What is Silica Dust?
It’s a serious health hazard found in many industries—including construction, manufacturing, mining, and more. Silica (silicon dioxide) is found in materials like concrete, stone, sand, and brick. When these materials are cut, drilled, or ground, they release respirable crystalline silica—fine dust that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
How Is It Dangerous?
There are 2.3 million U.S. workers exposed to silica dust at their jobs. What can this cause for these workers?
- Silicosis (irreversible lung disease)
- Lung Cancer
- Kidney Disease
- COPD and other respiratory issues
Generally, even low-level exposure over time can lead to serious long-term health problems and even death. 12,900 people died globally in 2019 due to Silicosis which is why this is important.
Although there are ways to control Silica Dust, what’s an actual solution?
There are multiple ways to control silica dust, including ventilation systems and water suppression. However, the most effective solutions are cleaning solutions.
Industrial cleaning equipment can clean Silica Dust, help protect your team and keep you compliant with OSHA silica dust regulations.
How does Cleaning Equipment make you compliant with OSHA Regulations?
Under OSHA’s Respirable Crystalline Silica standard (29 CFR 1926.1153), employers must implement engineering and work‑practice controls that limit silica dust exposure to below regulated levels. When these controls are fully and properly applied, employers are not required to conduct exposure monitoring or use additional respiratory protection beyond what’s specified. Otherwise, more stringent alternative exposure control methods apply, with tighter exposure limits and monitoring requirements.
Cleaning equipment, such as sweepers with dust suppression or filtration, support this compliance.
What Cleaning Equipment can clean Silica dust?
Street Sweepers and Floor Sweepers—from trusted brands like Dulevo and PowerBoss—are designed to control silica dust at the source.
- HEPA and certified dust filtration systems
- Dust-controlled dry sweeping
- Enclosed operator cabs with air filtration
Specifically, models like the Dulevo D6 Street Sweeper and the PowerBoss Armadillo 9X Rider Sweeper are ideal for harsh environments where silica dust is present. What’s more is it can handle both indoors or outdoors.
Need an in-depth Silica Dust Control Plan? Click here!
Stay Safe. Stay Compliant.
Silica dust is dangerous. However, it’s manageable with the right tools.
Above all, you can trust Bortek as your go-to resource for all things clean. We sell industrial-grade cleaning equipment, including sweepers with dust suppression and filtration, that help protect your team from silica dust and keep you compliant with OSHA regulations.
Schedule your FREE demo without delay!
Cleaning Equipment | Service | Parts & Accessories | Rentals | Chemicals | Supplies