The Silica Dust Hazard
Crystalline silica is one of the most common minerals on Earth, found in sand, stone, concrete, and brick. When these materials are cut, ground, or blasted, they release respirable crystalline silica—microscopic particles that can penetrate deep into lung tissue.
Long-term exposure to silica dust causes silicosis, an incurable and often fatal lung disease. It also increases the risk of lung cancer, COPD, and kidney disease. According to OSHA, more than 2 million workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica in their workplaces, with construction and sandblasting operations being among the highest-risk industries.
OSHA's Updated Regulations
In 2016, OSHA issued updated regulations (29 CFR 1926.1153) specifically addressing respirable crystalline silica exposure in construction and general industry. These rules, which are now fully enforced, drastically reduced the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for silica dust from 250 μg/m³ to just 50 μg/m³ as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
This means employers must implement engineering controls and work practices to keep worker exposure below this threshold. Traditional dry sandblasting, which creates massive silica dust clouds, makes compliance nearly impossible without expensive containment systems.
Why Dustless Blasting is the Solution
OSHA's regulations specifically recommend wet methods (also called "wet cutting" or "wet blasting") as a preferred engineering control for silica dust. Dustless blasting systems combine water with abrasive media, suppressing up to 92% of airborne dust at the source.
This approach is listed in OSHA's Table 1 as an approved method for controlling silica exposure during abrasive blasting operations. By using wet blasting, contractors can often eliminate the need for expensive air monitoring, medical surveillance, and respiratory protection programs required for dry blasting.
Compliance Benefits for Your Business
- Reduced Liability: OSHA violations for silica exposure carry penalties up to $15,625 per violation, with willful violations reaching $156,259. Dustless blasting helps avoid these costly fines.
- Worker Protection: Protecting your crews from silica exposure reduces health risks, workers' compensation claims, and potential lawsuits.
- Simplified Compliance: Following Table 1 methods like wet blasting means less paperwork, fewer medical exams, and streamlined compliance procedures.
- Competitive Advantage: Many industrial clients now require OSHA-compliant methods. Offering dustless blasting positions your company as a safety-focused, modern contractor.
Midwest Sandblasting's Approach
At Midwest Sandblasting, we've invested heavily in state-of-the-art dustless blasting equipment and trained our crews specifically in OSHA-compliant wet blasting techniques. Every project we undertake prioritizes worker safety and regulatory compliance, giving our clients peace of mind that their contractors are following best practices.
Whether you're a facility manager concerned about contractor compliance or a restoration company looking for a safe subcontractor, our commitment to OSHA standards sets us apart in the Chicago sandblasting market.
Ready to Learn More?
Contact Midwest Sandblasting to discuss how our OSHA-compliant dustless blasting services can meet your project requirements safely and efficiently.
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