High silica exposures have also been found in other businesses performing similar tasks on stone products, for example making tombstones. Employers with workers exposed to silica dust above the legal limit must reduce exposure through a variety of control options. Employers also need to explain to workers the health risks of silica exposure and methods they use to eliminate or reduce exposures. Methods for reducing exposure to silica dust are available. Using water to suppress dust is perhaps the most effective and often used control method.
Grinders can produce the most dust and have been successfully adapted with a water feed system.
Another control option would be to purchase or equip grinders and saws with ventilation devices that capture and route dust to an industrial type vacuum. Assistance for identifying or implementing controls may be found from the consultants listed below. Such a program includes proper selection, fit-testing, cleaning and maintenance, supervision, training, and written procedures. When using water for dust suppression, floor drainage and appropriate clothing must be considered. The use of air powered tools can eliminate the electrical hazards.