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A Message from theSecretary of Labor

To Concerned Workers and Employers:

Every year, more than 250 workers in the UnitedStates die with silicosis, an incurable, progressive lungdisease caused by overexposure to dust containing silica.Hundreds more become disabled by this disease. Everyone of these cases is an unnecessary tragedy, becausesilicosis is absolutely preventable.

If you work, or you are an employer, in one of thedozens of industries where dust containing silica ispresent, you need to know how to prevent this disease.

This guide � a cooperative effort between theDepartment of Labor and the National Institute forOccupational Safety and Health in the Department ofHealth and Human Services � explains how you canprotect yourself and others each day on the job.

Sixty years ago, Labor Secretary Frances Perkinslaunched a nationwide effort to prevent silicosis. Greatstrides were made during this time period; however,there is still work to be done. I am determined to finishthe job she started by working with labor, industry, andhealth professionals to put an end to this lung disease,once and for all.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Reich

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W O R K E R SWhat Do You Need toKnow about Silicosis?

What is silicosis?

Silicosis is a disabling, nonreversible andsometimes fatal lung disease caused by over-exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Silica isthe second most common mineral in the earth�scrust and is a major component of sand, rock andmineral ores. Overexposure to dust that containsmicroscopic particles of crystalline silica cancause scar tissue to form in the lungs, whichreduces the lungs� ability to extract oxygen fromthe air we breathe. Typical sand found at thebeach does not pose a silicosis threat.

Each year, more than 250 American workersdie with silicosis. More than 1 million U.S. work-ers are exposed to crystalline silica. There is nocure for the disease, but it is 100 percent pre-ventable if employers, workers and health profes-sionals work together to reduce exposures.

In addition to silicosis, inhalation of crystal-line silica particles has been associated with otherdiseases, such as bronchitis and tuberculosis.Some studies also indicate an association withlung cancer.

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G U I D E

There are three types of silicosis, dependingupon the airborne concentration of crystallinesilica to which a worker has been exposed:

Chronic silicosis usually occurs after 10 ormore years of overexposure.

Accelerated silicosis results from higher expo-sures and develops over 5-10 years.

Acute silicosis occurs where exposures are thehighest and can cause symptoms to developwithin a few weeks or up to 5 years.

How do you know if you are at risk?

Working in any dusty environment wherecrystalline silica is present potentially can in-crease your chances of getting silicosis. If a num-ber of workers are working in a dusty environ-ment and one is diagnosed with silicosis, theothers should be examined to see if they mightalso be developing silicosis.

W O R K E R S

Here are some examples of the industries andactivities that pose the greatest potential risk forworker exposure:

� construction (sandblasting, rock drilling,masonry work, jack hammering, tunnel-ing)

� mining (cutting or drilling through sand-stone and granite)

� foundry work (grinding, moldings,shakeout, core room)

� ceramics, clay, and pottery� stone cutting (sawing, abrasive blasting,

chipping, grinding)� glass manufacturing� agriculture� shipyards (abrasive blasting)� railroad (setting and laying track)� manufacturing and use of abrasives� manufacturing of soaps and detergents

More than 100,000 workers in the UnitedStates encounter high-risk, silica exposuresthrough sandblasting, rock drilling and mining.Workers who remove paint and rust from build-ings, bridges, tanks and other surfaces; cleanfoundry castings; work with stone or clay; etch orfrost glass; and work in construction are at risk ofoverexposure to crystalline silica.

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G U I D EWhat Are the Symptoms &Complications of Silicosis?

Chronic silicosis, the most common form ofthe disease, may go undetected for years in theearly stages; in fact, a chest X-ray may not revealan abnormality until after 15 or 20 years ofexposure. The body's ability to fight infectionsmay be overwhelmed by silica dust in the lungs,making workers more susceptible to certainillnesses, such as tuberculosis. As silicosisprogresses, you may exhibit one or more of thefollowing symptoms:

� shortness of breath following physicalexertion

� severe cough� fatigue� loss of appetite� chest pains� fever

How can you determine if you havesilicosis?

