Understanding the difference between decontaminating and cleaning is crucial when it comes to crystalline silica dust and work site cleanliness.
Silica area to be decontaminated
An area that has been contaminated by fine crystalline silica dust from concrete, brick, ceramic, granite, sandstone, mortar, etc.* is to be decontaminated.
When we speak of fine dust, we’re talking about airborne dust, generally created by a mechanical tool. That includes any place where sawing, grinding, sanding, bush-hammering, jackhammering, drilling or boring is being carried out.
The area contaminated by fine dust must be marked out ahead of time. It can then be decontaminated. Decontamination is a wet process, with sufficient water added to abate the dust, or uses a vacuum cleaner fitted with a high-efficiency filter. What you need to know:
- Use of a broom and sweeping powder to decontaminate a work area is prohibited.
- A worker assigned to a decontamination task must have been informed of the risks and preventive measures to be applied beforehand.
Area to be cleaned
If the crystalline silica source is under control, the work area outside the delimited zone can be cleaned rather than decontaminated. The contractor and the employer must therefore contain the crystalline silica dust to limit the size of the work area to be decontaminated,
What should I do if my work site is at risk?
If you feel that your employer is not complying with these rules, you should file a complaint with the CNESST. Your union representative can help you through this process.
If any of the rules are not followed, the CNESST will stop the work on the site and those at fault will be liable for criminal prosecution.
CSD Construction actively participates in regulatory work regarding the Safety Code for the Construction Industry (CSTC) and the Regulation respecting occupational health and safety (RSST). By adopting protective measures, you can help eliminate the risks associated with crystalline silica. Your health is a priority, so if you have any questions or concerns, contact us to arrange a visit of your union representative to your work site.
* list of materials listed in article 3.25.2 of the CSTC.
Do you know the dangers of exposure to crystalline silica, more commonly known as concrete dust?
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