Silica dust, a silent yet formidable adversary in the construction world, has long posed significant health risks to workers. Minimising workers’ exposure to harmful silica dust is of increasing concern. To this end, several innovative edge protection drilling solutions have been devised and implemented, but these have all aimed to reduce exposure. The Non-drill Post & Handrail system completely eliminates any exposure to silica by eliminating the need for drilling entirely.
Understanding Silica Dust
Certain occupations and industries are at higher risk of RCS exposure:
Construction: Tasks such as cutting, grinding, or drilling stone, concrete, or brick can generate significant amounts of silica dust.
Quarrying and Stonemasonry: Working with natural stones like sandstone, slate, and granite, which contain high levels of silica.
Demolition: Activities that disturb materials containing silica, releasing dust into the air.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has identified that exposure to RCS is a leading cause of occupational lung disease in the UK, with thousands of workers affected annually.
Silica Dust Controls
Safe To Work UK highlights that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has implemented stringent measures to control exposure to silica dust, a hazardous substance that can cause silicosis, a serious and potentially fatal lung disease. The regulatory framework sets clear standards to minimise risks associated with respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in workplaces.
In the UK, the HSE provides a Silica Dust Control Guidance specifically for the construction, quarrying, and manufacturing sectors. This guidance was developed in consultation with trade unions, employers, and occupational health experts, and is based on extensive research into the effects of silica exposure.
Master Builders UK and other industry bodies emphasise key compliance requirements, including the use of appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE), limiting the duration and intensity of worker exposure, and maintaining detailed exposure and health records.
These regulations set a benchmark for best practice in the UK, reflecting a proactive approach to protecting workers’ health in industries where silica dust is a significant risk. By adhering to these standards, employers help prevent occupational lung diseases and ensure safer working environments.
How can non-drill help?
The Non-Drill Post & Handrail System presents a groundbreaking solution in the fight against silica exposure in the construction and related industries. Here’s how:
- Risk Mitigation
Silica dust exposure poses serious health risks, including respiratory diseases like silicosis. The potential legal, financial, and reputational risks associated with worker health issues simply cannot be ignored. By opting for the Non-drill system, it’s possible to ensure the health and safety of workers.
The primary advantage of the Non-Drill system is evident in its name, by connecting to lifting anchors on precast structures, including hairpin anchors. In turn, this installation method eliminates the need for drilling into materials like concrete, the system ensures that silica contamination released into the air is eliminated. This directly reduces the risk of workers inhaling harmful silica particles
Safety Compliance
Adhering to safety standards and mitigating silica dust exposure is a critical aspect of any job site. The Non-drill system is fully compliant with BS EN 1991-1-1:2002 and BS EN 14122. This means that you don’t have to compromise on safety or compliance while also greatly reducing further risks of silica exposure.
Cost Savings
By eliminating the need for drilling, the Non-drill Post & Handrail System offers a key advantage in terms of cost savings. With reduced drilling, there’s a decreased risk of generating airborne silica dust, which often requires costly measures for containment and clean up. By minimising the creation of silica dust, it’s possible to avoid further expenses associated with dust control measures, ensuring that project budgets remain intact.
Time Effieciency
Time might be money, but it’s a major factor in exposure to silica dust. The Non-drill system’s ability to connect directly to precast structures’ lifting anchors significantly speeds up installation. This means less time spent in potentially dusty environments, thereby minimising workers’ exposure to harmful silica dust particles. Prioritising workers’ health by reducing their exposure to hazardous materials contributes to long-term operational efficiency.
Long-term Cost Reduction
Beyond immediate cost savings, avoiding silica dust generation has long-term financial benefits. Silica dust-related health issues can lead to increased healthcare costs, absenteeism, and turnover among workers.
By using the Non-drill system and reducing the creation of silica dust, preventing these potential ongoing costs becomes a real option, all while demonstrating a commitment to maintaining a healthy workforce.
Streamlined Operations
The Non-drill system’s standardised installation process simplifies operations, meaning that crews can be trained to install the system efficiently, ensuring consistent quality across projects. This streamlining of operations leads to reduced training time, minimised chances of errors, and enhanced overall project management.
By eliminating drilling, offering versatile connections, meeting stringent industry standards, and providing financial advantages, the Non-drill Post & Handrail system addresses the most pressing challenges faced by construction companies. Its potential to enhance safety, reduce costs, and streamline processes makes it an indispensable asset for any construction company striving to deliver excellence in the UK construction landscape.
What do our clients say?
“There was a late change in how our riser working platforms had to be used, and after struggling to find a handrail system that met our lifting requirements, a colleague recommended Non-Drill. At that point, our operations had come to a halt. I reached out to Non-Drill with our specifications at 3:30 pm, and by 5:30 pm, Paul had already shared preliminary sketches for a collapsible handrail system. Impressively, by 8:30 am the next day, they had constructed a prototype and sent me a demonstration video. Paul and his team were on site by the afternoon, installing the system. The entire process, from briefing to design, prototype creation, and installation, was completed in just 24 hours. The speed and efficiency with which they delivered a custom-built system were truly remarkable. I hadn’t imagined such a swift turnaround was possible.”
– Michael Cain
Project Engineer
BUILT.
Act now for a safer construction site
The risks associated with silica dust exposure in the UK construction sector are undeniable. The emphasis on collaboration between trade unions, employers, and occupational health experts in the development of the HSE’s silica dust control guidance ensures it is both practical and effective.
As more UK organisations recognise the importance of robust control measures, innovative solutions like NON-DRILL are expected to become standard practice, providing a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional construction methods.
Don’t just respond to the challenges—be at the forefront of change. Prioritise the health and safety of your workforce by adopting systems that meet the highest industry standards.
Contact us today to learn more about the Non-Drill System. Elevate your construction practices, ensuring both safety and efficiency for everyone on site. Protecting your team’s well-being is key to the success of your projects.
Ready to enhance your workplace safety? Contact us today to learn more about the Non-Drill System. Elevate your construction practices, ensuring both safety and efficiency for everyone on site. Protecting your team’s well-being is key to the success of your projects. Call us on +44 (0)845 382 1000 or email [email protected]
