Document yp17GXEbxeV9Ny8waQ99zrY64

PlTTSrSF.C-:-:. COINING CORPORATION Deptart&ent of The .try Safety Precautions for Si ore Activity I.'AVSO P-SU 55 April 1955. 53-Mineral Dusts. Certain Mineral dust* are pneumoconiosis (a pathological lung condition produced by mineral or metallic dust inhalation). The moat prevalent and insldiouii fora* are silicosis and aabestosis, caused by prolonged inhalation of dusts (or mists) containing silica and asbestos. Hazard Materials - Dusts. 1. Silicosis - Silicosis has long been recognised as an occupat ional disease in such industries as mining and quarrying. The damage done is permanent and progressive with continuous sxposure. In its core advanced stage, it is evident by shortness of breath, decreased chest expansion, lessened capacity for work and increased suscepti bility to tuberculosis and ether lung diseases. Therefore, any operations which create appreciable quantities of slliea (Quartz, principally) such as in sand blasting, should be well ventilated and if necessary; personnel should wear appropriate respiratory protection. 2. '^Asbestosis - The effects of asbestosis ars similar to and just as disabling as those of silicosis. Thera Is svidenee, however, that the handling of asbestos products in the Kavy are not so well controlled, if the prevalence of cases of asbestosis is an indication. Exposure to asbestos dust is usually encountered In the installation, repair and removal of insulating pipe covering used principally aboard ship. The following precautions should be taken in any dust making operations involving asbestos products: ' (n) Provide permanent general ventilation in areas where due producing operations are usually performed. (b) Install exhaust hoods over saws and other dust making tc (c) Eequire workerb to wear dust respirators where dusty operations cannot be adequately ventilated. (d) Use industrial vacuum cleaners in lieu of dry sweeping c floors and other surfaces.