Among the many health hazards associated with working in industrial sectors such as stonemasonry, construction and quarrying is extended exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS). In fact, the well-documented risks caused by RCS over the years have become so alarming that they have caught the attention of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – but what exactly is RCS and why is it considered responsible for different occupational risks?
Respirable Crystalline Silica or RCS is made up of small natural substances that are typically found in rock, sand and clay products. With particles that are of sub-micron size, RCS can easily enter the human body and penetrate the lungs. Exposure to RCS can be dangerous since it can cause lung-related illnesses that can disable workers.
Key industry sectors with most RCS exposure include:
Once RCS has been inhaled, it can lead to fatal diseases such as:
To prevent the various health risks caused by RCS in different industries, there is a workplace exposure limit (WEL) set in Britain. Here are some of the risk prevention strategies set by the HSE:
Letting your workers attend vocational training about RCS exposure allows them to be more aware of their safety at work. HSE also disseminates leaflets to raise RCS awareness – also giving information on the further dangers it can cause.
Adding dust control solutions can significantly minimise workers’ exposure to RCS, while minimising RCS-related health risks.
Keeping track of the industries where RCS exposure is common makes it easier to identify other RCS-related risks – allowing the development of more prevention strategies.
Specially designed for stone dust extraction, AirBench has two workbench options that can actively minimise RCS exposure:
Employers are responsible for the welfare of their workers; failure to comply will result in poor employee relations and possible legal action. Airbench solutions can help dramatically with most hazardous fumes and extract them efficiently, however you’ll still need to ensure you comply with necessary workplace regulations.
For more information on how AirBench systems work, check our How Airbench Works page.
AirBench offer several different products to assist with this particular hazard:
AirBench FN
Our heavy duty FN model downdraught bench can be fitted with either single stage ‘A’ type filters to reduce dust levels; or H13 HEPA final filtration in our ‘L’ configuration, for full control of dusts containing RCS. FN is available in a range of sizes.
AirBench RP
For higher dust volumes, consider the RP range. RP has integral pulse-cleaning filter system – operators simply press a button, and filters are cleaned and ready to continue work. RP can be provided with final H13 HEPA filtration for stone masonry work or with single stage cartridge filters for lower risk dusts.
With the right knowledge and proper precautionary measures, you can keep your employees’ safe from different hazards. To create a safer and more productive working environment, AirBench offers solutions for stone dust extraction that will reduce the RCS occupational risk factor. For more information about our products, please call 01206 791191.
AirBench Ltd are the UK’s leading manufacturer of downdraught benches and cross draught extraction systems. We have more than 10,000 extraction systems in service in the UK and overseas. Along with our range of coolant mist filters and air cleaning systems, we are actively helping businesses across many industries solve their workplace dust and fume issues.
If you'd like to try an AirBench product for FREE simply book a demo and we'll bring one to you.
If you’d like to try an AirBench product for FREE simply book a demo and we’ll bring one to you.