Weekly Safety Meeting

For The Construction Industry

SILICA – GENERAL

PRIMARY POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARDS

Ø SILICOSIS (Lung Disease – Inflammation and Scarring in the Lungs)
Ø LUNG CANCER (Malignant Lung Tumor(s))

PRIMARY EXPOSURES FOR MECHANICAL CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

Ø Cutting, boring, drilling, chipping, jackhammering, etc. into concrete
Ø Work in close proximity to other trades that are cutting, boring, chipping, jackhammering, drilling, etc. into silica containing materials such as concrete, brick, block, tile, etc.
Ø Work in close proximity to other trades performing sand blasting

SAFE WORK PRACTICES

Ø Wear a suitable respirator unless your company’s competent person for silica informs you that overexposure will not occur even if you don’t use respiratory protection.

Ø Before using any respirator, be sure you have the appropriate medical clearance, fit test, and respiratory protection training.

Ø Never dry sweep, dry brush, or use compressed air to clean clothing or surfaces in affected work areas.

Ø Be sure not to eat, drink, smoke, or apply cosmetics in affected work areas.

Ø Wash your hands and face before eating, drinking, smoking, or applying cosmetics.

Ø Whenever they are available, use standard drills and hammer drills fitted with a commercially available shroud or cowling, and an adequate dust collection system.

Ø Be sure to follow the tool/dust collection system manufacturers’ instructions carefully to minimize dust emissions.

Ø When drilling holes to install pipe or duct hangers, make sure you clean out the holes with an approved HEPA filtered vacuum before installing the hangers.

Ø Use an exhaust ventilation system in conjunction with the dust collection system if visible airborne dust begins to accumulate while you’re performing the work.

Ø If you have any questions or concerns about silica, immediately check with your supervisor and/or Therma’s Safety Department.

Meeting Attended By:

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Therma

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