Crystalline silica, or ‘silica dust’, is a common byproduct of various quarrying processes involving stone, rock, clay, and gravel, and is often generated in high volumes during cutting, grinding, crushing, and transporting materials that contain quartz crystal. Quarry dust control is important to site operations and safety because of the numerous health risks associated with silica, and because of the risk posed to equipment.
Reduced Visibility and Increased Accident Risk
Crystalline silica particles are extremely light and fine, allowing them to remain suspended in the air, especially when generated in large quantities and when wind conditions prevent dust from settling. Rock blasting in quarries, for instance, can quickly create large dust clouds that could drift across work zones, further exacerbated by the movement of vehicles. These dust clouds reduce visibility and make it more difficult for operators to adequately assess their surroundings, so that the risk of collisions, falls, slips, and accidents is increased.
Drivers of heavy machinery, lorries, and mobile plant rely on clear visibility to safely manoeuvre around site. Dense dust clouds can distort depth perception and sometimes completely obscure oncoming objects and pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Accumulated dust can also interfere with lighting rigs on site (including vehicle lamps and floodlights) compounding the issue of poor visibility.
Chronic and Life Threatening Health Conditions
The most pressing danger from crystalline silica is the risk it presents to workers, plant operators, and people in surrounding communities. How much silica dust is harmful? Unfortunately, even low volumes of inhaled particles can cause serious respiratory health conditions both short and long term. Fine silica particles are highly respirable and can remain in the air as dust for long periods of time. Some of the most common conditions associated with silica dust include:
Silicosis
Is an irreversible lung disease caused by inhaled silica particles settling in the lung’s alveoli, which causes chronic inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue. There are three forms of the disease.
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Acute silicosis arises from exposure to very high levels of silica over a short period, rapidly damaging the lungs through fluid buildup and extensive scarring.
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Accelerated silicosis: caused by moderate to high levels of exposure over a longer period, can become symptomatic within 5 to 10 years.
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Chronic silicosis: the most common form of the disease, develops from low but sustained exposure to silica over 10 to 20 years. Initial symptoms include shortness of breath and coughing, progressing to severe respiratory impairment, disability, and death.
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Lung cancer:
The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers crystalline silica to be a Group 1 carcinogen and a direct cause of lung cancer. Workers in high exposure applications, including quarrying, demolition, mining, and some manufacturing sectors, are particularly vulnerable to this often-fatal condition.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
COPD is caused by chronic inflammation in the lungs and airways, reducing airflow to and from the lungs. Early symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath can progress to chronic emphysema and bronchitis, and increase the susceptibility of sufferers to dangerous respiratory diseases, including pneumonia and Covid 19.
Equipment Damage and Downtime
Silica dust particles can accumulate in the equipment, plant, tools, and vehicles used on site, causing blockages, damage, and increasing long-term wear and tear. This increases the risk of malfunctions and unscheduled downtime, which impacts operational efficiency as well as increasing the long-term cost of ownership of your equipment.
Dust Health and Safety Solutions From Best Chem
Contact us today to find out more about our quarry dust control solutions and how we can help you control your workers’ exposure to harmful silica dust, and improve operational efficiency on site.
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