1. Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS)

2. RCS What is it? Why should we be concerned about it? Where might we be exposed to it? What can we do about it? –Best practice –Monitoring

3. What is RCS? RCS stands for respirable crystalline silica Very basically this means silica dust that can get into the lungs Silica is a mineral commonly found in high proportions in sand & gravel– however it’s not too easy to breathe it in is this natural form!

4. Why should we be concerned about it? If silica dust is inhaled into the lungs it can stay there for many years Silica dust in the lungs can cause silicosis – people with this are at increased risk of tuberculosis and lung cancer

5. Why should we be concerned about it? It can also cause chronic,obstructive pulmonary disease – this can causes breathlessness, often with a cough Because of these concerns the exposure level has recently been reduced to 0.1mg/m 3

6. Where might we be exposed to it? In it’s natural state within a damp aggregate it is unlikely that we can breathe in sufficient quantities to cause a problem However when in a dust form – e.g. crushing, bagging, dried silt, cutting product, this may be hazardous

7. What can we do about it? - Plant Minimise dust generation! e.g. –Damp down roads in dry conditions –Keep water sprays on crushers Contain the dust in an area excluded to people, that can be cleaned/dampened before entry, e.g. –Housing around a crusher

8. What can we do about it? - Plant Reduce exposure by filtering – e.g. ensure shovel air filters are maintained in a good condition Ensure that drivers are aware of good practice and adhere to this – e.g. operate the shovel with the door closed and windows shut

9. What can we do about it? - Plant Reduce exposure by extracting the dust by use of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) – make sure you keep these tested!

10. What can we do about it? - Plant Finally, if all else fails & people still have the potential to be exposed to RCS then use suitable PPE, e.g. –Air stream helmets –Appropriate dust mask, correctly worn!

11. What can we do about it? - People Carry out personal & plant dust monitoring & review the results Carry out occupational health (OH) screening as recommended by our OH suppliers

12. Summary RCS is a potential killer Review the risk at your site from previous monitoring results Minimise generation of dust Minimise personal exposure Review OH results