Dry sweeping methods, such as using brooms, or using compressed air to clean up accumulated dust, should never be used. These methods can recirculate silica dust into the air.
Work with materials in a way that minimizes the generation of airborne dust. Wet sweeping where possible using water or a sweeping compound. Wet materials before disturbing, unless that creates significant muscular skeletal strain, slip or other safety hazards. Use a water mist to keep airborne dust down.
Permissible exposure limit (PEL).
The employer shall ensure that no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of respirable crystalline silica in excess of 50 μg/m3, calculated as an 8-hour TWA.
Another option is to use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate filter, known as a HEPA filter, to clean up silica-related areas. You should strive to avoid using compressed air or dry sweeping these areas. These methods disperse dust particles into the air and dramatically increase the potential for exposure.
Use Respirators When Needed
When water sprays and ventilation alone are not enough to reduce silica dust levels, your employer MUST provide you with a properly fitted and selected respirator (e.g., particulate filter or airline supplied air respirator) designated for protection against crystalline silica.
Compressed air use is governed by standard 1910.242. b, which states, “Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning purposes except where reduced to less than 30 psi (206 kPa) and then only with effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment.”
The eight-hour time weighted average workplace exposure standard (WES) for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is 0.05 mg/m3. This means that your workers must not be exposed to levels of RCS greater than 0.05 mg/m3 over an eight hour working day, for a five day working week.
To adequately remove crystalline silica dust from the air, a HEPA filter is necessary.
OSHA does not have a particular standard for how the dust is removed—they do not regulate dust collector systems—the concern is only that the dust needs to be removed by employers or they must take presumptive measures to protect workers from the harmful effects of dust.
Use wet methods, such as a water spray on the dust source, wet mopping or wiping, (non-silica containing) sweeping compounds, or vacuums with HEPA filters to remove dust from floors and surfaces.
(APF = 10) Any particulate respirator equipped with an N95, R95, or P95 filter (including N95, R95, and P95 filtering facepieces) except quarter-mask respirators. The following filters may also be used: N99, R99, P99, N100, R100, P100.
Silicosis is a type of pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica, a common mineral found in sand, quartz and many other types of rock. Silicosis mainly affects workers exposed to silica dust in jobs such as construction and mining.
There is no specific treatment for silicosis. Removing the source of silica exposure is important to prevent the disease from getting worse. Supportive treatment includes cough medicine, bronchodilators, and oxygen if needed. Antibiotics are prescribed for respiratory infections as needed.
Soapy, Warm Water
Protect your hand with gloves and start cleaning the silicone with soapy water and a soft sponge or a soft brush. Rinse with cold or lukewarm water and let dry.
Silica can cause major problems to industrial equipment, but luckily there are various methods to remove it from a water supply, including lime softening, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, and electrocoagulation.
Compressed air or dry sweeping should be avoided when cleaning a work area; Compressed air should not be used for removing dust from clothing; Workers exposed to silica should be provided with or have access to washing facilities equipped with clean water, soap, and individual towels.
Reverse osmosis for silica removal
Reverse osmosis (RO) membranes can remove over 95% of dissolved silica by using pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane. The silica is left behind in the concentrate stream.
There are thousands of portable air purifiers that can help, but the best room air filter for dust is a HEPA filter. Unlike home air filters for an HVAC system, highly efficient HEPA air filters work very well in a standalone air purifier. A HEPA air filter traps 99.97% of particles in the air.
Permissible exposure limit (PEL). The employer shall ensure that no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of respirable crystalline silica in excess of 50 μg/m3, calculated as an 8-hour TWA.
NIOSH recommends the use of half-facepiece particulate respirators with N95 or better filters for airborne exposures to crystalline silica at concentrations less than or equal to 0.5 mg/m3.
Under no circumstances should anyone use compressed air to clean off clothing or any part of the body. Although many people know using compressed air to clean debris or clothes can be hazardous, it is still used because of old habits and the easy availability of compressed air in many workplaces.
One of the best dusting tools is a damp microfiber towel. "Dust clings to it and, once the towel is covered, you can rinse it clean and start again," says Parnell.
Yes, air duster is generally designed for use on electronics. There are a few things to watch out for: Avoid spraying the refrigerant liquid, which can happen if you shake the can, or angle it too much.