Silica Exposure

Breathing in Silica dust can lead to silicosis

  • Chronic: After 10 or more years of exposure at relatively low concentrations
  • Accelerated: After 5-10 years after initial exposure at high concentrations
  • Acute: Within weeks, or 4-5 years, after exposure to very high concentrations

Initially may have no symptoms, but over time the worker may experience shortness of breath, severe cough, and weakness. These could worsen over time and lead to death.

Potential Exposures with ARCO:

  • Housekeeping, jackhammering, grinding and polishing concrete, handheld saw cutting of concrete, walk-behind saw cutting of concrete, drilling of concrete, mixing operations, cutting of masonry.

Safe Practice to Reduce Exposure:

  • Possible engineering controls for silica exposure are wet methods and dust collection methods (with proper HEPA filter).

Additional Safe Practices:

  • Post warning signs
  • Make sure all workers in the area are wearing the proper PPE (respirators).
  • All workers with possible exposure must be trained beforehand
  • Employers/employees should review the Exposure Control Plans