Health & Safety

DO YOU NEED A MASK?

If you’re working in any environment where there is silica dust (or the potential of silica dust) – then yes, you need Respiratory Protective Equipment.  The three most common types of RPE are:

1. Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR)

2. Half - face respirators

3. Disposable dust masks 

Each type of Respiratory Protective Equipment is designed for a different level of silica dust in the working environment.  In most situations, PAPR and half - face dust masks provide higher protection than disposable dust masks.

WHEN DO YOU NEED TO WEAR EACH TYPE OF MASK?

• Wear PAPR if exposure levels are unknown, if the level of respirable crystalline silica is extreme, or if you have facial hair which reduces the performance of the other types of masks.
• Wear a half - face respirator when fabricating with wet manual tools in the fabrication plant, when standing close to locations where respirable crystalline silica is created, and at the installation site if you are performing dust-producing modifications.
• Wear a disposable dust mask only in places far from where silica dust is created, such as near water-connected CNC machines that are water-connected to exhaust ventilation systems and when washing the floor and machinery with running water.

DO YOU NEED A FILTER?

Dust masks and filters are usually classified as P1, P2 and P3.  As silica dust is considered high-risk, harmful dust, be sure to use only P3 class dust masks with filters, or N95 filters or higher. 

Before using a mask be sure to check that it is clean, complete and fit for use; that it creates an airtight seal; and that the filter has not passed its expiration date. There are professional fitting tests that you can do to make sure the mask fits appropriately.

All masks and filters should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and local regulations, and after consultation with a health and safety expert.

WHEN DO YOU NEED TO CHANGE A FILTER?

Clogged-up masks or filters will not protect you. Replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which should appear clearly on the mask. Replace filters in half face masks every 6 months unless the manufacturer instructs more frequent replacement. Store and maintain masks and filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions, in a clean and dry location.

Clearly communicate the storage and usage instructions of the masks to all your team members.

Don’t forget - using masks is not enough. It’s always better to minimize the creation and the spread of respirable silica dust!  

For further information about the best practice to avoid exposure to hazardous respirable silica dust and about the health risks associated with respirable silica dust that is generated when fabricating our products, please read our Good Practice Guide and Safety Data Sheet.

Please note - the content contained in this article and the video above should not be regarded as any kind of professional, medical, health, or legal advice. Caesarstone makes no warranty as to the quality of the tools, equipment or safety measures presented on the video and the article above and their suitability to your needs.