If you believe you are overexposed to silicadust, visit a doctor who knows about lungdiseases. A medical examination that includes acomplete work history, a chest X-ray, and lungfunction test is the only sure way to determine ifyou have silicosis. NIOSH recommends thatmedical examinations occur before job placementor upon entering a trade, and at least every 3years thereafter.

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W O R K E R SWhat Can Workers Do toPrevent Silicosis?

U Work with your employer to preventsilicosis at your worksite.

U Use engineering controls installed by youremployer to reduce silica dust levels, andmake sure they are properly maintained. Tellyour employer when they aren't workingproperly.

U Minimize dust by following good workpractices, such as removing dust with a waterhose or vacuum with a high-efficiency par-ticulate filter rather than blowing it cleanwith compressed air, or by wet sweepinginstead of dry sweeping.

U Suggest to your employer to substitute lesshazardous materials than crystalline silica forabrasive blasting.

U Wear, maintain, and correctly use ap-proved particulate respirators when engineer-ing controls alone are not adequate to reduceexposures below permissible levels. Beardsand mustaches interfere with the respiratorseal to the face, making most respiratorsineffective.

U If you must sandblast, use type CE posi-tive pressure abrasive blasting respirators.

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U Participate in air monitoring, medicalsurveillance, and training programs offered byyour employer or when required by law.

U Talk to your employer, employee represen-tative, or union if you are concerned aboutthe dust in your workplace. Ask for the re-sults of air sampling done at your worksite.You may also contact the OccupationalSafety and Health Administration (OSHA)or the Mine Safety and Health Administra-tion (MSHA). See pages 12-19 for phonenumbers.

As a reminder, whenever you work with toxicmaterials, it is always a sound practice to:

Change into disposable or washable workclothes at your worksite, if possible; shower,where available; and change into clean cloth-ing before leaving your worksite.

Avoid eating, drinking, or using tobaccoproducts in work areas where there is dust orother toxic materials.

Wash your hands and face before eating ordrinking.

G U I D E

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What Can Employers Doto Prevent Silicosis?

U Make a commitment to prevent silicosis atyour worksites.

U Comply with OSHA and MSHA regula-tions on respirable crystalline silica. If youremployees are overexposed, reduce exposurelevels through the use of engineering controls.While these controls are being installed, or ifthey are being repaired, provide appropriaterespiratory protection.

U Perform air monitoring of worksites asneeded, and when required by law, and takecorrective action when silica levels are exces-sive. Monitoring provides a basis for:

n selecting and ensuring the effectiveness ofengineering controls

n selecting proper respiratory protection

n seeing if work practices to reduce dustlevels are effective

n determining if a medical surveillanceprogram is necessary.

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U Install and maintain engineering con-trols to eliminate or reduce the amount ofsilica in the air and the build-up of dust onequipment and surfaces. Examples of controlsinclude: exhaust ventilation and dust collec-tion systems, water sprays, wet drilling,enclosed cabs, and drill platform skirts. Prac-tice preventive maintenance because theextreme abrasiveness of the silica dust candamage the systems you install.

U Substitute less hazardous materials thancrystalline silica for abrasive blasting, whenpossible. Try to use automatic blast cleaningmachines or cabinets that allow operating themachines from outside using gloved arm-holes.

U Supply vacuums with high-efficiencyparticulate air (HEPA) filters, and adviseemployees to vacuum, hose down, or wet-sweep work areas, instead of dry sweeping.

U Train workers about health effects, engi-neering controls and work practices thatreduce dust, the importance of maintenanceand good housekeeping, as well as on theproper type and fitting of respirators. Makesure they know what operations and materi-als present a silica hazard.

