Good practices-guide-en
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This guide outlines safe practices for the fabrication of Cosentino materials including Silestone, Dekton, and others, emphasizing health and safety precautions during cutting, grinding, and polishing due to the risks associated with respirable crystalline silica. It includes recommendations for equipment, ventilation, personal protective equipment, and regular employee training to minimize exposure and ensure compliance with local regulations. Cosentino urges fabricators and installers to adhere closely to these guidelines to reduce health risks related to silica dust.
Good practices-guide-en
- 1. Good Practice GUIDE For the safe fabrication of Silestone®, Dekton®, ECO, Sensa, Scalea, Integrity & Prexury by Cosentino® Updated with A.St.A. Europe (Agglomerated Stone Association of Europe) ULTRACOMPACT SURFACES NATURAL STONE SENSA PROTECTIONTHE ORIGINAL NATURAL STONE SEMI-PRECIOUS STONE
- 3. This guide provides information and recommen- dations on health and safety issues to be consi- dered in the cutting, grinding, polishing and ins- tallation of SILESTONE®, DEKTON®, ECO, SENSA, SCALEA, INTEGRITY AND PREXURY BY COSENTINO®. SENSA BY COSENTINO® is granite. SCALEA BY COSENTINO® is natural stone. SILESTONE®, INTEGRITY AND ECO BY COSENTINO® are quartz composite. PREXURY BY COSENTINO® is naturally semi-precious stone. DEKTON® BY COSENTINO® is ultra-compact surface. HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT RESPIRABLE FRACTION OF CRYSTALLINE SILICA (SiO2). Crystalline silica is a basic component of soil, sand, granite, quartz, and many other minerals. Respi- rable size particles of crystalline silica may result when workers chip, cut, drill or grind these objects. Respirable crystalline silica may present a health hazard if workers are not properly protected and workplaces are not properly controlled to reduce silica dust. H372 HAZARD: Causes damage to lungs through prolonged or repeated exposure (inhalation). PREVENTION P260 Do not breathe dust generated in the cutting, grinding and polishing processes. P264 Wash face and hands thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this material. P284 Wear respiratory protection for particles (P3). FIRST AID MEASURES P314 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P501 Dispose of scrap material in accordance with local regulation. COSENTINO® strongly encourages fabricators and installers to adhere to the recommendations con- tained in this Good Practice Guide so as to control exposure to respirable crystalline silica and reduce health risks. At minimum, fabricators and installers of SILESTO- NE®, DEKTON®, ECO, SENSA, SCALEA, INTEGRITY AND PREXURY BY COSENTINO® are required to comply with all local laws and regulations pertaining to occupa- tional health and safety. In addition to the informa- tion in this Guide, it is also recommended that fabri- cators and installers of SILESTONE®, DEKTON®, ECO, SENSA, SCALEA, INTEGRITY AND PREXURY BY COSEN- TINO® become familiar with the European Network on Silica (NEPSI) and its Good Practice Guide for the handing of silica, and with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) National Emphasis Program for Crystalline Silica. Visit http://nepsi.eu and www.osha.org for more in- formation. These instructions provide information and advice on: • Access to the workplace • Water-injected hand machines and tools • Local extraction and filtration systems. • General ventilation in factories plants • Periodic maintenance and supervision • Cleaning • Dust monitoring • Other risks: cuts, projected particles, noise, handling loads. • Installation of worktops • Personal Protective Equipment • Hygiene • Training and information for workers. • Health Surveillance STOT RE 1 Información en materia de seguridad ventilación general otros riesgos Instalación encimera Formación e información mantenimiento EXPOSURE TO RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA 3
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- 5. Water-injected hand cutting machines and tools Access to work area Two primary methods exist to control silica dust: using water injected machinery and local extraction and filtration systems. Avoid using dry processing techniques whenever possible. All cutting, shaping, polishing and finis- hing of material should be done using water injec- ted tools. Dust that is wet is less able to become or remain airborne. Water pumps, hoses and nozzles should be kept in excellent operating condition and cleaned regularly. When working with water it is es- sential to avoid electrical risks by using ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and watertight, sealable electrical connectors for electric tools and equip- ment. Employees operating in wet areas should also be required to wear rubber boots. Restrict access to work areas to authorized person- nel only. Put signs when the area is at risk. PREVENTIVE MEASURES General ventilation in factories Local extraction and filtration systems Because the hazardous dust is very fine and may stay in the air for days it