Silica dust, lead glazes, and extreme furnace temperatures create serious health hazards that require layered controls.
Glass and ceramics manufacturing involves melting, forming, firing, grinding, and finishing operations using raw materials that include silica sand, feldspar, clay, and metal oxide colorants. Respirable crystalline silica exposure during raw material handling, grinding, and finishing is the primary chronic health hazard, with the incoming WEL reducing the limit by 50 per cent. Lead-containing glazes and frits in ceramics manufacturing create lead exposure hazards that require biological monitoring. Furnace operations at temperatures exceeding 1,500 degrees Celsius create radiant heat, burns, and heat stress hazards. Glass cutting and handling produces laceration risks from sharp edges and fracture surfaces.
Work with carcinogenic substances (silica), work near extreme heat
Our team can help you set up compliant silica monitoring, lead surveillance, and furnace safety programs for your glass and ceramics operations.
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