Respirable crystalline silica: New guidance for stone countertop workers

Bootle, England — The United Kingdom’s Health and Safety Executive has published new guidance intended to prevent silica dust exposure among workers who cut or work with engineered stone countertops.

“If someone breathes in stone dust containing respirable crystalline silica, it can cause lung diseases including silicosis, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,” HSE says. “RCS is in most rocks, sands, clays and also products like bricks, tiles and concrete. When these materials are cut, sanded, carved or ground, dust is created. This dust may be fine enough to be breathed deep into the lungs.”

Recent studies have linked working with stone countertops to lung disorders.

The guidance covers:

• Training on respirable crystalline silica risks and potential exposures
• What to do before arriving to the jobsite
• What to check before installing a stone countertop
• What to do during installation
• Planning the cleanup