Harm that appears years later.
WHY IT IS NEGLECTED
The consequences are invisible until they are permanent.
WHAT SILICA DUST CAUSES
Irreversible lung disease.
WHERE IT ARISES
Drilling Blasting Crushing and screening Haulage on dry roads Loading and stockpiling
WHY IT DESERVES SPECIFIC ATTENTION
Many rocks contain crystalline silica, and the dust from working them causes permanent disability.
WHAT CONTROLS EXIST
Water suppression at drilling, crushing and conveyor points Wetting haul roads Enclosure of dusty processes Extraction where enclosure is possible Respiratory protection where controls are insufficient
WHY WATER SUPPRESSION FIRST
It prevents dust becoming airborne rather than relying on people wearing protection.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Suppression that actually operates, and is checked.
WHAT RESPIRATORY PROTECTION REQUIRES
The correct type for the hazard Fit that actually seals Maintenance and replacement
WHY FIT MATTERS
Protection that does not seal provides nothing.
WHAT NOISE CAUSES
Permanent hearing loss.
WHAT VIBRATION CAUSES
Lasting damage to hands and arms from percussive tools.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Limits on exposure time, and rotation.
WHAT HEAT REQUIRES
Water, shade and rest.
WHY
Heat illness is a real risk in open workings.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Health surveillance for exposed workers, where required.
WHAT TO RECORD
Exposure controls, monitoring and health surveillance.
WHAT TO EXPLAIN TO WORKERS
Why the controls exist.
WHY
Protection is otherwise discarded as an inconvenience.
