− organise for all cutting , grinding , trimming , drilling , sanding , or polishing of engineered stone to be completed at the fabrication workshop before on-site installation − plan cutting of engineered stone to make the minimum number of cuts for each job − implement policies that describe actions to be taken when working with engineered stone , for example : o wetting engineered stone before cutting , grinding , trimming , drilling , sanding , or polishing to remove dust and aid with water suppression , and o washing engineered stone prior to and after fabrication to remove any residual dust .
− implement maintenance schedules to ensure routine , or daily checks of critical controls o for example , guards , LEV and PPE
− implement shift rotations to make sure workers are not exposed to dust for extended periods of time
− excluding workers and others not involved with the cutting , grinding , trimming , drilling , sanding , or polishing task
− − implement good housekeeping policies including regular cleaning of work areas , and ensure workers wash their hands and face thoroughly before eating , drinking or leaving the workplace .
Safe work procedures
Workers ’ use of power tools , equipment and other machinery will influence the amount of silica dust that is generated .
Before plant or equipment is used in the workplace , workers and other persons who are to use it must be provided with the information , training , instruction and supervision necessary to protect them from silica dust and any other risks arising from its use .
Safe work procedures should be developed that include instructions on :
− the correct use of silica dust control equipment − how to operate the plant and equipment in a manner that reduces the generation of silica dust − how to carry out inspections , shut-down , cleaning , repair and maintenance of plant and silica dust control equipment − emergency procedures , and − the use of PPE , such as protective footwear , eye wear , RPE and aprons .
In addition to safe work procedures , warning signs ( Figure 7 ) must be used to communicate silica dust hazards or the required PPE , if such signs are required to control the risks of silica dust .
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