Silica dust is a hidden danger that’s found in many workplaces – but particularly in construction and manufacturing. It’s invisible and can have serious health implications for workers, making it a really critical issue for business owners, employers, Health & Safety managers, contractors and consultants. In fact, over 500 construction workers are believed to die from exposure to silica dust alone every year – so today, we’ll talk about what silica dust is and how you can reduce the risks associated with it.

What is silica dust made from?

Silica dust is made up of tiny particles of quartz – and silica itself is silicon dioxide, a chemical compound made up of silicon and oxygen. There are two main forms of silica – crystalline and amorphous.

  • Crystalline is the more hazardous form of silica and is found in materials like sand, stone, concrete and mortar
  • Amorphous has a non-crystalline structure and is generally less harmful

Where is silica dust found?

Natural occurrences

Silica dust is naturally occurring in a lot of environments. Specific natural sources include sandstone and slate, which contain a lot of silica and can release dust when disturbed. Because of these natural deposits, silica dust therefore can be found almost everywhere, from beaches to mountains.

Industrial and occupational sources

In the workplace, silica dust is mostly generated through activities that disturb materials containing silica. Construction materials like bricks, tiles and concrete are common places where you might find silica. Manufacturing processes such as cutting, grinding or drilling these materials can produce fine silica dust particles. Industries at risk include construction, mining, glass manufacturing and ceramics production, which all involve handling materials with a high silica content.

Is silica dust harmful?

Inhaling silica dust can cause significant health problems. The biggest concern is silicosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling large amounts of silica dust over a long period of time. Silicosis can lead to inflammation and scarring in the lungs which in turn can have a huge impact on respiratory function. Exposure to silica dust can also increase the risk of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and kidney disease. Around 4000 deaths are estimated annually due to COPD from past workplace exposures. 

How to reduce the risks of silica in construction

Control dust

One of the most effective ways to reduce silica dust exposure is by controlling the dust at its source. Wet methods, such as using water sprays, can significantly reduce the amount of dust generated during cutting and grinding. Dust extraction systems like local exhaust ventilation (LEV) can catch the dust at the point of generation.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

PPE is essential when working in environments with silica dust. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) like masks and respirators can prevent workers from breathing in any harmful dust. Make sure PPE is properly fitted to each worker, and that each worker is trained on the proper use of PPE and they wear it consistently to prevent exposure as much as possible.

Workplace controls

Another way you can reduce exposure to silica dust is through practical controls within your workplace. For example, setting up exclusion zones to keep non-essential workers away from exposure to dust, using barriers or enclosures to contain the dust and maintaining practices that prevent the dust building up. You should also carry out regular monitoring of dust levels and health surveillance for workers so you can identify and reduce risks as early as possible.

Prevent the risks of silica dust with HS Direct

Silica dust can cause huge problems for workers and business owners alike. It’s crucial that, as a business owner, you carry out a comprehensive silica dust risk assessment as part of your COSHH assessments. With our risk assessment templates, produced by IOSH and NEBOSH-qualified safety professionals, you’ll be able to address the risks quickly and promptly. Download it here!

Want to talk to a member of the HS Direct team about your silica concerns or other Health & Safety needs? Call us on 0114 244 4461 or contact us to request a callback.