardous materials.
- Wear disposable or washable work clothes and showerif facilities are available. Vacuum the dust from yourclothes and change into clean clothing before leavingthe work site. Don’t brush or blow the dust off! Don’t bring dust home!
- Avoid eating, drinking and smoking in areas where silicadust is present. Wash your hands and face outside ofdusty areas before performing any of these activities.
WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO TODAY?
What will we do at the worksite today to prevent/control the dust and prevent exposure to silica dust?
1.______
2.______
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