Silica Exposure | WorkSafeBC

Silica is a common substance found in sand, rock, and building materials such as concrete and brick. Cutting, grinding, or drilling these materials releases dangerous crystalline silica dust into the air. This video shows how breathing in silica dust can cause permanent damage to the lungs.

Working around silica dust is one of the most common hazards that concrete cutter operators face. If you are using a concrete cutter, you should wear the appropriate PPE at all times.

This video is a helpful tool for health and safety training and toolbox talks when working around silica and power tools.

Timestamps:
0:00 Where silica is found
0:22 How silica is released into the air
0:36 How silica affects your body
1:25 Effects of exposure to silica
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[worksafebc]

This video shows how breathing in silica dust can cause permanent damage to the lungs. Find information and resources on protecting workers in B.C. from harmful exposure to silica dust at worksafebc.com/silica.

[RayEvangelista]

I live in an area where there are a lot of spanish masons. I walk up to them as and share this video with them.. I then tell them to wear face masks and use the water attachments to their saws. Everyone I have done this to so far thanked me and was grateful.

[Ravenrider]

20+ years as a sandblaster and worked in extremely dusty conditions with concrete cutting and demolition. I have silicosis and thankfully since diagnosed have only permanently lost 20-30% of my lung function and holding, with only small decreases. Positive air fed helmets for blasting is what is needed for not only the guy blasting but everyone in the area . Paper masks don't cut it

[reclaimedtrashcollection]

This vid should be shown to all highschoolers and workers on an annual basis. That's a tough way to go out

[Onsitehealthandsafety]

Great info about Silica Exposure. It's good to see other companies spreading the word about this dangerous safety hazard. We can only hope more workers take silica training seriously after watching a video like this. Thank you.

[davide.]

It's killing me now. Non-specific interstitial pneumonia caused by silica dust and chemical fumes from 30+ years in concrete and industrial coatings business. It's a miserable way to die.

[shawnhenderson]

What's sad is that OSHA took untill 2017 to mandate a safety awareness training for construction workers working around silica...

[aaa]

I read a article on silicosis in a masonry magazine. They said a coroner had a hard time cutting two old bricklayers lungs

[JJSafetyLLC]

I appreciate the simplicity, the slow pace, and the awesome lung graphics. The plug to the Safety company at the end is key!

[davidperry]

Prolong work of cutting concrete or cement should be done only when wearing a facemask and sand blasting should only be done while wearing a facemask. Sandblasting without a facemasks is an osha violation.

[Dustelimin]

Great video shows vary clearly how easy it is to damage are lungs.
Wet cut and ffp3 dust mask the only way to live.

[chomes]

I bought triple washed sand for my sons sandpit and its almost entirely fine silica that looks like dust whenever it is picked up. Blows in the slightest breeze. Turns put its quarry sand and when they wash it, instead of letting the fine particles go, they catch them to make 20% extra product at the cost of kids lungs. Good job kids sand industry in Australia 😮‍💨

[marthanewsome]

It's not always work that causes this condition. I have this condition from my pets of all things. Cleaning clay cat litters can be breathed in, also fish keepers need to make sure they don't stir up sand or substrate, as that too can be breathed in. Also, bird keepers need to be aware that the dander from your birds contains silicon and can be easily breathed in as well. Potting plants can also be a danger. Wear a dusk mask when doing dirty jobs around the house.

[socksincrocks]

How about fiber glass insulation? That's the next Asbestos scandal.

[shannonpincombe]

In Australia this information has only just become more widely known and reported by our media. Having been involved in various phases of construction over two decades I have been discussing onsite dangers of these and other products with little to no concern from my colleagues, building companies or their safety reps. Even unions have been reluctant to enforce band on use of toxic or dangerous products. It's an insane scenario which will now mimic the problems associated with the wide use of asbestos. Only the lawyers will win in the long run.

[govinda]

Snow plowers use sand with it mixed in usually in corporate lots. You see the sparkling particles in the air. Quartz.

[Ra]

I remember I swept up some cement, and I almosted choked to death with the dust i inhaled...I dont go near that anymore

[MerovingianQBee]

My mother lived in the station masters house, Reigate train station in the days of coal, maybe this is why now she is a very sick with a lung problem or at least a contributary factor.

[morganalabeille]

I really wanna know who did the animation for this. I'm currently learning Blender and doing safety videos seems like an extremely interesting career.

[Dorothyinstead]

Dang....when i was younger i breathed this dust quite regularly on the job.
Will i suffer later in life? Will i develop complications as a result of my ignorance?