Description #
In this video we go through the topic of Silica dust, in particular Respirable Silica Dust. We will explore the risk, precautions you should take, and protective equipment you should be using to keep yourself safe.
Transcript #
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[Music]
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Hi everyone and thank you for joining us for this episode of Prep Set, Go. Today we're going to look
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at the rather serious topic of silica dust, and more specifically, respirable crystalline silica
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or RCS which continues to be a major concern in the construction industry. Now, while the health
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effects of silica dust have been well publicized it's important to know the health risks,
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precautions, and protective measures to take when handling products containing the substance. We
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also touch on the work RLA has been doing to limit its influence, through the development
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of innovative silica free technologies. Now, first up let's shed some light on the difference between
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silica and respirable crystalline silica. Silica is a natural element and one of the most common
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materials on Earth it's mainly found in nature as quartz which is a major constituent of sand.
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RCS or respirable crystalline silica refers to minute silica particles smaller than 10 microns,
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and because of their small size can be breathed in and travel deep in the lungs. If we look at
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this diagram on the screen we can see just how small these particle sizes are relative
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to common dust particles - and there in lies the danger. While you know a material may contain RCS,
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small airborne quantities are completely invisible to the naked eye. Long-term repetitive breathing
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in of unsafe levels of silica dust can lead to lung scarring known as silicosis,
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and is one of the most common occupational lung diseases worldwide. When these small particles
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are inhaled they can embed themselves deeply in the lungs where the body can't expel them, leading
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to breathing difficulties and a range of other debilitating health conditions, and silicosis
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is a permanent disease with no cure. Treatment options only focus on alleviating the symptoms and
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preventing any further progress of the condition. Packaging of products containing respirable silica
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must display clear health warnings and important recommendations on the use of PPE. Well maybe
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not this far... but you should always use personal protective equipment including approved face masks
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and respirators. So it's important for your safety and well-being to always follow these
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directives. Even for smaller projects that don't require large volumes of product there is still no
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room for complacency because it's the cumulative effect of continuous RCS exposure that is the
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danger. And for further information regarding safe handling and treatment for exposure always refer
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to relevant product and safety data sheets. At RLA polymers we the take the health and wellbeing
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of all our customers and anyone who may come into contact with our products very seriously,
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which is why we continue to invest considerable time and resources in developing products to
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reduce the risk and influence of RCS exposure, utilizing the latest and material Technologies
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RLA has developed a number of innovative RCS free products including tile adhesives, and grouts,
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and continues to actively review the entirety of the range to utilize both greener and user safe
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technologies wherever possible. And customers can use these products with confidence, offering the
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same exceptional and reliable performance, without the associated health and safety risks. Hopefully
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this episode brings to light the dangers of respirable silica exposure, and stresses the
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importance of being conscientious and diligent in reading important product documentation,
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and following recommended protective measures to keep you safe when dealing with hazardous
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products. And for more information on RCS you can contact safe work Australia,
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or the relevant workplace safety body in your respective state. Thanks again for joining us
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on Prep, Set, Go, and as always don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, or follow our
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socials for the latest updates, tips, tricks, and product reviews. We'll see you next time.
