Stationary Masonry Saw with Vacuum Dust Collection

Hand-held masonry saws with LEV capture silica and other construction dust at the source by drawing the dust into a vacuum receptacle.


Risks Addressed:

Silica dust exposure may cause silicosis or lung scarring with prolonged exposure.  Silicosis is an incurable, sometimes fatal, disease.  Exposure to silica also causes lung cancer and other lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and tuberculosis, and has been linked to renal disease and rheumatoid arthritis.  "At work sites without dust controls for [stationary masonry saws], studies have found that employee silica exposures can be as high as 20 times the Occupational Safety and Health Adminstration's (OSHA) benchmark of 0.1 mg/m3."  (Controlling Silica Exposure in Construction, 2009)


How Risks are Reduced:

Vacuum systems capture dust and silica near the source, reducing concentrations in the worker's breathing zone.  A vacuum attached to a fixed-blade saw pulls dust from the cutting point through special fittings connecteddirectly to the saw.  A vacuum attached to a plunge-cut saw collects the dust through a connection at the back of the saw, and a hood or shroud is mounted to the back of the saw to capture the dust.  As long as the dust does not become airborne, the hazard is reduced.  Silica and dust are only hazardous if inhaled and are not hazardous for skin contact.  In some cases, a vacuum dust control may be adequate to reduce the need to wear a respirator, and the need for an employer respiratory protection program.

Availability

NIOSH Workplace Solutions Sheet
The National Institute of Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published a series of “Workplace Solutions”, which are easy-to-understand recommendations from NIOSH research results. Related to this Construction Solution, please find more information on: Reducing Hazardous Dust Exposure When Cutting Fiber-Cement Siding

EDCO, Inc. stationary masonry saws with vacuum connection and compatible vacuums
To obtain information, visit http://www.edcoinc.com or contact 1-800-638-3326 info@edcoinc.com