What is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommended exposure limit for quartz silica?
TIME-WEIGHTED AVERAGE (TLV-TWA): 0.05 mg/m3 (respirable fraction) - Carcinogenicity Designation A2.
TLV BASIS - CRITICAL EFFECT(S) : Silicosis; Lung function; Lung fibrosis (lung scarring); Cancer.
CARCINOGENICITY DESIGNATION A2 - Suspected Human Carcinogen: Substance is carcinogenic in laboratory animals under conditions that are considered relevant to worker exposure. Available human studies are conflicting or insufficient to confirm an increased risk of cancer in exposed humans. Worker exposure to an A2 carcinogen should be controlled to levels as low as reasonably achievable below the TLV.
NOTE: In many jurisdictions, exposure limits are similar to the ACGIH TLVs. Since the manner in which exposures limits are established, interpreted and implemented can vary, obtain detailed information from the appropriate government agency in each jurisdiction.
NOTE: Some jurisdictions have specific regulations governing exposure to crystalline silica.
What are the fire and explosion dangers associated with quartz silica?
Quartz is not combustible (does not burn) and does not support combustion.
Is quartz silica stable when exposed to air, moisture, or heat?
Stable below 870 deg C (1598 deg F). Above 870 deg C, quartz transforms to tridymite.
Are there any conditions to avoid when using quartz silica?
Generation of dust.
Does quartz silica have an odour threshold (at what level can I smell it)?
Silica quartz is odourless.
Is the odour of quartz silica reliable as a warning property?
POOR - odourless; short-term irritation effects may be mild.
How can I work with quartz silica safely?
This material is a VERY TOXIC solid (CANCER HAZARD and LONG-TERM INHALATION HAZARD). Before handling, it is very important that engineering controls are operating and that protective equipment requirements and personal hygiene measures are being followed. People working with this chemical should be properly trained regarding its hazards and its safe use.
Immediately report leaks, spills or ventilation failures. Consider using closed handling systems or wet processes for operations involving this material. Avoid generating dusts. Prevent the release of dusts into the workplace air. Use in the smallest possible amounts in a well-ventilated area, separate from the storage area.
Use the proper tools to open containers. Ripping open a container can cause an uneven tear, thus making spills more likely. Stand upwind of all opening, dispensing and mixing operations. Keep containers closed when not in use. Good housekeeping is important to prevent accumulations of dust. Do not allow dust to collect on walls, floors, ledges or equipment. Dry sweeping is not recommended. Pre-wet the material or use a vacuum equipped with high efficiency filter(s).
Do not use with incompatible materials such as strong oxidizing agents (e.g., chlorine).
Follow handling precautions on Material Safety Data Sheet. Have suitable emergency equipment for spills and leaks readily available. Maintain handling equipment. Comply with applicable regulations.
What can be done to control hazardous conditions?
Engineering methods to control hazardous conditions are preferred. Methods include local exhaust ventilation, process or personnel enclosure, control of process conditions, and process modification or substitution of a less hazardous material. Other control methods such as administrative controls or the use of personal protective equipment may also be required.
Because of the high potential hazard associated with this substance, stringent control measures such as enclosure or isolation may be necessary. Specific ventilation designs to control exposure to crystalline silica for some industrial processes are provided in the "Industrial Ventilation: A Manual of Recommended Practice", published by the ACGIH, Cincinnati, Ohio.
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