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Managing Quartz Exposure in Apartment Building and Infrastructure Construction Work Tasks
Tapani Tuomi1, Tom Johnsson2, Arto Heino3
1Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (Työterveyslaitos), P.O. Box 40, FI-00032 Helsinki, Finland.
Summary
Construction workers experience silica and dust exposure, with average levels below the Finnish Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL). However, certain tasks pose risks, necessitating proper respiratory protection and dust control measures for worker safety.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Environmental Science
- Construction Management
Background:
- Respirable silica and dust exposure are significant health concerns in the construction industry.
- Understanding exposure levels and effective management strategies is crucial for worker protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess respirable silica and dust exposure levels in various construction tasks.
- To identify work activities with high exposure risks and evaluate management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Measurements of respirable dust and silica exposure in 148 construction work tasks.
- Comparison of exposure levels against the Finnish Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) of 0.05 mg/m³.
Main Results:
- Average exposure was 64% of the Finnish OEL, with 10% of tasks exceeding it.
- Low exposure was observed in tasks like cleaning, landscaping, and machine operation with filtered cabins.
- Excessive exposure occurred during sandblasting, drilling, demolition, and jackhammering, often due to inadequate respiratory protection.
Conclusions:
- While average exposure is manageable, specific high-risk tasks require stringent dust control and appropriate respiratory protection.
- Proper use of respiratory protection and adherence to dust prevention measures are vital, even in tasks with generally low exposure levels.
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