Formulators|Aquaflex recently introduced its line of silica-free waterproof concrete repair products which include Patch Mix, Skim-Fast and SLU. Every year, 2 million construction workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust in the workplace from concrete shot blasting and grinding. Using Aquaflex silica-free waterproof concrete repair products will both reduce worker exposure and site contamination, while promoting a clean, healthy construction environment. Recently OSHA identified RCS in its final rule June 23 as contributing to cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease. Silicosis takes the lives of more than 600 workers annually and 900 new cases are reported every year. The construction industry has one year from the effective date to comply with OSHA’s key provisions. Construction workers who perform concrete grinding or shot blasting breathe dust that contains RCS. A recent OSHA study found that grinding concrete without dust control exposed workers to levels of dust containing RCS ranging from 35 to 55 times the OSHA permissible exposure limit. In a second study using a wet-grind process, exposure levels were still 10 times the PEL. In addition, mechanical concrete prep may pose secondary routes of exposures to other trades and the eventual occupants from site contamination.
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