Polishing stone and concrete creates fine dust that workers can inhale. Concrete and many common stones, such as granite, can be composed primarily of crystalline silica, which if inhaled can cause lung disease and cancer. Using water to suppress the dust may be easier than using local exhaust ventilation in some circumstances and is an important dust control option to consider.

Wet methods can extend tool life, improve visibility and reduce dust exposure. These particular brands and models of polishers, however, have not been evaluated to determine the amount of dust generated or the effectiveness of the dust suppression systems.

Intertool DS 302 12-inch planetary floor polisher with wet dust suppression

• Used to polish or grind floors, steps, tight areas and under toe kicks
• Cost: $3,895 - $3,995
• Motor: 2 horsepower Baldor premium efficiency, Super-E, TEFC
• Power requirements: 115 volts, 20 amps or 230 volts, 10 amps
• Polishing diameter: 12 inches, achieved with three 5-inch planetary discs
• Disc speed: 250 to 2,500 RPM
• Weight: 200 pounds (including 50 pound weight)
• Alternative dust control methods: 1-inch port for use with a vacuum
• Sound pressure level: not available but likely to exceed 90 dBA (OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limit for an 8-hour time-weighted average)

Intertool DS 605 24-inch planetary floor polisher with wet dust suppression

• Used to polish or grind floors, steps, tight areas and under toe kicks
• Cost: $8,450 - $8,500
• Motor: 5 horsepower Baldor premium efficiency, Super-E, TEFC
• Power requirements: 230 volts, 20 amps
• Polishing diameter: 24 inches, achieved with two 12-inch planetary platforms, each with three 5-inch discs
• Disc speed: 300 to 3,000 RPM
• Weight: 250 pounds
• Alternative dust control methods: 2-inch port for use with a vacuum
• Sound pressure level: not available but likely to exceed 90 dBA (OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limit for an 8-hour time-weighted average)

 CONTRx Systems ProPolisher II with wet dust suppression

• Used to polish or finish concrete floors
• Cost: $7,214 to $8,472
• Motor: 5 horsepower, TEFC
• Power requirements: 230 volts, 1 phase, 19.5 amps
• Polishing width: 23 inches, achieved with two counter rotating disc assemblies, each with three 3-inch discs
• Disc speed: 385 RPM
• Weight: 330 pounds
• Alternative dust control methods: port for use with a vacuum
• Sound pressure level: not available but likely to exceed 90 dBA (OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limit for an 8-hour time-weighted average)

 CONTRx Systems ProPolisher IV with wet dust suppression

• Used to polish or finish concrete floors
• Cost: $14,943 to $15,143
• Motor: 10 horse power, TEFC
• Power requirements: 230 volts, 3-phase, 23 amps or 460 volts, 3-phase, 11.5 amps
• Polishing width: 38 inches, achieved with four counter rotating disc assemblies, each with three 3-inch discs
• Disc speed: 385 RPM
• Weight: 582 pounds
• Alternative dust control methods: port for use with a vacuum
• Sound pressure level: not available but likely to exceed 90 dBA (OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limit for an 8-hour time-weighted average)

 Husqvarna PG 530, PG 680 and PG 820 polishers with wet dust suppression

• Designed to grind and polish marble, terrazzo, granite and concrete
• Planetary polisher features three disc assemblies
• Alternative dust control methods: port for use with a vacuum, accepts 3-inch hose
• Sound pressure level: not available but likely to exceed 90 dBA (OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limit for an 8-hour time-weighted average)

 

(Photo courtesy of Husqvarna AB Construction Division)

Using wet dust suppression with walk-behind stone polishers is expected to improve productivity by increasing visibility, reducing work site cleanup, reducing worker cleanup, and increasing the useful life of the polishing pads which reduces costs and time spent changing pads. Dust suppression also avoids exposing other workers, members of the public, adjacent property, cars and building occupants, which can increase liability and time-consuming disputes. Improved worker comfort is a result of reduced airborne dust which may in turn result in less fatigue for the worker and greater productivity. In some cases, particularly where polisher use is intermittent, wet dust suppression may be adequate to reduce the need to wear a respirator and the need for an employer respiratory protection program.

The use of water controls may result in wet and slippery ground and walking surfaces. During cold weather this may lead to the formation of ice and an increased risk of slips, trips and falls. Polishing debris that is not bagged and removed from the work area while wet may become airborne once dried, posing an inhalation hazard to anyone in the area. Maintaining a work area free of debris and excess water will reduce the risk of these hazards.

The use of water as a dust control increases the risk of shock when electricity is used in the same area. Electrical cords and extensions must be rated for the tool's power requirements, be regularly inspected, and used in combination with ground fault interrupt circuits.

The use of gasoline-powered generators and compressors poses the risk of carbon monoxide exposure, particularly in areas where airflow is reduced. Steps to control exposure are important because the gas is invisible, odorless and tasteless. Small, inexpensive personal monitors can be worn by the operator to warn of unacceptable exposures.

Stone polishers may generate sound levels that are greater than 90 decibels, the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL), and hazardous. Hearing protection should be worn when using stone polishers unless an industrial hygienist has conducted noise monitoring and indicated that hearing protection is not required. As is the case with any construction equipment, users should follow manufacturer safety recommendations and comply with any applicable local, state or federal regulations.