The US Department of Labor recently tightened restrictions on silica exposure in the workplace. This is crucial for businesses to prioritize, as it ensures employee safety and helps avoid costly fines and legal liabilities.
New Silica Regulations
The recent silica regulations set in place by the US Department of Labor state that exposure must be limited to 50 microns per cubic meter of total air inhalation over an 8-hour shift.
What is Silica?
Silica, or silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral found abundantly in the earth’s crust. It forms the primary component of sand and quartz and is used in various industries. Silica presents itself primarily through materials like concrete, bricks, tiles, and stone. When workers cut, drill, grind, or demolish these materials, tiny silica particles are released into the air as dust. Inhaling this dust is particularly harmful to humans, so proper silica removal techniques are necessary in the workplace. Lastly, silica is present in other byproducts created by demolition, like sludge. This is why sludge removal is also important in keeping employees safe.
Effects on Humans
Silica regulations are in effect for a reason, both crystalline silica and silica dust are toxic to humans. Inhaling silica dust can cause serious health problems, including silicosis, a lung disease that leads to inflammation and scarring, making breathing difficult. While long-term exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease. More information about the effects of silica exposure can be found here.
Proper Protective Equipment
Workers who are consistently exposed to silica dust must use proper protective equipment and follow safety guidelines to reduce exposure. This may come in the form of respirators, such as N95 masks or higher-rated filters, which effectively block silica particles. Workplaces must protect their employees by providing protective equipment and installing water sprays, dust suppression systems, filter presses and industrial wastewater treatment systems that effectively aid in airborne silica removal.
Solutions: Past and Present
In the past, silica was controlled by simply installing ventilation equipment like fans and vents; however, these methods saw limited success. With up-to-date silica regulations, most industrial worksites use water to prevent the spread of silica dust. This may come in the form of air misters and water sprayers used to capture airborne silica dust and absorb it into wastewater. Left to sit, this wastewater can leach into the air and surrounding environment. Industrial wastewater treatment systems and filter presses are necessary for sludge removal, controlling silica contents, and preventing further contamination.
Using Water to Control Silica Dust
Using air misters on-site helps to dampen silica particles in the air, reducing what worksite employees might inhale. Absorbing these airborne particles with water also allows for a simpler collection and disposal of the harmful silica and sludge removal. Furthermore, the addition of water to projects like stonecutting aids in silica removal by washing them straight into the wastewater system. Some stonecutting equipment has built-in water delivery systems that automatically dampen dust as it is produced.
Using Wastewater Filtration to Control Silica-Contaminated Water
Wastewater filtration equipment such as filter presses, or rapid resettlement systems effectively filter silica particles out of wastewater. These systems can also aid in processes like sludge removal. Reliable industrial wastewater treatment systems allow workplaces to safely reuse and dispose of wastewater while complying with silica regulations.
Water Filtration 101
Most wastewater filtration systems remove silica through several steps. First, chemicals are added to make silica particles clump together in a process called coagulation and flocculation. These clumped particles then settle at the bottom of the tank during the sedimentation stage. The water then passes through a filter press that includes sand or activated carbon aiding in silica removal. In some cases, reverse osmosis is used for extra purification, where water is pushed through a special membrane that aids in blocking silica, sludge removal, and other impurities. Water that is processed with industrial wastewater treatment systems can be safely reused or disposed of without fear of silica leaching into the air.
Choose Full Circle Water
Full Circle Water’s All-in-One filtration system offers unparalleled filtration that boasts industry-leading technology, an easy-to-use interface, and a compact design. Learn more about adding All-in-One to your water filtration system here.
Contact Full Circle Water to learn more about how our filter presses keep industrial wastewater treatment operations compliant with proper storage and silica removal regulations.