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U Establish a written respiratory protectionprogram. Outfit employees with appropri-ately selected, properly fitted, approvedrespirators when engineering controls aloneare insufficient to keep exposures within safelevels. Be sure respirators are kept clean andproperly maintained and that employees aretrained in their use.U Provide medical examinations for employ-ees who may be exposed to respirable crystal-line silica, as recommended by NIOSH, andhave X-rays read by a specialist in dust dis-eases. Develop a plan for reducing exposuresof employees whose X-rays show changesconsistent with silicosis.U Report all cases of silicosis to state healthdepartments and to MSHA, and record caseson OSHA logs, as required.U Post warning signs to identify work areaswhere respirable silica is present.

What EmployersCan Do...

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OSHA enforces a permissible exposure limit,which is the maximum amount of airborne crys-talline silica that an employee may be exposed toduring an eight-hour work shift. MSHA enforcesits own exposure limits, has rules requiring con-trols for drills, and requires air sampling in cer-tain situations.

Other relevant OSHA and MSHA regulationsinclude: respiratory protection, posting of warn-ing signs, housekeeping, recordkeeping or report-ing of occupational illnesses, abrasive blasting,personal protective equipment, and training.OSHA has rules on hazard communication,safety and health programs in construction, andaccess to employee exposure and medical records.

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The American Lung Association recommendsquitting smoking for better lung health. Call1-800-LUNG-USA for more information.

A reminder to both workers and employers:

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Where Can You Get MoreInformation on PreventingSilicosis?

For free help in establishing or improvingyour safety and health program, small businessescan contact the OSHA Consultation Program intheir state.

OSHA Consultation Program Directory

State Telephone

Alabama (205) 348-3033Alaska (907) 269-4957Arizona (602) 542-5795Arkansas (501) 682-4522California (415) 972-8515Colorado (970) 491-6151Connecticut (860) 566-4550Delaware (302) 761-8219District of Columbia (202) 576-6339Florida (904) 488-3044Georgia (404) 894-2643Guam (671) 475-0136Hawaii (808) 586-9100Idaho (208) 385-3283

Call 1-800-35-NIOSH. Select option 2, thenoption 5 for a complete package of informationon silicosis prevention.

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State Telephone

Illinois (312) 814-2337Indiana (317) 232-2688Iowa (515) 281-5352Kansas (913) 296-7476Kentucky (502) 564-6895Louisiana (504) 342-9601Maine (207) 624-6460Maryland (410) 333-4210Massachusetts (617) 727-3982Michigan (517) 332-8250(H)

(517) 322-1809(S)Minnesota (612) 297-2392Mississippi (601) 987-3981Missouri (314) 751-3403Montana (406) 444-6418Nebraska (402) 471-4717Nevada (702) 486-5016New Hampshire (603) 271-2024New Jersey (609) 292-3923New Mexico (505) 827-4230New York (518) 457-2481North Carolina (919) 662-4644

(H) - Health(S) - Safety

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OSHAState Telephone

North Dakota (701) 328-5188Ohio (614) 644-2246Oklahoma (405) 528-1500Oregon (503) 378-3272Pennsylvania (412) 357-2561Puerto Rico (809) 754-2188Rhode Island (401) 277-2438South Carolina (803) 734-9614South Dakota (605) 688-4101Tennessee (615) 741-7036Texas (512) 440-3834Utah (801) 530-6868Vermont (802) 828-2765Virginia (804) 786-6613Virgin Islands (809) 772-1315Washington (360) 902-5638West Virginia (304) 558-7890Wisconsin (608) 266-8579(H)

(414) 521-5188(S)Wyoming (307) 777-7786

(H) - Health(S) - Safety

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For compliance assistance or technical sup-port in construction, maritime, and generalindustries, contact the nearest OSHA RegionalOffice.

