Does a HEPA filter remove silica dust?
In order to effectively collect crystalline silica dust, the silica dust collector system needs to be equipped with a HEPA filter. A true HEPA filter can trap 99.97% of all airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns (0.001 mm, or about 0.000039 in.), making it perfect for silica dust removal.
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.
Vacuum removal is the most effective method of controlling silica dust created by power tools. While our vacuums equipped with HEPA filters remove 99.99% of the dust, CS Unitec's standard vacuums are 99.93% efficient.
HEPA is good at removing larger particulate matter like pet dander, pollen and dust mites. Unfortunately, mold, VOCs, viruses, bacteria, and small particulates under 0.3 micrometers can not be removed safely from the air with an HEPA-based air purifier.
- Provide suitable protective workwear. ...
- Correctly clean equipment and protective workwear. ...
- Practice good personal hygiene at work.
Silicosis usually develops after being exposed to silica for 10-20 years, although it can sometimes develop after 5-10 years of exposure. Occasionally, it can occur after only a few months of very heavy exposure.
This form of dust is so small that it can stay in the air for up to 12 days. Sometimes when we don't see dust, there are still particles circulating about!
Airborne silica dust is measured by using a device called a sampling cyclone. This is a relatively small piece of equipment that clips on to a workers shirt and connected to a pump (usually attached to the worker's belt or back pocket) that draws air from the surrounding environment.
Occupational Standards
In 1974 NIOSH recommended that the exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica be 0.05 mg/m3 averaged over a work shift of up to 10 hours a day, 40 hours a week.
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What are the two disadvantages of HEPA filters?
Cons: HEPA filters however cannot trap other pollutants such as gases, fumes, chemicals and odors. Can be costly when replacing filters. Replacing filters can become costly depending how many times you change the filter. Shape and compactness of the unit depends on what type of air purifier you have.
In short, it depends on what you're trying to accomplish or alleviate. For people with severe allergies, HEPA filters can help trap pet dander and other larger allergens. If you're simply attempting to freshen up your air, then the price tag may not be worth it.
As long as you are maintaining your pre-filter appropriately, the HEPA filter should be switched out every 2-3 weeks. It's important to note that if the unit is moved from one room to another, all of your systems filters should be automatically changed.
Use the following methods to control respirable crystalline silica: Use the dust collection systems available for many types of dust-generating equipment. When purchasing equipment, look for dust controls. Use local exhaust ventilation to prevent dust from being released into the air.
Crystalline silica is hazardous to health
Repeated exposure to high levels of these fine crystalline silica particles can cause a variety of diseases that mostly affect the respiratory system. Our lungs have ways to remove some of the dust we breathe in, such as coughing or bringing up phlegm.
Patients with accelerated silicosis may progress to progressive massive fibrosis over a period of four to five years. Overall, people diagnosed with silicosis lose an average 11.6 years of life.
Not everyone who works with silica dust develops silicosis. The chances of getting silicosis will depend on many factors, including how much silica dust you come into contact with, and for how long you were exposed to it.
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.
Symptoms of silicosis usually appear after many years of exposure. In early stages, symptoms are mild and include cough, sputum and progressive shortness of breath. As the scarring continues to worsen, the first real signs of a problem may be an abnormal chest X-ray and a slowly developing cough.
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Work and exposure to silica dust
- miners.
- construction workers.
- farmers.
- engineers.
How far does silica dust travel?
How far does silica dust travel? Silica dust can be lifted more than 700 meters into the air and it can stay in the air for up to 12 days because it is so small.
Participate in training, exposure monitoring, and health screening and surveillance programs to monitor any adverse health effects caused by crystalline silica exposures. Wear disposable or washable work clothes and shower if facilities are available.
Crystalline silica is one of the most abundant minerals on earth, found in numerous naturally occurring materials such as rock, sand, stone, clay, and gravel.
Respirable crystalline silica dust particles are tiny, about 100 times smaller than the grains of sand found on the beach. These dust particles are still very sharp, and when inhaled they damage the lungs.
Source control of the dust at the tool is important, but only a true HEPA air filter can remove the remainder of fine silica particles from the air.
According to the revised standards for construction, a vacuum's main defense against toxic airborne silica dust particles is by using a HEPA filter. HEPA Maxx filters are 99.997% efficient @ 0.3 microns and carry a Merv 14 rating while HEPA 2.0 filters are 99.97% efficient @ 0.3 microns and carry a Merv 17 rating.
Appropriate PPE for silica exposure:
When dealing with silica dust – if using a conventional respirator – then either a particulate respirator must be used (P1, P2 or P3 filtering respirator) or an air supplied respirator.
OSHA requires HEPA-filtered (defined as 99.97% efficient @ 0.3-microns) vacuuming for cleanup in several situations: When cleaning holes from handheld and stand-mounted drills (including impact and rotary hammer drills)
