Important Safety Information
11/11/19
4
Avoid crystalline Silica
(quartz) Dust
Because crystalline silica is a basic
component of sand and granite,
many activities at construction sites
produce dust containing crystalline
silica. Trenching, sawing, and boring
of material containing crystalline
silica can produce dust containing
crystalline silica particles. This dust
can cause serious injury to the
lungs (silicosis).
There are guidelines which should
be followed if crystalline silica
(quartz) is present in the dust.
Be aware of and follow OSHA
(or other local, State, or Federal)
guidelines for exposure to airborne
crystalline silica.
Know the work operations where
exposure to crystalline silica may
occur.
Participate in air monitoring or
training programs offered by the
employer.
Be aware of and use optional
equipment controls such as water
sprays, local exhaust ventilation,
and enclosed cabs with positive
pressure air conditioning if the
machine has such equipment.
Otherwise respirators shall be worn.
Where respirators are required, wear
a respirator approved for protection
against crystalline silica containing
dust. Do not alter respirator in any
way. Workers who use tight-fitting
respirators can not have beards/
mustaches which interfere with the
respirator seal to the face.
If possible, change into disposable
or washable work clothes at the
work site; shower and change into
clean clothing before leaving the
work site.
Do not eat, drink, use tobacco
products, or apply cosmetics in
areas where there is dust containing
crystalline silica.
Store food, drink, and personal
belongings away from the work
area.
Wash hands and face before eating,
drinking, smoking, or applying
cosmetics after leaving the exposure
area.
Listed below are common practices that may or may not be applicable to the products
described in this manual.
Handle
Chemicals Properly
Protective clothing should be
worn.
Handle all chemicals with care.
Follow instructions on container
label.
Agricultural chemicals can be
dangerous. Improper use can
seriously injure persons, animals,
plants, soil, and property.
Inhaling smoke from any type of
chemical fire can be a serious
health hazard.
Store or dispose of unused
chemicals as specified by the
chemical manufacturer.
