What is the correct PPE for silica dust?
As silica dust particles are very small, workers should use a tight-fitting respirator with an effective face seal. This means they need to be clean-shaven or only have facial hair that does not interfere with the fitting surfaces or the respirator valve.
What is the permissible exposure limit for respiratory crystalline silica?
50 micrograms per cubic meter
What is the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica? The PEL for respirable crystalline silica is 50 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/M3) of air.
Is silica dust harmful to cats?
Breathing in this silica dust may pose a health risk to you and your cat. Prolonged exposure to crystalline silica dust has been associated with silicosis (a non-cancerous, sometimes fatal lung disease), bronchitis and tuberculosis in humans. In cats, inhaling the silica dust can cause respiratory infections.
Does N95 stop silica dust?
The following describes the NIOSH policy for respiratory protection against airborne exposures to crystalline silica. NIOSH recommends the use of half-facepiece particulate respirators with N95 or better filters for airborne exposures to crystalline silica at concentrations less than or equal to 0.5 mg/m3.
How can we protect from crystalline silica?
Water can keep silica dust out of the air – and out of your lungs. Use tools with water attachments to control dust at the source. Water can also keep dust down during activities like sweeping and demolition. Use tools with vacuum attachments to capture the dust right where it starts.
What is the OSHA standard for silica?
The employer shall ensure that no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of respirable crystalline silica in excess of 50 μg/m3, calculated as an 8-hour TWA.
Is there silica dust in cat litter?
Many mass market cat litters contain significant amounts of silica dust which has been linked to upper respiratory issues in cats and even humans. Likewise, the chemical fragrances in many cat litters can also be toxic to cats. Yet another issue is the sodium bentonite clay in “clumping” cat litters.
Can you wash silica cat litter?
Silica gel doesn’t dissolve in water. Most components of urine will dissolve. You can wash it and filter it off.