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State agency controls the dust In a draft proposal, the California Department of Occupational Safety & Health states that discussions are beginning on how to control employee exposure to dust-generating operations on masonry and concrete materials.
In the draft document, the introduction of water to cutting or grinding operations is considered the preferred method of control. Specific exceptions to the wet-cutting rule include cases where water will introduce other safety hazards, such as working from elevated scaffolds or working near electrical equipment, or when operations do not result in exposure that exceeds the limit set on crystalline silica exposure in California. When water cannot be used, other engineering controls such as dust-collection systems must be implemented.
The draft proposal also considers significant training issues. The advisory committee is expected to determine whether a standard or some other type of guidance will be issued to help achieve the objectives outlined by the proposal. www.dir.ca.gov
