What is Crystalline Silica?
Many common building materials contain silica. Crystalline silica is a natural element found in sand, stone, concrete and mortar. It is also used to make a variety of products, including engineered stone for kitchen and bathroom benchtops, bricks and tiles.
The amount of crystalline silica in products can vary. Indicative examples include:
• Engineered stone: 80% to 95%
• Sandstone: 70% to 90%
• Granite: 25% to 60%
• Slate: 20% to 40%
• Ceramic tiles: 5% to 45%
Crystalline silica dust can be harmful when it’s inhaled over a long period of time at low to moderate levels, or for short periods at high levels. Silica is safe but if you create dust by cutting, drilling or grinding materials that contain silica breathing the dust can cause silicosis, a form of occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust. Grinding back or levelling the substrate along with the mixing of grouts and adhesives may also produce harmful dust if inhaled.
Wherever possible, cut tiles using a score and snap cutter or wet saw and before you start any cutting, refer to our Think Safety First information document and always wear the correct Personal protective Equipment (PPE) in particular an approved mask that complies with the Australian Standard (refer below).
Breathing Protection
Wear the appropriate Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE), it needs to comply with the standard AS/NZS 1716 – Respiratory protective devices. Check the product information to make sure RPE is AS/ NZS 1716 compliant.
Avoid dry cutting or grinding with an electric grinder. If this cannot be avoided, use equipment fitted with integrated dust collection systems or appropriate exhaust ventilation away from the operator. Use an appropriate, approved, well-fitting respirator whenever other controls are not effective to keep dust below workplace exposure standards (these are available from Safe Work Australia). Score and snap cutting or wet cutting methods are always recommended as well as cutting in an external or well-ventilated area.