Silicosis is pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation of silica molecules. Pneumoconiosis is the disease caused by a deposit of dust in the lungs with a pathological reaction to it.

• GRANITE & SILESTONE SILICOSIS

The growing number of cases of silicosis is of increasing concern. It is creating a major problem in the stone sector. It is very common to find companies that do not take any kind of measures for the necessary prevention and protection. Workers are daily exposed to this risk to their health, silica dust.

This is generated by cutting granite or even quartz agglomerate, such as Silestone, among other brands.

Maser continues with the awareness and prevention campaign for the eradication of this disease that affects an increasing number of workers

EUROPEAN UNION LEGISLATION ON SILICOSIS AND HOW IT AFFECTS SPAIN

The EU recognised the carcinogenicity of free silica dust. This means that it has been incorporated into the Directive on occupational protection against exposure to carcinogenic substances, such as silica. Thanks to the European Union, since January it has been considered a carcinogenic substance in Spain.

The limit has been set at 0.05 mg/m3, although until 31 December this year (2021) there is a transitional provision to apply 0.1 mg/m3. In workplaces and workshops, hygiene and separation of areas must be reinforced as much as possible.

What can we do to prevent silicosis?

La concienciación del empresario y los trabajadores es el primer paso para parar la aparición de casos de la enfermedad. Algunas medidas que nos recomienda la Guía para el control del riesgo por exposición a la SÍLICE CRISTALINA RESPIRABLE , elaborada por el Ministerio de Industria y el INS, serían:

1. La protección.
2. El mantenimiento de maquinaria.
3. La incorporación de nuevas herramientas y equipos.

Maser  with almost half a century of experience in the sector, is at the forefront of the latest technology. Offering resources to facilitate daily work, as well as promoting awareness measures among companies in the sector. Over the last few years, we have introduced a new range of products to the market. Among them are those that allow the suction and filtering of dust.

DUST EXTRACTION AND FILTERING SYSTEMS

Dust extraction and filtration booths are the best system to avoid breathing silica dust when working with natural stone. As well as quartz agglomerates (Silestone silicosis, produced by the silica it emits when being worked) or other types of materials. For this reason, at MASER we present the dust extraction and filtering cabin.

The suction centre ranges from 2 metres to 6 metres. In addition, it has a special Teflon-coated polyester filter system. This drastically reduces the need for maintenance. It can even be used with water without any risk of deterioration.

Four linear filtering filters are included in this cabin, guaranteeing 99.8% effective filtration, in full compliance with European and international standards. The use of cartridge filters, instead of traditional sleeves, guarantees a larger filter surface and therefore less maintenance.

Polyethylene cartridge filters (instead of traditional paper) guarantee a longer life cycle, greater resistance and less maintenance.

As far as the cleaning cycle of the cartridges is concerned, it is carried out by means of a compressed air blowing process, often called cyclone, collected in a 19 litres per linear metre tank installed at the back of the suction cabin and controlled by specific solenoid valves.

In addition, the pressure and frequency of the air backwash can be regulated by means of a digital cyclical timer with built-in differential pressure gauge.

At this moment the filtered air exits from the upper side of the suction cabin, pushed by the fans present in the cabin itself.

MORE INFORMATION ON FILTERING AND DUST SUCTION SYSTEMS

On the other hand, the machine can be accessed for special maintenance of the filters by means of front and rear panels. These are easily removable.

On request, a front drawer (fixed or mobile) of different dimensions can be fitted, in Plexiglas, steel or acoustically absorbent panels. This allows the user to work even at a moderate distance, improving suction in the work area.

The differences compared to traditional dry cabins on the market:

• Larger filtering surface. This means less maintenance. Avoiding a continuous change of filters and a continuous production of solid waste.
• Better quality of the filter material.
• More air available for backwashing. For a more efficient filter cleaning process. Ensuring a further extension of their life cycle.
• The only stainless steel dry suction machine on the market.

↓ SEE HOW THIS SUCTION AND FILTERING CABIN WORKS ↓

DUST AND WATER SUCTION BOOTHS

The dust and water suction cabinets that we offer at MASER are made entirely of top quality Outokumpu certified stainless steel.

Outokumpu certified top quality stainless steel, pressed, folded and cut by means of a laser machine.

This ensures a longer life, a higher overall quality and therefore a lower devaluation of the machine over the years.

The operation and use of our water dust extraction booth system is the MODULBOX. It provides for the operator to work in front of the module behind the water curtain and the linear suction slot.

The dust that is produced while working is extracted by means of fans through the slot between the tank and the water curtain.

