Wet Cutting

Wet cutting is the most effective method for controlling silica dust generated during sawing or sanding because it controls the exposure at its source. Dust that is wet is less able to become or remain airborne.

Follow these practices in order to maintain a water-feed system:

• Check the pump to ensure that it is working properly, and make sure that hoses are securely connected and are not showing any signs of being cracked or broken.
• Adjust nozzles to ensure that water is pointed correctly, so that the maximum amount of water reaches the cutting area while still keeping the blade cool.
• Rinse or replace water filters frequently according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that the flow of clean water is not restricted, and to prevent any damage from occurring to the pump.
• Replace the water when it gets gritty or begins to thicken up with dust. Depending on how much the saw is used, this step may need to be repeated several times per day to prevent the nozzle from clogging, and to ensure that the mist generated during cutting does not carry extra dust from the recycled water.
• Dispose of water that contains silica in a way that prevents the silica from then becoming airborne.
• Freezing temperatures make using water more complicated. Consider heating the local work area, if practical, to prevent ice from forming in the water-feed system.

To learn more about Silica Safety visit our General & Maritime Silica Safety Online Training web page.