HSE issues 'killer dust' advice
February 17th 09:39 Health and Safety
Silica dust has been described as a "killer" by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in a report which has issued advice on how construction workers can avoid the material.
According to the HSE, silica dust is the second biggest cause of lung disease in workers, after asbestos, and accounts for 500 lost lives each year.
The department has advised construction workers to ensure they use dust suppressant tools, damp materials and special vacuums to cut down the risks involved.
Workers have also been urged to wear "high-quality" protective masks.
Moira Caddick, health and safety awareness officer at the HSE, said: "The lives of hundreds of workers and their families are devastated every year by lung diseases caused as a result of breathing in silica dust.
"But many people simply don't realise they're releasing potentially deadly particles when they cut into kerbing, paving or other block materials. Silica dust can get onto your lungs and cause breathing problems, which can eventually lead to lung cancer."