Region I(CT,* MA, ME, NH, RI, VT*)JKF Federal BuildingRoom E-340Boston, MA 02203Telephone: (617) 565-9860

Region II(NJ, NY,* PR,* VI*)201 Varick StreetRoom 670New York, NY 10014Telephone: (212) 337-2378

Region III(DC, DE, MD,* PA, VA,* WV)Gateway Building, Suite 21003535 Market StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19104Telephone: (215) 596-1201

Region IV(AL, FL, GA, KY,* MS, NC, SC,* TN*)1375 Peachtree Street, N.E.Suite 587Atlanta, GA 30367Telephone: (404) 347-3573

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OSHA

Region V(IL, IN,* MI,* MN,* OH, WI)230 South Dearborn StreetRoom 3244Chicago, IL 60604Telephone: (312) 353-2220

Region VI(AR, LA, NM,* OK, TX)525 Griffin StreetRoom 602Dallas, TX 75202Telephone: (214) 767-4731

Region VII(IA,* KS, MO, NE)City Center Square1100 Main Street, Suite 800Kansas City, MO 64105Telephone: (816) 426-5861

Region VIII(CO, MT, ND, SD, UT,* WY*)1999 Broadway, Suite 1690Denver, CO 80202-5716Telephone: (303) 844-1600

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Region IX(American Samoa, AZ,* CA,* Guam,HI,* NV,* Trust Territories of the Pacific)71 Stevenson StreetRoom 420San Francisco, CA 94105Telephone: (415) 975-4310

Region X(AK,* ID, OR,* WA*)1111 Third AvenueSuite 715Seattle, WA 98101-3212Telephone: (206) 553-5930

*These states and territories operate their own OSHA-approved job safety and health programs (Connecticut andNew York plans cover public employees only). States withapproved programs must have a standard that is identicalto, or at least as effective as, the federal standard.

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MSHAIn the mining industry, for compliance assis-

tance, technical support, educational materials,or for information about an inspection, contactthe nearest MSHA district office.COAL MINING

District 1Wilkes-Barre, PA(717) 826-6321

District 2Hunker, PA(412) 925-5150

District 3Morgantown, WV(304) 291-4277

District 4Mt. Hope, WV(304) 877-3900

District 5Norton, VA(540) 679-0230

District 7Barbourville, KY(606) 546-5123

District 8Vincennes, IN(812) 882-7617

District 9Denver, CO(303) 231-5458

District 10

District 11Birmingham, AL(205) 290-7300

Madisonville, KY(502) 821-4180

District 6Pikeville, KY(606) 432-0944

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Northeast DistrictCranberry Township, PA(412) 772-2333

Southeast DistrictBirmingham, AL

METAL AND NONMETAL MINING

North Central DistrictDuluth, MN(218) 720-5448

South Central DistrictDallas, TX(214) 767-8401

Rocky Mountain DistrictDenver, CO(303) 231-5465

Western DistrictVacaville, CA(707) 447-9844

(205) 290-7294

MSHA HEADQUARTERS

Health Division (Coal)(703) 235-1358

Health Division (Metal and Nonmetal)(703) 235-8307

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If It�s Silica, It�s Not Just Dust, the campaign to endsilicosis, is a joint effort of the U.S. Department of Labor'sOccupational Safety and Health Administration and MineSafety Administration and the U.S. Department of Healthand Human Services' National Institute for OccupationalSafety and Health.

Occupational Safety and Health AdministrationOSHA's mission is to protect the health and safety ofworkers in the nation's 6 million workplaces and reduceworkplace hazards through common sense at work.

Mine Safety and Health AdministrationMSHA enforces safety and health standards to protectminers from work-related injuries, illnesses, and death atall U.S. mines and mineral processing operations. Theagency helps mine operators who have special complianceproblems, and makes available technical, educational, andother types of assistance.

National Institute for Occupational Safety andHealthNIOSH, a branch of the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention, U.S. Department of Health and HumanServices, coordinates research and makes recommendationsfor preventing work-related illnesses and injuries.

Silicosis PreventionPartners

NIOSH has produced three alerts on silicosis: PreventingSilicosis and Deaths from Sandblasting, Preventing Silicosis andDeaths from Rock Drilling, and Preventing Silicosis and Deathsin Construction Workers. For a free copy, call1(800) 35-NIOSH.