It may seem like the least of your concerns on the job, but in reality, dust can cause major health problems for workers. Understand these tiny particles before they turn in to a big problem.

1. EVEN INHALING DUST OVER A COUPLE OF DAYS OR MONTHS CAN CAUSE:
INHALING DUST OVER MANY YEARS CAN CAUSE:
EXAMPLES OF JOBS THAT CREATE DUST:
SAFETY TALK
Dust Safety
Dust is found in many places on a jobsite and can be hazardous to your
health. This hazard varies depending on the type of dust, the amount
inhaled, the size of particulate, and how well your lungs are able to remove
the dust.
1. Pulmonary Fibrosis (hardening of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe).
2. Cancer of the lungs, abdomen, and nose.
1. Effects on the nervous system.
2. Allergic reactions such as hay fever or more serious
reactions such as asthma.
1. Cutting concrete, wood, or other materials.
2. Scoring/cutting tile.
3. Mixing mortar.
4. Pouring dry cement.
5. Grinding.
6. Knocking or bumping into
dusty materials.
7. Loading, unloading, or transporting dusty
materials.

2. 1. Spraying water on the workpiece before cutting, pouring material, etc.
2. Spraying water on the ground before sweeping. If wet-sweeping is not
possible, use a vacuum.
3. Using a dust collector for tools or equipment if available.
1. Prevent accumulation by cleaning the work area
frequently throughout the shift.
2. Wash your hands before eating or drinking and at
the end of your shift.
3. Use personal protective equipment when it is not
possible to prevent dust from getting into the air.
1. Use low-speed rather than high-speed grinders.
2. Order blocks in various sizes to minimize the need for cutting.
3. Use pre-mixed cement or mortar.
4. Shorten the distance that material is dropped
or tossed when pouring or shoveling
dusty materials.
5. Stand opposite to the direction of the
dust cloud.
PREVENT DUST FROM GETTING INTO THE AIR BY:
WHEN WORKING AROUND DUST:
CONSIDER DIFFERENT WAYS OF DOING THE JOB THAT COULD REDUCE
THE AMOUNT OF DUST CREATED. FOR INSTANCE, YOU COULD: