Stone processing is not only hard work but also poses many health hazards not limited to falls and cut traumas as one might think, but also those related to the respiratory system.
Stone processing: health risks for the respiratory system
Processing stone is a fascinating job but it can be dangerous too. This is an ancient craft, which, while still counting many workers in the field, has become a niche profession traditionally handed down from father to son. It is, however, still very much a manual job, even if the introduction of machines in recent years has undoubtedly reduced much of the heavy work that used to be carried out by hand in the industry.
In addition to the heavy manual labour required for this type of work, the safety aspect is not to be underestimated: the health risks related to stone processing are numerous and are not limited to falls and cut traumas, as one might think, but also affect the respiratory tract.
What is stone processing? In most cases, stone is cut with saw blades – this process causes the release of high quantities of fine dust and particles into the air which are easily inhaled by the workers into their respiratory system.
This very fine dust gets deposited in the lungs and bronchi and, in addition to causing irritation and inflammation, is also considered to be one of the primary causes of the onset of lung cancer and other serious respiratory diseases.
Stone craftsmen usually work in these dusty conditions for several hours a day and the whole working environment becomes saturated with suspended dust particles. Workers in this sector are therefore required by law to wear personal protective equipment and more specifically, respiratory protective devices. Health and safety regulations have been in place for some years now and quite a large number and different models of particulate respirators are available on the market nowadays.
Particulate respirators for protection against stone dust
Particulate respirators used during stone processing operations should primarily be, practical, lightweight and have a good fit. The scope of the respirator is to adequately protect the worker’s nose and mouth during stone processing work. A particulate respirator is usually composed of a face piece equipped with a filtering unit which filters contaminated air and provides the wearer with clean air devoid of any particulate substance found in the work environment. Filtered inhaled air flows into the mask and over the inside of the visor keeping it demisted while exhaled air and any excess air is expelled through the exhalation valve.
The particulate respirators recommended for use during stone processing operations are the compact ones which offer maximum freedom of movement rather than those which include cumbersome external wires or breathing hoses.
Compact particulate respirators may also come equipped with blower units powered by batteries which can have a running time of over 6 hours.
The wearer of such a product can be sure to carry out his job comfortably and safely always breathing filtered air without having to worry about the contaminated air at his place of work.
Particulate respirators are easy to maintain and filters need to be replaced when clogged and/or periodically according to a time change schedule. Furthermore, the battery charge needs to be kept checked to ensure the respirator functions at its best at all times.
Kasco srl supplies various respiratory protective devices with particulate filters such as the Cleanspace2 Respirator to protect workers during stone processing, This respirator is ergonomically designed and compact with no cumbersome wires or breathing hoses attach.
Oct 2 2017
Using particulate respirators for respiratory protection when processing stone
Stone processing: health risks for the respiratory system
Processing stone is a fascinating job but it can be dangerous too. This is an ancient craft, which, while still counting many workers in the field, has become a niche profession traditionally handed down from father to son. It is, however, still very much a manual job, even if the introduction of machines in recent years has undoubtedly reduced much of the heavy work that used to be carried out by hand in the industry.
In addition to the heavy manual labour required for this type of work, the safety aspect is not to be underestimated: the health risks related to stone processing are numerous and are not limited to falls and cut traumas, as one might think, but also affect the respiratory tract.
What is stone processing? In most cases, stone is cut with saw blades – this process causes the release of high quantities of fine dust and particles into the air which are easily inhaled by the workers into their respiratory system.
Stone craftsmen usually work in these dusty conditions for several hours a day and the whole working environment becomes saturated with suspended dust particles. Workers in this sector are therefore required by law to wear personal protective equipment and more specifically, respiratory protective devices. Health and safety regulations have been in place for some years now and quite a large number and different models of particulate respirators are available on the market nowadays.
Particulate respirators for protection against stone dust
Particulate respirators used during stone processing operations should primarily be, practical, lightweight and have a good fit. The scope of the respirator is to adequately protect the worker’s nose and mouth during stone processing work. A particulate respirator is usually composed of a face piece equipped with a filtering unit which filters contaminated air and provides the wearer with clean air devoid of any particulate substance found in the work environment. Filtered inhaled air flows into the mask and over the inside of the visor keeping it demisted while exhaled air and any excess air is expelled through the exhalation valve.
The particulate respirators recommended for use during stone processing operations are the compact ones which offer maximum freedom of movement rather than those which include cumbersome external wires or breathing hoses.
Compact particulate respirators may also come equipped with blower units powered by batteries which can have a running time of over 6 hours.
The wearer of such a product can be sure to carry out his job comfortably and safely always breathing filtered air without having to worry about the contaminated air at his place of work.
Particulate respirators are easy to maintain and filters need to be replaced when clogged and/or periodically according to a time change schedule. Furthermore, the battery charge needs to be kept checked to ensure the respirator functions at its best at all times.
Kasco srl supplies various respiratory protective devices with particulate filters such as the Cleanspace2 Respirator to protect workers during stone processing, This respirator is ergonomically designed and compact with no cumbersome wires or breathing hoses attach.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •