Warning & Disclaimers
Although our products themselves do not pose a risk to end consumers once installed, it is during manufacturing and fabrication that the tradesmen performing these tasks are at risk of being exposed to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS1) containing dust.
Silica Dust Harmful If Inhaled
Respirable Crystalline Silica Dust Hazard: TechnoQuartz slabs contain crystalline silica. Stone handling processes including, but not limited to, cutting, abrading, grinding, drilling, etc. of any silica-containing stone products may create respirable dust particles containing crystalline silica, which is an inhalation hazard. Workers who inhale respirable crystalline silica dust are at an increased risk of developing serious respiratory or lung-related diseases including, but not limited to, silicosis, lung cancer, and other health effects including kidney disease.
Exposure to silica dust from cutting, grinding, or polishing can cause acute lung injury, silicosis, or cancer. Wear proper personal respiratory protection.
Always Use The Recommended Wet-Cutting Methods
NO DRY CUTTING
NO BORING AND DRILLING
NO DRY POLISHING
NO DRY GRINDING
All fabricators must follow all applicable rules and regulations including OSHA’s silica standard (www.osha.gov/silica-crystalline) to protect workers from exposure to respirable crystalline silica. OSHA’s standard requires employers to limit workers’ exposure to respirable crystalline silica and to take steps to protect workers such as:
• Mitigate dust exposures by employing thorough engineering controls and safe work practices.
• Apply water during all fabrication processes including, but not limited to, cutting, grinding, and polishing to control silica dust.
• Monitor the air to determine worker silica exposures to mitigate per OSHA requirements.
• Require respiratory personal protection when applicable per OSHA requirements.
For more information, please visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/silica.