Initially, some of this dust is removed by the external water curtain, while the rest is stopped by a water misting system inside the system.

CHARACTERISTICS OF WATER DUST EXTRACTION BOOTHS FOR THE PREVENTION OF SILICOSIS

On the other hand, this cabin has some unique characteristics. They make it a very good product for the prevention of silicosis:

• The module is also equipped with droplet separator panels made of high quality honeycomb PVC (without straw or similar material). They comply with CTI136 and ASTM E-84 standards for self-extinguishing and are suitable for separating water from the exhaust air.  This reduces the environmental impact, saves water and avoids bacterial proliferation.
• These panels can be easily removed from the front. There is no need for the operator to climb onto the roof of the machine and enter uncomfortably from the top for ordinary maintenance.
• The purified air exits from the top of the machine.
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• Allowing its recirculation in the environment.
• The dust thus eliminated is collected in the underlying inclined tank, of adequate capacity, becoming sludge and thus avoiding any possibility of air dispersion in the environment. Thanks to its particular inclination, the tank reduces maintenance operations by the operator to a minimum.
• The water in the system is recirculated. Always through a submerged pump with stainless steel pump body and rotor.

WHAT OTHER SOLUTIONS DOES MASER PROPOSE FOR THE PREVENTION OF OCCUPATIONAL SILICOSIS

The awareness and prevention campaign for the eradication of silicosis. This is being carried out through MASER  to transmit to our customers, through our communication and sales network, the importance of adapting their businesses. As well as the necessary incorporation of new tools, such as pneumatic manual machines, which do not involve a large outlay and guarantee the best results.

It is important to create routines. It is important to create routines and monitor their application to ensure that daily tasks are carried out in conditions safe from exposure to silica dust. Examples of these are:

• Check the correct functioning of the prevention systems (humidity supply, aspirations, etc.). This step is prior to the start of the activity that generates dust in suspension (drilling, use of hammers, pouring and transferring materials, sawing and cutting, etc.).
• Good practices for operators when leaving the cabins (of mobile machinery or fixed installations).
• Instructions or authorisations for specific jobs with high dust exposure. This can occur with certain cleaning and maintenance tasks. For example, of filters or collection equipment. The maintenance of equipment is designed to guarantee its proper functioning during use and to avoid exposure to dust.

ASPIRATORS RECOMMENDED BY MASER FOR THE PREVENTION OF SILICOSIS

PORTABLE INDUSTRIAL HOOVER FOR FINE DUST WITH TWO MOTORS AND TWO HEPA+ FILTER PTFE PL221

This industrial hoover is compact in order to obtain a better absorption of fine dust, with 2 motors and 2 secondary HEPA

D.O.P. filter. It also has other features such as:12

• Easy to transport and use
• Direct connection to tools
• Manual cleaning system: differential filter
• No bottom plate: perfect discharge of filter dust
• 1 HEPA+PTFE primary filters
• Collection system: Longopac® continuous bags, removes dust without polluting the air

PORTABLE INDUSTRIAL HOOVER FOR VERY FINE DUST WITH TWO MOTORS AND TWO HEPA+PTFE FILTER IC220

It is a very compact stainless steel industrial hoover, perfect for very fine dust. It includes 2 single-phase by-pass motors and 2 HEPA+ PTFE filters. It has other qualities such as:

• Direct tool connection
• Self-cleaning without interrupting suction and without operator intervention
• Easy to transport
• Filter protection: improved cyclonic effect
• Multi-filter system vacuum
• 20L tank: quick release, fast disposal

DUST EXTRACTION FOR HAND TOOLS

Maser offers a range of accessories in its catalogue, such as dust extraction hoods for grinders, which prevent this toxic cloud during dry work. And which sadly is the cause of silicosis.

You will also find the suction cover with guide included for the Alpha angle grinder. This cover stands out due to its guide with dust and debris suction system during cutting, for high-speed angle grinders.

On the other hand, we now find products that are as innovative as they are necessary. At MASER we have hoovers that will make your work easier. At the end of which you can place the suction mouth for dust and water vertically and horizontally, which allows you to work both dry and wet. This is a good way to prevent silicosis with this product.

MORE INFORMATION AT MASER

MASER  continues with the awareness campaign. Presenting to the companies in the sector our experience, knowledge and help to achieve the disappearance of cases and, above all, emphasising the prevention of silicosis. A disease that affects us all, and which should be eradicated by now.

On the other hand, we have equipment for the prevention of silicosis, which is so harmful to all those who work in the sector. Ask us for advice if you want to know more about how to prevent these future problems in your workshop.

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