is important to have ade- quate general ventilation. Ensure that the building is properly ventilated, if necessary using forced ventilation. Ensure the ven- tilation system does not move settled dust and that contaminated air does not spread to clean areas. Dust suppression sprays (fine mist of air and water) may be used to prevent the generation of airborne dust throughout indoor and outdoor traffic routes or conveyors. Emissions from dust extraction systems in buildings must comply with local environmental legislation. Use a reputable exhaust ventilation supplier. Only use qualified engineers to carry out the design and the installation. The design should include the following items: a hood, an enclosure or other inlet to collect and contain contaminants, ducts to remove contami- nants away from the source, a filter or any other air cleaning device, normally placed between the hood and fan, a fan or other device to move air to provide the air flow, and finally other ducts to discharge the clean air outside the workplace. Apply local exhaust ventilation at the generation source to capture the dust. Tightly close the dust source to help prevent it spreading. Local exhaust ventilation should be connected to a suitable dust extraction unit (e.g. a bag filter or cy- clone). Workers should not to stand between the sour- ce of exposure and the local exhaust ventilation; otherwise, they will be directly in the path of the contaminated air flow. Please observe periodically the position of workers and train them. Where possible, ensure that the work area is not clo- se to doors, windows or walkways so as not to inter- fere with the local exhaust ventilation and to prevent dust from spreading. Ensure that there is a clean air supply to replace the extracted air. The ducts should be short and simple, avoid long sections of flexible ducts. Discharge extracted air to a safe place away from doors, windows and air inlets. Información en materia de seguridad ventilación general otros riesgos Instalación encimera Formación e información mantenimiento 5
- 6. Because the hazardous dust is very fine and can go easily to the air and so may stay there for days it is important to have a comprehensive housekeeping program. Clean the equipment every day, at least one time be- fore leaving for home. Clean the workplace daily. Use walls and flooring sur- faces that can easily be kept clean and that do not absorb or accumulate dust. Clean floors and other surfaces on a regular basis. Clean also the entire warehouse structures and inlet roof. Use wet or vacuum cleaning methods. Do not clean with a dry brush or using compressed air, it will boost the exposure to very high levels. Clean up any spill immediately. Do not allow dust / debris deposits to dry out before they are cleaned up. If vacuum cleaning systems are required for spill of large volumes of dust, they should be specially desig- ned to avoid overloading and blocking. When it is not possible to use wet or vacuum cleaning methods, and only dry cleaning with brushes can be carried out, ensure that workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment and that measu- res are taken to prevent crystalline silica dust from spreading outside the work area. When necessary, to prevent dust from spreading bet- ween building levels, use solid floors and cover them with a wear-resistant material, colored to highlight dust contamination. Control panels can be protected from dust by using a plastic barrier or similar membrane. When using wet cleaning methods, provide an ade- quate number of correctly positioned water connec- tion points. Provide an adequate number of vacuum connection points when using a central vacuum cleaning system. Risk assessment should be carried out to determine whether existing controls are adequate. Both perso- nal and static measurements can be used together, as they are complementary. It is up to the Industrial Hygiene specialists contracted by employers to pro- pose for the most appropriate solutions, while res- pecting the applicable legislation. The sampling strategy, equipment used, analysis methods etc, must be defined by the Industrial Hy- giene specialists. Keep complete records of dust mo- nitoring data and adopt a quality system as described above. The personnel in charge of the samplings should set a good example and wear respiratory pro- tection equipment in the required areas. The dust monitoring must be performed periodically. Please check NEPSI agreement. PREVENTIVE MEASURES Periodic maintenance and supervision Ensure equipment is maintained in good working condition as advised by the supplier’s recommenda- tions manual. Clean the equipment on a regular basis, at least one time at the end of the shift. Do not clean with a dry brush or using compressed air. Do not allow dust/ waste deposits to dry out before they are cleaned up. Ensure the local exhaust ventilation is maintained in good working condition in accordance with the supplier’s or the installer’s recommendations. Noisy or vibrating fans can indicate a problem. Replace consumables (filters, etc) in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Do