Page 44 - Occupational Health & Safety, May 2018

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Don’t Get Left in the Dust
Here’s how to easily and successfully meet OSHA standards with your concrete drill.
BY RICK WALSTAD
Even though collection systems are extremely effective at capturing and containing dust, OSHA’s Table 1 requirements require employers to also provide operators with another level of protection via respirators with an assigned protection factor of 10.
The changes have been made, regulations have been implemented, and thousands of dust collection systems are hitting the streets— OSHA’s Table 1 requirements are in full ef- fect. While the regulation itself may seem cut and dried, when it comes to implementing the changes, things can get a little clouded. Here are some guide- lines to help clear the air.
What’s the Issue with Silica?
Silica is a mineral found in a variety of materials, in- cluding concrete, masonry, and rock. As these ma- terials are drilled or cut, they disperse dust particles that, according to OSHA, can be as much as 100 times smaller than a single grain of sand. The organization recognizes this is where the problem with silica dust lies; those particles are tiny enough to settle deep into the lungs when inhaled, which can lead to silicosis, an incurable lung disease. Exposure also can lead to other serious or life-threatening diseases, including lung cancer, tuberculosis, and kidney disease.
The Regulations
OSHA mandates that contractors who break, chip, cut, or drill into concrete must have a dust collection system that captures at least 99 percent of the dust created during operation. This means respirable silica dust levels must be at or below 50 micrograms per cu-
bic meter of air over an eight-hour shift. In addition, employers must also ensure operators, as well as those working in close proximity to the drill, wear fit-tested dust masks with an assigned protection factor of 10, or APF 10.
Following the guidelines not only enhances the safety and the health of workers, but also ensures con- tractors avoid hefty fines. As of January 2018, OSHA’s penalty for first-time-violations is $12,934 and is $129,336 for repeated or willful violations.
For those unsure whether their current system is up to par or if they need a system at all, they can have a local environmental representative perform a sam- pling and analysis.
How Does a Dust Collection System Work?
Dust collection systems are available for all types of concrete drills, from single- to five-gang units and even handheld drills. The systems include a shroud that surrounds the drill bit and connects to a hose leading to a dust canister, where collected dust is stored. These canisters generally hold about 5 gallons of material, but larger bags are also available for use with many systems, which minimizes the frequency of cleanouts.
How Will the System Affect My Operation?
Contractors can purchase a dust collection system with a new drill or have their dealer retrofit it onto an exist- ing drill. Depending on how many gangs the model has, the size air compressor needed to power the sys- tem along with the drills varies, as does the number of dust canisters, which ranges from one to three.
For example, a single-gang slab-rider needs 100 cfm to operate and an additional 40 cfm to power its single-canister dust collection system. This means a contractor can continue to use its 185-cfm compres- sor after adding the system. While a two-gang slab rider may not need another canister for the dust col- lection system, it will require 60 cfm to operate and 200 cfm for the drill, 100 cfm per gang. To power all of the equipment effectively and efficientlym contractors will need to bump up to a 260-cfm compressor.
Keep in mind, however, not all dust collection systems are the same. One manufacturer’s unit may require 40 cfm per gang, while another may require 50 cfm. This can be the difference between using an ex- isting compressor or having to purchase a new, higher cfm model.
While adding a dust collection system may call for a larger compressor, the system has a minimal effect
40 Occupational Health & Safety | MAY 2018
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