Injury Illness Prevention Plan - Flipbook - Page 16
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Schedule work around the silica exposure levels and ensure that all regularly
exposed teammates partake in annual checkups.
Remind teammates; silica particles enter and become lodged in the lungs as a result of
inhaling the air surrounding the body. Symptoms are not seen immediately outside of
cases involving Acute Silicosis, and some can even take years to develop. Preventing
exposure to unsafe amounts of silica is the best way to maintain one’s health. Persons
taking certain medications (e.g., medications for blood pressure control, diuretics, or
water pills) should consult their physicians in order to determine if any side effects could
occur during silica exposure.
Some of the Risks associated with Silica Exposure, known as Silicosis:
Early stages can include:
x Shortness of breath during physical exertion.
x Fever.
x Occasionally bluish skin around the ear lobes or lips.
x Irritation to the eyes.
x Progression of silicosis can lead to:
o Fatigue.
o Labored breathing.
o Loss of appetite.
o Chest pain.
o Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
o Respiratory failure.
o Death.
Aside from the aforementioned disorders/symptoms, silica particles do not only remain
on the jobsite. Silica (SiO2) is the second most common mineral in the Earth’s crust, and
the crystals are tiny, hard, translucent, and colorless. The most common types of
crystalline silica at job sites are quartz, tridymite and cristobalite. In order to protect
yourself and others from exposure, please remove all clothing exposed to the silica from
work or otherwise, maintain personal hygiene through proper bathing, and limit exposure
amounts to protect yourself and others.
Symptoms and Responses:
Chronic Silicosis:
x The most common form of the disease; may go undetected for years in the early
stages. Chest X-Rays may not reveal an abnormality until after 15 or 20 years of
exposure.
x If you believe you are overexposed to silica dust, visit a doctor who knows about
lung diseases. The progress of silicosis can only be stopped; but cannot be cured.
Revised: October 2023
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