Where the engineered stone slab can be lifted , a sacrificial backer-board or spoil-board should be placed under it during cutting or trimming . This prevents the release of dust below the slab and increases the effectiveness of on-tool dust extraction by LEV . Medium-density fibreboard or particleboard are suitable for this purpose .
Silica dust is very abrasive to LEV equipment . Regularly inspecting LEV equipment for damage will help ensure it is effective and fit for purpose .
Natural ventilation
Improving the general ventilation to a room or building may help reduce the concentration of contaminants in the air . However , ventilation should not be relied on to ensure silica dust exposure is controlled . Other controls must also be used to prevent the release of silica dust into the air and adequately protect workers and others in the vicinity from exposure to silica dust .
The workplace should have an adequate supply of fresh air . For on-site installation , processes that generate silica dust may be undertaken outside , provided the contaminated dust does not travel in the direction of other workers or premises . When working indoors , windows and doors within a room or building should be open to provide general ventilation . Fans may support the movement of air , but it is important that air streams are directed appropriately . Fans should be arranged so that streams of clean air are drawn past workers and contaminated air streams are drawn away from workers and ensure contaminated air is not directed towards others , for example , workers or adjacent businesses .
Wet slurries should be cleaned up before fans are used to prevent them from drying and creating potential dust hazards .
More information about natural ventilation at the workplace can be found in the Code of Practice : Managing the work environment and facilities .
Administrative controls are used to provide additional protection after implementing higher level controls such as substitution , isolation and engineering .
Administrative controls are work practices or procedures designed to minimise exposure to a hazard . For example , routinely cleaning the work area and vacuuming residual dust from clothing .
Due to the risks of silica dust when working with engineered stone , administrative controls on their own will not provide enough protection from exposure to silica dust . They should only be used in combination with and to support higher level control measures .
Administrative control measures rely on human behaviour and supervision to be effective .
Workshop layout
The layout of engineered stone processing workshops needs to be designed to minimise exposure to and contamination from silica dust generated in neighbourhood work areas . For example , by including enough distance between workstations and positioning work areas for each stage of processing in sequence .
Work practices
The way in which work is conducted can influence the generation of silica dust and worker exposure . While the use of higher order controls such as water suppression and LEV are critical to minimising worker exposure to silica dust , the following work practices may assist in reducing exposure :
Managing the risks of respirable crystalline silica from engineered stone in the workplace - Code of Practice 36 of 57