Eliminate the Silica

The best way to eliminate the silica hazard is to simply eliminate the silica. This is especially important for sandblasters, where abrasive blasting is often done outside and in different locations, making it just about impossible to install any kind of engineering control. The most dangerous silica exposures occur in the area where abrasive blasting is being done.

'Eliminating the silica' means using a different, safer material in place of the silica-containing substance. In some cases, it is not possible to use a substitute in place of silica, but for many tasks, such as abrasive blasting, there are several good alternatives. Using a substitute might even be less expensive in the long run, considering the cost of engineering controls or personal protective equipment that would be needed to guard against the silica hazard.

To learn more about Construction Silica visit our Construction Silica Safety Online Training web page.