Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in many rocks, sands, and soils in different forms such as quartz, tridymite, and cristobalite. These products are commonly used in manufacturing, construction, quarrying, and related industries. Silica becomes dangerous when it is inhaled in tiny fractions which are undetectable to the naked eye. Any industry which requires a form of fracturing a silica product and generating dust, or which are confined to low-ventilated areas around these minerals are vulnerable to the harmful effects of Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS). The increasing popularity of engineered stones for household décor such as kitchen surfaces has caused an increase in public focus regarding the dangers of RCS, as these products can be composed of up to 97% crystalline silica and require cutting to fit different design perspectives.
The health risks associated with RCS are well-documented, and there are regulations and guidelines in place to protect workers. Respirable Crystalline Silica is a hazardous and potentially deadly substance that has become a major concern for workplace safety in the UK. It can trigger respiratory problems such as coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue as well as lead to known diseases such as silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Silicosis is the most common occupational lung disease worldwide and is the condition most strongly associated with exposure to silica. This occurs when these respirable fractions scratch the lungs, triggering an immune response from the body which then leads to inflammation and an accumulation of mucus in the lungs. The higher the exposure, the shorter the latency and the faster the disease spreads. Acute silicosis is when a person has had extremely high exposure over a short period of time and can lead to fatality within months; however, the more common condition is chronic silicosis. This occurs when a person has been subject to ongoing, low-level exposure. Chronic silicosis becomes symptomatic 10 years after exposure, although irreversible lung damage can manifest before any other ailments arise. It is a progressive, incurable condition which in severe cases may only be treatable via a lung transplantation.
The Health and Safety Executive UK have enforced limitations for what an individual’s personal exposure to RCS can be within a working day. The current Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) is 0.1mg per cubic meter over a Time Weighted Allowance (TWA) of 8 hours, and a Maximum Exposure Limit (MEL) of 0.3mg per cubic meter. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 provides guidance for employers on how to assess and control exposure to hazardous substances, including silica dust. Other governing bodies have set even more stringent limits; The Work Health and Safety (WHS) Australia, as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the United States have both set exposure limits of 0.05mg per cubic meter over an 8-hour TWA. The All-Party Parliamentary Group has called for the UK to follow suit, as detailed in their 2023 publication entitled ‘Improving Silicosis Outcomes in the UK’; they have also recommended the addition of silicosis to the Notifications of Infectious Diseases List (NOIDS), which would mean medical professionals are required to report any instances of the disease to the relevant governing body.
If the exposure is found to be higher, or encroaching on the workplace limit the next step is to consult the HSE’s Hierarchy of Controls, referring to the theories of ALARP (as low as reasonably practicable) as the feasibility of each stage is considered. This should be deliberated in the following order:
Elimination or substitution: The first thing to consider is if silica products, or dust generation can be removed from the process.
Engineering controls: Examples of engineering controls in terms of reducing the potency of RCS includes either automating, isolating, or enclosing the process. Where possible, ventilation systems should be utilised, as should wet cleaning and cutting methods.
Administrative controls: Update work practices or policies to reduce individual exposure to RCS. Use staff rotation and establish work schedules to minimise the amount of time individual workers are exposed for. The provision of training and education is also considered an administrative control. Health surveillance including lung capacity checks should also be carried out on a regular basis.
PPE: If exposure is still high, adequate Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) should be provided.
It is important to note that the hierarchy of controls in not a linear process, but rather a continuous loop. Employers should constantly evaluate and reassess their controls to ensure that the most effective measures are in place to protect their workers from RCS dust exposure. It should be remembered that the impacts of RCS are preventable, not reversible. Sysco Environmental can conduct personal exposure monitoring assessments to inform a company of their own RCS levels, as well as compiling an exhaustive, workplace-specific list of recommendations on how to minimise the output, thus supporting in all aspects of providing a cleaner, healthier workplace.
Article by Elis Smith
Industrial Hygienist
Paul Howlet
0800 433 7914
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