Regardless of the scope of the project or the execution of it, the health and wellbeing of everyone involved, including your own, should be a paramount concern from the very beginning to completion. Here at Shaw Stone, we want to make it apparent that anyone involved in a home renovation must take proactive measures to ensure the safety of themselves and those around them, even if not directly contributing to the renovation. Read on to learn about how home renovations may pose a risk of silicosis and how you can protect yourself from it.
Creating bespoke stone worktops and furniture involves techniques of precision like grinding, cutting, and polishing. While these methods achieve stunning results, they also generate respiratory crystalline silica dust (RCS), a known cause of silicosis. Silicosis is a lung disease producing symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent coughing, chest pain and fatigue for which there is no known cure. There are three types of silicosis: acute, which occurs within weeks of exposure; chronic, which occurs 13-30 years after exposure; and accelerated, which occurs within 10 years of extreme RCS exposure. It is important to note that silicosis does not have to occur immediately after exposure, meaning you must be mindful and take suitable precautions to protect yourself.
As a homeowner, you have just as much possibility of contracting silicosis as our specialists. Although you may not be directly handling equipment, or be in the same room where the project is being carried out, silica dust particles are airborne and so travel around the vicinity, giving you, your family and even your pets a high chance of inhaling the dust.
As mentioned before, there is unfortunately no known cure to silicosis, and so contracting this disease could prove to be fatal. That is why our team here at Shaw Stone want to make it clear that we take all the necessary precautions and more to successfully protect ourselves and you. We provide our team with regular and comprehensive training on the hazards of silica dust as well as proper use of control measures and personal protective equipment (PPE). Our workers are all fully educated on the symptoms of silicosis and the importance of early detection. We also install local exhaust ventilation systems to capture dust particles during operations to reduce the possibility of silicosis developing. Although these are great measures to implement into the work environment, they do not fully extinguish the possibility of silicosis, and so, it’s important for you, too, to take preventative measures yourself. Read on to learn how.
Even with strong silicosis prevention measures in place, your personal protection remains essential. There are two main types of respiratory filters to be aware of. The first is Air-Purifying Respirators (APRs), which remove harmful contaminants from the air using a filter, cartridge or canister. The second type is Supplied-Air Respirators (SARs), which provide clean air from an uncontaminated external source. For most home projects, disposable N95 APRs are typically sufficient. They’re affordable, easy to find and simple to use. Some models feature a built-in exhalation valve, which helps with breathability, but be cautious – others may look like basic dust masks, which do not offer adequate protection and should not be relied on.
Once you’ve chosen a respirator, it’s important to perform regular checks for both inhalation and exhalation leaks. To check for an inhalation leak, cover the cartridges with your hands and inhale sharply. If you feel air entering the mask or the mask doesn’t slightly collapse, the seal is compromised, and the mask should be replaced. To check for an exhalation leak, cover the exhalation port and exhale strongly. If the mask doesn’t puff out slightly or if you feel air escaping, it’s time for a replacement.
When cleaning areas where silica dust may be present, avoid dry sweeping, as it simply stirs dust into the air. Instead, vacuuming with an appropriate filter is the safest and most effective method for removing silica particles.
Our expert team is always here to help you select the right respiratory protection and implement the safest practices for your project, helping protect not just yourself, but everyone in your home.
While adherence to all safety precautions significantly minimises dust exposure, unexpected incidents can occur. If you suspect exposure, immediately leave the area and seek medical attention, especially if you experience any shortness of breath, tight chest, coughing or wheezing. Your doctor may order X-rays, CT scans, lung function tests or other assessments. Be sure to communicate all concerns and questions to ensure thorough evaluation and your peace of mind. Diligently follow medical advice and engage in long-term health monitoring.
Now that you understand the threat of silica dust and what silicosis is, we hope that you will be able to effectively implement safety practices into your home when renovating.
Taking proper precautions against silicosis is more than eliminating a chance of lung disease; it’s about protecting your health and lifestyle and that of those around you, whether it be now or years down the line. Our team is here to aid you. If you have any enquiries or concerns, or you’re simply looking for extra advice, please get in touch with us today by calling 01329 844 474. At Shaw Stone, not only are we specialists in the furnishing segment, but we also prioritise our customers’ needs and safety. We look forward to hearing from you soon.