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Health and Safety Executive (HSE) considers silica dust exposure the second BIGGEST RISK to worker health.

What is silica? When materials such as stone, rock, concrete, slate or tile is cut, drilled, sanded, grinded or polished, it creates large quantities of respirable crystalline silica dust particles. 

Why is it a health hazard? Silica dust particles are 100 times smaller than a grain of beach sand. Due to its size, once inhaled, particles are easily lodged deep into the lungs without the person being aware.

What is the exposure limit? Respirable Crystalline Silica dust has a workplace exposure limit (WEL) of 0.1 mg.m-3 8 hour Time Weighted Average (TWA). To put this exposure limit into perspective, please see the image below.

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Breathing in the amount of silica dust shown each day means you have exceeded the exposure limit of 0.1 mg/m3.

How can it impact health? Overexposure to silica dust can lead to a life-threatening lung disease. Sadly, in 2024, the UK had its first silicosis diagnosis from a stonemason who was overexposed to Respirable Crystalline Silica dust at work. The company he was working for reportedly did not provide specialist PPE and the extraction machine did not work correctly.  Find out more >

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FREE Hazard Control Assessment with RVT Group

We know that inhaling silica dust can cause life-threatening diseases such as lung cancer, asthma, silicosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

The good news is that with appropriate dust extraction and mitigation strategies in place, exposure to harmful dust is preventable! For more information, book a FREE hazard control Assessment with a Dust Control expert today.

Benefits of our free assessment include: 

  • Receive best practice advice from a dust control expert based on your current or upcoming work activities. 
  • Ensure you are maintaining compliance with relevant legislation including Workplace Exposure Limits and COSHH regulations.
  • We will tailor the assessment to what best suits you, whether that's a telephone call, teams meeting, or a site visit. 

 

"I have had the pleasure of working with RVT for over 15 years. we have a great relationship. The products are brilliant and work exactly how they are advertised. Their level of knowledge is unparalleled to any other. Innovation is key and RVT have this in the bag. Every department works to ensure we are supported at every stage. I would recommend RVT at all times for these types of activities. Simply brilliant and the best in the business." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Health and Safety Manager, J Coffey Construction

Book a FREE Hazard Control Assessment

RVT Group's Control Solutions Suitable For Silica Dust

DUSTEX® Raptor

The Raptor provides an airflow of 1000m³/hr and features three-stage filtration (including HEPA), this unit is one of the most effective and best priced units on the market for its size.
DUSTEX Raptor In Use 1

Supporting a construction project with dust control, keeping workers safe.

DUSTEX Raptor In Use 2

Protecting Lewisham College students from wood dust in the workshop.

DUSTEX Raptor In Use 3

Creating negative pressure and protecting the wider environment from dust.

DUSTEX® DustMaster® Pro

With an airflow of up to 2500m³/hr, this unit can capture and filter dust from a wide range of tasks, including being used to create a negative pressure environment for zero dust migration.
DUSTEX® DustMaster® Pro in use 1
Used with our multi-purpose enclosure, supporting with dust extraction.
DUSTEX® DustMaster® Pro in use 2
Supporting a fibreglass installation project creating a negative pressure. 
DUSTEX® DustMaster® Pro in use 3

Supporting Glasgow Leisure Centre during a swimming pool refurbishment project.

DUSTEX® Wandafilta Pro

Suitable for a wide range of tasks, this mobile dust filtration unit is designed to capture and remove hazardous dusts. When used with a VENTEX® fan, it can move up to 5400m³/hr of air.
DUSTEX® Wandafilta Pro in use 1
Protecting staff and patients at John Radcliffe Hospital during COVID-19 pandemic.
DUSTEX® Wandafilta Pro in use 2

Extracting hazardous dust from the environment and protecting workers health. 

DUSTEX® Wandafilta Pro in use 3
Protecting workers from hazardous dust created during grit blasting.

Free Resources For Silica Dust Awareness

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Silica Dust: As Dangerous As Asbestos?

Do your team know the dangers of silica dust? Raise awareness by sharing this poster in your welfare area.

Download & Display Poster >
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Silica Dust- PDF and Video Format

Covers various aspects of Silica Dust, including where it can found, the risks to health and site solutions.

Download For Your Next Safety Briefing >
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Understanding the Dangers of Silica Dust

Discover the facts, risks and how to protect yourself from Silica Dust in this whitepaper.

Download To Read >