Home / How safety affects payments / Workplace Dangers / Understanding the Importance of Hazardous Exposure Management /

Safeguarding Your Health with Drivable Saws

Your Health, Your Priority

As a worker operating drivable saws to cut masonry, concrete, stone, or other materials containing silica, you must be aware of the potential risks to your respiratory health. Drivable saws can generate respirable crystalline silica dust, which, when inhaled over time, poses serious threats to your lungs. Let's delve into the exposure controls that are vital for your safety and future compensation in case of workplace accidents or injuries.



Step 1: Implementing Engineering Controls

To protect yourself, it's crucial to follow these engineering controls outlined in the Managing respirable crystalline silica in construction and manufacturing of construction elements code of practice 2022:



Wet Cutting with Continuous Water Feed

Wet cutting with a continuous water feed on the blade integrated into the machine is an effective method to reduce exposure to silica dust. Follow these steps:

  • Ensure the saw has an integrated water delivery system directing a continuous stream of water onto the blade to wet the material being cut, minimizing dust generation.
  • Maintain the saw in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions to minimize dust emissions.
  • Check that hoses are securely connected without any cracks or damage.
  • Adjust nozzles to ensure water effectively wets the cutting area.
  • Regularly inspect the saw blade to guarantee it's in good condition and free from excessive wear.
  • Operate and maintain the saw's dust-control equipment per the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Promptly clean up any slurry produced during wet cutting before it dries and releases silica dust into the air. You can use shovels or a wet vacuum to clean up wet slurry.

Step 2: Selecting the Right Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)

The choice of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) depends on several factors:

  • The type of engineering controls you're using.
  • The duration of your task during your shift.
  • Whether you're working indoors or outdoors.

Remember that RPE is not required for outdoor wet cutting but is crucial when working indoors or in enclosed areas. Half-face reusable or disposable RPE with a minimum protection factor (MPF) of 10 is recommended.

Fit-Testing

For tight-fitting RPE, it's essential for workers to undergo fit-testing specific to the make and model of the RPE. Additional information on fit-testing and other RPE requirements can be found in section 7.6 of the Code.



Know Your Rights

In case of workplace accidents or injuries, it's crucial to be informed about your rights regarding potential compensation payments. You may be eligible for compensation covering various aspects, including lost wages, medical expenses, and more.



Seeking Additional Guidance

Your health and well-being are of utmost importance. For comprehensive information and resources on work-related respiratory conditions, exposure controls, and compensation, refer to:

Prioritize your health and safety at the workplace. Your well-being matters.


replica uhren replica horloges