Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) Exposure Monitoring & Testing

What are the risks to employees from respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust?

Crystalline silica is a natural component of granite and many other minerals from which it is liberated by aggressive abrasion. Airborne mineral dust inhaled by workers can, over time, lead to pneumoconiosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and scarring of the lungs (fibrosis known as silicosis).

Who is likely to be exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust?

Employees working with natural or man-made stone materials are likely to be exposed to RCS dust during chipping, sanding, drilling or cutting operations are likely to be exposed to RCS dust.

Risk of RCS exposure to employees is highest in the following industries:

• Kitchen worktop manufacturing
• Stone masonry
• Glass industry
• Foundry workers
• Cast concrete manufacturing
• Quarrying
• Demolition and construction
• Natural gas extraction (fracking)

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) survey

Sysco Environmental provides reliable and accurate RCS monitoring with our industry-leading systematic approach, maintaining a watchful eye on your RCS levels and providing accurate measurements to give you confidence in the safety of your work environment.

Respirable crystalline silica exposure monitoring is required as part of the assessment of risk where it is necessary to obtain employees' exposure data or to determine the effectiveness of control measures.

Sysco Environmental's occupational exposure evaluation strategy for respirable crystalline silica is based on established HSE and ISO standard requirements. We can provide our clients with exposure reports on a one-time, monthly, or quarterly basis dependent upon the project length and bespoke requirements.

Our RCS exposure monitoring program will provide you with information on:

• Provision of an adequate risk assessment
• Exposure levels of your employees during specific activities
• Effectiveness of existing risk controls
• Recommendation on the best industry exposure control standards
• Guidance on how to reduce the risk to a level as low as reasonably practicable

We understand that every workplace is unique and therefore one size doesn't fit all. We therefore offer monitoring solutions tailored to your specific industry, environment, and compliance requirements. Whether you're in construction, manufacturing, mining, or any other industry where RCS exposure is a concern, Sysco Environmental can help.

Why choose Sysco Environmental for your respirable crystalline silica exposure analysis?

Sysco Environmental's occupational hygiene experts have an in-depth understanding of the risks associated with RCS exposure, and we are committed to delivering practical solutions to ensure the safety of your employees.

Sysco Environmental is not just an RCS monitoring service provider - we are your trusted partner in occupational health & safety, and carry out a full range of workplace exposure monitoring services.

Next steps

Contact us today for a chat with one of our friendly experts to discuss your employees' RCS exposure and how Sysco can help.

Please view our other workplace exposure testing services, and please browse our industrial hygiene case studies to see examples of our work.