CONSTRUCTION-INDUSTRY
SILICA-DUSTS

RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA DUST EXPOSURE DURING ABRASIVE BLAST CLEANING OF BRIDGE DECK SURFACES

The results of a study of respirable crystalline silica dust exposures occurring during abrasive blast cleaning of bridge deck surfaces were discussed. Breathing zone samples were collected from seven abrasive blasters, six traffic controllers, nine hopper loaders, and three flaggers at two or three sites in North Carolina where bridge deck surfaces were being cleaned by abrasive blasting prior to being recoated. All blasters wore an air supplied respirator helmet. Use of respiratory protection by the other workers was less consistent. The breathing zone samples were analyzed for respirable dust and crystalline silica. The author concludes that all of the blast crews at the worksites had the potential for exposure to significant concentrations of respirable silica dust. Recommendations include having all employees including flaggers, even though they are usually located some distance from the actual blasting site, wear respiratory protection and performing real time monitoring of respirable silica dust exposures.

Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 11(2):81-83, 1996. (16 references)

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