6 . Clean-up and disposal of silica dust
The proper clean-up of the workplace , including the decontamination of clothing and PPE , and the correct disposal of silica contaminated material , play an important role in further minimising exposure to silica dust for workers , or others in the vicinity of the workplace .
General cleaning and housekeeping
Regular cleaning should be undertaken to prevent the build-up of dust on floors , walls , other surfaces and equipment . Cleaning should be conducted at least daily , ideally at the end of the working day . Workers should wear RPE and use good housekeeping practices when cleaning . The wearing of RPE throughout the cleaning process will reduce the risk of workers being exposed to silica dust or contaminated water mist .
To ensure good housekeeping practices : −
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− − − − implement daily and thorough housekeeping and cleaning procedures for wet slurry and settled dust to prevent dust build up on surfaces , or it becoming airborne , in areas where the stone is processed , for example : o walls and building support structures such as girders and cross members , and o wash engineered stone slabs prior to processing and again before sending out for installation use low pressure water , wet sweeping or an M- or H- class rated vacuum cleaner to clean , tools , equipment , floors , walls and other surfaces regularly clean vehicle track or high use areas and keep it wet during the day prohibit the use of dry sweeping or compressed air to clean surfaces or clothing provide low pressure water from hoses for cleaning between tasks , and ensure all waste products are disposed of in a manner that minimises the risk of dust being redistributed over the workplace ( for example covered , kept wet or bagged ).
Note : Dry sweeping methods , such as using brooms , or using compressed air to clean up accumulated dust , should never be used . These methods can recirculate silica dust into the air . Household vacuum cleaners are not designed for use with hazardous dusts and should never be used where silica dust is or may be present , even if they have a HEPA filter .
Decontamination of workers ’ clothing and PPE
Dusty clothing and PPE can expose workers and others to silica dust . PPE should be cleaned after use to ensure that silica dust does not accumulate . Information about maintaining and cleaning PPE should be sourced from the manufacturer or supplier .
Examples of how exposure to silica dust carried on PPE and work clothes can be minimised include :
− using an industrial M- or H- class rated vacuum cleaner to remove dust from clothes and PPE
o by positioning these units at the exits of engineered stone processing areas , workers are encouraged to vacuum their clothes and PPE before leaving
Managing the risks of respirable crystalline silica from engineered stone in the workplace - Code of Practice 47 of 57