Silicosis primary prevention: Difference between revisions
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Health monitoring of workers with exposure to respirable crystalline quartz using chest radiographs and spirometry may assist in the early identification of people developing disease from their exposures | Health monitoring of workers with exposure to respirable crystalline quartz using chest radiographs and spirometry may assist in the early identification of people developing disease from their exposures | ||
Efforts at secondary prevention only work if there are effective interventions resulting in reductions of quartz exposure for affected workers and others comparably exposed. Many industrialized countries mandate health surveillance for workers at risk of developing silicosis [137]. A number of NIOSH publications are available addressing such issues as awareness of silica as a workplace hazard, environmental controls, personal protection, and medical monitoring | Efforts at secondary prevention only work if there are effective interventions resulting in reductions of quartz exposure for affected workers and others comparably exposed. Many industrialized countries mandate health surveillance for workers at risk of developing silicosis [137]. A number of NIOSH publications are available addressing such issues as awareness of silica as a workplace hazard, environmental controls, personal protection, and medical monitoring | ||
Measures employed to limit the exposure to crystalline silica : | |||
Employers are required to provide and assure the use of appropriate controls for crystalline silica-containing dust. | |||
Be sure to use all available engineering controls such as blasting cabinets, water sprays, and local exhaust ventilation. | |||
Substitution of less hazardous materials can also be used. ● | |||
Be aware of the health effects of crystalline silica and that smoking adds to the damage. ● | |||
Know the work operations where exposure to crystalline silica may occur. ● | |||
Participate in any air monitoring or training programs offered by the employer. ● | |||
Use type CE positive pressure abrasive blasting respirators for sandblasting. ● | |||
For other operations where respirators maybe required, wear a respirator approved for protection against crystalline silica-containing dust. Do not alter the respirator in any way. Workers who use tight-fitting respirators cannot have beards/mustaches which interfere with the respirator seal to the face. ● | |||
If possible, change into disposable or washable work clothes at the worksite; shower and change into clean clothing before leaving the worksite. ● | |||
Do not eat, drink, use tobacco products, or apply cosmetics in areas where there is dust containing crystalline silica. ● | |||
Wash hands and face before eating, drinking, smoking, or applying cosmetics outside of the exposure area. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 13:20, 18 June 2015
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Silicosis primary prevention On the Web |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Silicosis primary prevention |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Silicosis is a preventable disease.
Primary Prevention
The best way to prevent silicosis is to identify work-place activities with crystalline silica dust and then to eliminate or control the exposure.
Water spray is often used where dust emanates. Dust can also be controlled through dry air filtering.
Health monitoring of workers with exposure to respirable crystalline quartz using chest radiographs and spirometry may assist in the early identification of people developing disease from their exposures Efforts at secondary prevention only work if there are effective interventions resulting in reductions of quartz exposure for affected workers and others comparably exposed. Many industrialized countries mandate health surveillance for workers at risk of developing silicosis [137]. A number of NIOSH publications are available addressing such issues as awareness of silica as a workplace hazard, environmental controls, personal protection, and medical monitoring Measures employed to limit the exposure to crystalline silica : Employers are required to provide and assure the use of appropriate controls for crystalline silica-containing dust. Be sure to use all available engineering controls such as blasting cabinets, water sprays, and local exhaust ventilation. Substitution of less hazardous materials can also be used. ● Be aware of the health effects of crystalline silica and that smoking adds to the damage. ● Know the work operations where exposure to crystalline silica may occur. ● Participate in any air monitoring or training programs offered by the employer. ● Use type CE positive pressure abrasive blasting respirators for sandblasting. ● For other operations where respirators maybe required, wear a respirator approved for protection against crystalline silica-containing dust. Do not alter the respirator in any way. Workers who use tight-fitting respirators cannot have beards/mustaches which interfere with the respirator seal to the face. ● If possible, change into disposable or washable work clothes at the worksite; shower and change into clean clothing before leaving the worksite. ● Do not eat, drink, use tobacco products, or apply cosmetics in areas where there is dust containing crystalline silica. ● Wash hands and face before eating, drinking, smoking, or applying cosmetics outside of the exposure area.