not modify any part of the system. If you do so, check with the supplier to ensure that the system retains the CE mark or make inspection and risk as- sessment by and licensed expert. You should receive instructions for use and a dia- gram of the installed systems. You must receive a commissioning report showing the airflows at all inlets, the air speed in the ducts and the pressure index in the cleaner or filter. Please contact the supplier for information on the expected performance of the local exhaust ventila- tion. Keep this information to compare with future test results. At least once a week, visually inspect the equipment for signs of damage. If they are constantly used, check them more frequently. If used rarely, check before each use. Keep records of inspections for the period of time required by the country’s laws (recommended mini- mum five years). Carry out an INITIAL RISK ASSESSMENT of exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) at work Implement Good Practices Organise health surveillance Provide information, instruction and training to the workforce Monitor the application of the Agreement & Good Practices (site level) Main provisions of the NEPSI Agreement Cleaning Dust monitoring Información en materia de seguridad ventilación general otros riesgos Instalación encimera Formación e información mantenimiento 6
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- 8. Other risks: cuts, projected particles, noise, handling loads Installation of worktops The fabrication of SILESTONE®, DEKTON®, ECO, SEN- SA, SCALEA, INTEGRITY AND PREXURY BY COSENTINO® may involve some risk such as; blows and cuts with objects and tools, projected particles, noise exposu- re, vibrations and handling loads. Review the risk assessment results carried out by Health and Safety experts. Use the appropriate tools for each task and keep them in good working order. Use the personal protective equipment recommen- ded at all times: dust mask, gloves, eye and ear pro- tection and high visibility jacket in the area of tuck or forklift traffic. For slabs handling use also the helmet. Insure that all A-frame are feet wit safety bars to avoid the fa- lling of slabs at the moment of taking off or leaving down the slab. The safety bars must feet in all A- frame, in the warehouse and also in the trucks. Worker using crane, truck crane or forklift must be properly training. Check formally on a daily basis crane, truck crane and forklift. Check periodically and according to manufacturer manual and regulations, with and expert inspector, crane, truck crane and forklift. Check periodically and according to manufacturer manual and regulations, with and expert inspector, electrical instalations. Use mechanical means to transport heavy parts or materials. As far as possible avoid handling or trans- porting weights over 20kg or in awkward positions, also try to avoid repetitive movements. The worktop should be finished when it leaves the workshop so that no further work will be carried out on site. Please take accurate dimensions of the kit- chen. If the worktop requires a final check in the house, we recommend you find a well-ventilated place (te- rrace, balcony, etc) and use a wet cleaning method if possible. For this task, P3 type Silica respiratory protection and ear and eye protection must be used for particles. If the final check is carried out by using a dry cleaning method, safety measures are the same. We also recommend the use of a portable vacuum sys- tem (vacuum cleaner). Use instruments such as manual suction pads when handling the material. When fixing joints, trims, sockets etc. using products such as Solumastick, Colorsil, dissolvents etc, latex gloves must be worn and P3 protection containing organic vapor filters. To complete the installation, all dust must be clea- ned up in order not to create, as far as possible, dus- ty environments, also the worktop must be cleaned. PREVENTIVE MEASURESventilación general otros riesgos Instalación encimera Formación e información mantenimiento ventilación general otros riesgos Instalación encimera Formación e información 8
- 9. Personal protective equipment (PPE) Hygiene In those areas or workplaces where risks still exist the use of personal protective equipment is manda- tory and they must be clearly defined by appropriate signs. Personal protective equipment must comply with re- levant local laws and regulations on the design and manufacture in relation to health and safety. All the personal protective equipment that the company provides must meet regulatory standards. Respiratory protection for silica must meet regula- tory standards P3. Note that facial hair reduces the effectiveness of a mask. When using PPE, provide employees with training on selection, use and maintenance of the equipment. If employees have to wear more than one PPE item, ensure that they are compatible with each other. Check the effectiveness of respiratory protective equipment before use. Consult the supplier about the appropriate adaptation methods. Keep records of PPE provided. Provide clean storage facilities for PPE when not in use. Provide storage facilities for workers clothes. Clean clothes should be separated from work clothes. This area should have toilets, wash basins and showers as well as personal lockers. Workers should wash their hands and faces and take overalls off be- fore eating. Define a specific and clean area where workers can prepare meals, eat and drink away from their work- station. Provide workers with an adequate supply of clean work clothes, including additional outfits. Workers who handle silica dust should wear overalls made of a fabric that prevents the absorption of dust. Do not use compressed air to clean overalls. Workers should not smoke inside the facility. PREVENTIVE MEASURES 9
