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Posted By Phil Hussey
Has any colleague any experience of dust/silica hazards arising from the recycling of glass, the process involves crushing the glass very small particles.
Any information would be gratefully received.
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Posted By Jane Blunt
Sorry, No, but I do know that most glass in everyday life is not pure silica. It is modified with several other oxides (such as soda and lime) to reduce its melting point and make it easier and cheaper to work with. In 'Pyrex' it is modified to make it less susceptible to thermal shock. Whether there is any hazard from these modified materials, I do not know.
Jane
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Posted By David Allan
Phil
Details from HSE website - Roger appears to be principal contact for that sector.
Roger Monaghan (Newcastle under Lyme) 01782 602386 roger.monaghan@hse.gsi.gov.uk
In meantime -
I would treat like any other silica problem and don't let anyone breathe it in as it can cause lung disease.
Silica has an MEL (Max exposure limit ie never exceed)of 0.3mg/m3 for respirable dust (breathed into gas exchange part of lung.
A full CoSHH assessment will be required but:
Need to monitor to see if you have a problem - if you can see a fair amount then you probably have a problem. Wear dust masks (need to ensure correct ones) in short term until engineering controls can be implemented eg extract ventilation, enclosures etc. Will also need regular monitoring, PPE for tasks such as cleaning etc, perhaps Health surveillance and all staff to be informed of hazards and health effects and trained in the use of controls.
Trust this helps to get started.
David
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Posted By Phil Hussey
Thanks to both Jane & David for your help.
We do have a programme for periodic monitoring of personal exposure to dust, and can have the results analysed for silica content.
Regards
Phil.
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