Isolate the compressor far away and shield with sound- absorbing materials. Wear ear protection if necessary. Protect against vibration damage from pneumatic tools by measures such as having comfortable hand grips, directing the air blast away from your hands, keeping hands warm, taking frequent work breaks, and using preventive medical measures such as massage and exercises. Tie long hair back, and don't wear ties, jewelry, or loose clothing which can get caught by machinery. Equip all grinding wheels, sanding machines, and polishing wheels with local exhaust ventilation, and use wet sanding and polishing techniques whenever possible to keep down dust levels.
Stones carved include garnet, jasper, jade, agate, travertine, opal, turquoise and many others.
See stone hazards above. The dust from quartz gemstones such as agate, amethyst, onyx, and jasper is highly toxic because they are made of silica. Other gemstones such as turquoise and garnet may be contaminated with substantial amounts of free silica. Opal is made of amorphous silica, which is slightly toxic by inhalation. Gem cutting machines can create very high noise levels.