Silicosis Information Network
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Preventing silicosis takes awareness and planning, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The agency's safety recommendations are outlined in its Special Emphasis Program for Silicosis.

Among other things, OSHA asks employers to:

• Inspect work areas to determine the source of silica dust
• Isolate work processes that produce silica dust
• Suppress airborne dust with moisture by installing sprays
• Check the ventilation equipment every three months
• Use only approved respirators
• Offer periodic medical exams, including a chest x-ray and pulmonary function tests for all workers
• Train employees on correct personal hygiene and work habits to help reduce their risk of exposure
• Store silica -- if it's found in large quantities -- in airtight bins or hoppers
• Make all employees aware of the dangers of breathing silica dust
• Don't smoke -- exposure to both cigarettes and silica dust results in more severe lung disease than exposure to silica alone.

Here are some occupational ideas for those who work around silica:

How to Maximize Dry Dust Collection

• Provide inside corner flaps for deck shrouds (skirts).
• Install an air-ring seal where the drill pipe passes through the drill deck.
• Install or upgrade dust collector fans so the collector airflow/bailing airflow ratio is greater than 3:1.
• When safe to do so, raise the level of the drill in steps as the job progresses to minimize dust leakage between the deck shrouds (skirt) and the ground.
• Enclose the area around the collector discharge with brattice cloth or a flexible hose to prevent recirculation of dust that has already been collected.
• Lower the deck shroud (skirt) after it has been lifted to shovel cuttings.
• Use proper dust control equipment.

How to Properly Maintain Dry Dust Collectors

• Change collection filters according to the manufacturers' directions or when they no longer clean properly.
• Maintain deck shrouds (skirts). Replace torn shroud material and make sure the shroud is as long as possible, but try not to drag it on the ground when the drill is lowered.

How to Maximize Wet Suppression

• Add small amounts of water into bailing air. This is known as "wet drilling."
• Use equipment with a needle valve control for proper regulation of the water flow rate.
• Add water slowly until the visible dust cloud has been significantly reduced.

How to Properly Maintain Wet Suppression Devices

• Use a water filter in front of the needle valve control so that it does not get blocked by small debris in the water system.
• To increase bit life, do not use more water than is needed to control dust.

How to Properly Use and Maintain Enclosed Cabs

• Make sure enclosed cabs provide a sufficient flow of heating and cooling air.
• Wash out the cab frequently, but do not sweep or use compressed air to blow out dust.
• Replace torn or missing cab seals.
• Keep the cab door closed when drilling.
• Change air filters frequently.

General Health Tips

• When possible, do not stand in any visible cloud of dust.
• Position drills with respect to prevailing winds whenever possible, and remain upwind of drill dust sources.
• When using a respirator, follow directions and guidelines that are based on OSHA or MSHA regulations.

If you are aware of safety violations in your workplace, contact OSHA and your State Department of Health.

If you or someone you know has been exposed to silica, you may be at risk for silicosis. Contact a silicosis attorney as soon as possible to discuss your rights.

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