- 10. Training and information for employees Health surveillance Staff should receive training on risks associated with the fabrication of SILESTONE®, DEKTON®, ECO, SEN- SA, SCALEA, INTEGRITY AND PREXURY BY COSENTINO®. New employees should attend a training session that addresses all health and safety aspects, including the company’s safe working procedures for dealing with hazardous substances such as respirable crystalline silica. Use a variety of training methods incorporating visual aids, videos, group discussions and handouts. Wor- kers’ knowledge should be assessed at the end of each session to verify that they have understood the training material. Refresher training sessions should be provided to keep workers up to date on health and safety poli- cies and procedures. Give your workers information on the health and safety effects associated with respirable crystalline silica dust, noise or any other risk associated with their activity. Give them information on: • Good practices to use in the workplace and safe working procedures. • When and how to use respiratory protective equi- pment (RPE) or other personal protective equip- ment (PPE). • Dust monitoring programs and other planned co- rrective measures. • Safety data sheets for the used products. • Work equipment, machinery and tools affecting their work. In the event that an employee’s measured personal exposure to respirable crystalline silica exceeds the relevant occupational exposure limit value, that em- ployee must be provided with details of his/her per- sonal exposure monitoring result if required by law. Attendance at training sessions should be compul- sory. Participation should be well documented and records should be kept. Workers should be asked to provide feedback on each training session, which might help in the orga- nization of future training sessions. The Company should keep a record of which posi- tions are exposed to respirable crystalline silica. Specific health surveillance protocols should be im- plemented for those employees at risk. The may include: • Spirometry • X ray • High-resolution tomographies • Peridodicity In some countries the health check has to be con- ducted before the hiring. Please be sure of the situa- tion in your country. As always, companies are required to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. PREVENTIVE MEASURES & HEALTH otros riesgos Instalación encimera Formación e información 10
- 11. Legal compliance and safety requeriments Fabricator agrees that it will, at all times, comply with all local and other applicable rules, regulations, ordinances and laws regarding the application, han- dling, storage, fabrication and disposal of all SILES- TONE®, DEKTON®, ECO, SENSA, SCALEA, INTEGRITY AND PREXURY BY COSENTINO®. In particular Fabri- cators must perform periodic risk assessment of all jobs and take the appropriate measures to control the risk. Fabricator acknowledges and understands that: fabrication of the materials, especially through dry cutting, emits air-borne particles, including respi- rable crystalline silica, that may cause silicosis or other respiratory desease; and Cosentino® strongly recommends that Fabricators take all appropriate precautions, including wet cutting, wet grinding, wet milling and wet polishing, as it may reduce the risk of inhalation of air-borne particles and silicosis. WARNING Las recomendaciones y propuestas de este docu- mento tienen mero carácter orientativo para imple- mentación de las medidas organizativas, técnicas y de hábitos personales. En ningún caso son susti- tutivas de las obligaciones legales establecidas en materia de seguridad y salud por la normativa de cada país; evaluación de riesgos, planificación de acciones correctoras, informes de asesoramiento técnico específico, formación e información, medi- cina preventiva, etc., que corresponden a departa- mentos de seguridad y salud de las empresas o a sus asesores externos en esta materia. Informe de Asesoramiento Técnico 11
- 12. COSENTINO HEADQUARTERS Ctra. Baza a Huércal - Overa, km 59 / 04850 - Cantoria - Almería (Spain) Tel.: +34 950 444 175 / Fax: +34 950 444 226 / info@cosentino.com www.cosentino.com / www.silestone.com / www.scalea.es F GrupoCosentino T @Cosentino_ES ULTRACOMPACT SURFACES * * To obtain more information about colours with NSF certificate please visit www.nsf.org THE ORIGINAL SENSA PROTECTION SEMI-PRECIOUS STONE NATURAL STONE