| RCS Study and Prevention of Silicosis |
CPI Mortars produce and supply cementitious materials to the construction industry, employing 180 staff at nine sites.
The company commissioned a survey to ascertain if silica dust existed in the workplace and, if so, to evaluate if the existing control measures were adequate.
The study was carried out by an occupational hygienist, and covered all of the company’s operational staff from laboratory technicians to tanker drivers.
The study found respirable crystalline silica dust in the workplace. To rectify this several measures have been implemented, including:
• All plant vehicles were evaluated for integrity and leaks and a number of repairs took place;
• Local exhaust ventilation was subject to a planned preventative maintenance programme, filters were changed and new captor hoods were installed;
• A new position of maintenance manager was recruited to improve aspects of maintenance on site;
• Vacuum systems were installed to eliminate the need for manual sweeping;
• A ‘face fit’ programme was rolled out to ensure that the correct dust masks are being used;
• All employees are subject to medical examinations looking at lung function, dermatitis and hearing;
A retest has been carried out and found that levels were significantly below the workplace exposure limits.
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