Silicosis: A preventable tragedy.

Silicosis is a preventable disease, but it continues to affect workers around the world, and is on the rise in many countries.

Despite the availability of effective control measures, the incidence of silicosis has been on the rise in recent years. The data on exposure and the increase in case rates is alarming. In Australia, the rate of silicosis among construction workers has increased by 30% since 2015, according to a report by Safe Work Australia.

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It is estimated that around approximately 600,000 Australian workers are currently exposed to respirable crystalline silica. As a result, around 10,000 Australians are predicted to develop lung cancer in their lifetime directly related to silica dust exposure.

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What is Silicosis?

Silicosis is a disabling, irreversible and sometimes deadly lung disease caused by inhaling respirable silica dust. Crystalline Silica is natural product found in many building products such as concrete, stone, brink, and engineered stone. When workers cut, drill, grind crush or polish these products it creates Silica Dust. Respirable Silica dust is 100X smaller than a grain of sand which can be inhaled into the lungs.

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Over time, this dust can cause scarring in the lungs, leading to a range of symptoms, including shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue. In severe cases, silicosis can lead to respiratory failure and death.

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The risk of developing silicosis is highest for construction, mining, and manufacturing workers, where silica dust is commonly generated. The risk is also higher for workers who are exposed to high levels of silica dust for long periods of time, such as those who work in poorly ventilated areas or who do not use appropriate respiratory protection.

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Silicosis is also more common in certain populations, such as older workers or those with pre-existing lung conditions. Smoking can also increase your risk of developing silicosis if you are exposed to silica dust.

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Why is Silicosis on the Rise?

Silicosis is on the rise in various industries, including the construction and mining sectors, due to exposure to silica dust. However, in recent years, there has been an increased focus on the risks of silicosis in the stone countertop industry along with the concurrent rise in popularity of engineered stone in building and renovation.

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The engineered stone fabrication and installation process generates significant amounts of silica dust. Workers involved in cutting, grinding, and polishing engineered stone are particularly at risk of exposure to silica dust, so much so that we may yet end up seeing a ban on the use of engineered stone in Australia.

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Mitigation Strategies

Given the risks associated with silicosis, it's essential for site managers, foremen, and tradesmen to take steps to protect workers from exposure to silica dust. The following are some mitigation strategies that can be implemented to reduce the risk of silicosis:

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Use Engineering Controls

For example, using wet methods to cut or grind materials can help to reduce the amount of dust that is created. Other engineering controls include using dust collection systems, ventilation systems, and enclosed workspaces.

Use Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) can also help to reduce exposure to silica dust. Workers should wear respirators that are specifically designed to filter out silica dust. Other types of PPE that can be used include goggles, face shields, and gloves.

Provide Training and Education

Workers should be trained on the risks associated with silica dust and how to properly use engineering controls and PPE. They should also be educated on the symptoms of silicosis and how to report any concerns to their supervisor.

Conduct Regular Air Monitoring

Regular air monitoring can help to identify areas where silica dust levels may be high. By monitoring the air quality in the workplace, site managers can take steps to reduce exposure to silica dust and protect workers from the risk of silicosis.

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The WHOLE Solution

Compliance around dust is crucial to ensure your job site can be up and running whilst also keeping your workers safe. To reduce dust within the workplace, Bosch offer M and H class vacs that ensure you are meeting state regulations in collecting silica dust at the source. We offer more than just the product; we offer the whole solution. With M and H class vacs, dust attachments and accessories we offer minimal dust during application that works not only on Bosch tools but others as well to improve the health and well being of your workers.

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Wet and Dry Dust Extractors

M-Class Vac: The GAS 35M AFC and GAS 55 M AFC are M-Class wet and dry dust extractors.? Meets silica compliance standards for Australia and New Zealand. Automatic filter cleaning. technology that guarantees sustained, powerful suction and enables a very fast work progress. A volume flow control monitors the constant airflow and gives an acoustic warning signal if the airflow is too low.

H-Class Vac:? The GAS 35 H AFC is an H-CLASS Wet & Dry dust extractor.? Meets compliance standards for Australia and New Zealand.? HEPA filter traps 99.995% of health-endangering dusts. The certification for H-class dust further increases the level of health protection against carcinogenic and pathogenic dust as well as organic material (e.g., mold) and container construction material (e.g., glass fiber). Automatic filter cleaning technology that guarantees sustained, powerful suction and enables a very fast work progress. A volume flow control monitors the constant airflow and gives an acoustic warning signal if the airflow is too low.

Attachments and Accessories

Bosch dust collection attachments are engineered to provide maximum performance while ?preserving the full functionality of the tool.

• Dust collection systems are available Drilling, Grinding, Demolition and Cutting of products containing Silica.
• Dust Extraction Drilling – vacuum drill bits are now available in SDS+ and SDS MAX.? Specialty drill bits to remove dust at the source before it is airborne.? Speed of chemical anchors is increase by 50% due to the dust extraction.
• Wider Bosch dust solutions are also available for when cutting timber, MDF, plastics etc.? These fit a wide range of tools such as circular saws, sanders, mitre saws, table saw, routers, oscillators, jig saws, and planers.

The repercussions of silica dust on workers’ health can be deadly.

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It is incumbent upon employers to ensure they enact mitigation strategies to prevent harmful exposure and ensure they are compliant with currently mandated Work Exposure Standards or risk running afoul of Work Health and Safety laws.

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You will find more information on Silica Dust Safety Regulations across all of Australia and New Zealand:

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SafeWork Australia State Contacts:

NSW: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/

VIC: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/

QLD: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/

SA: https://www.safework.sa.gov.au/

WA: https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe

TAS: https://www.worksafe.tas.gov.au/

NT: https://worksafe.nt.gov.au/

SafeWork New Zealand Contacts:

https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/??????? ?