Artificial stone worktops have made headlines in recent weeks over the silicosis risk linked to their manufacture. Last year, the first UK case of silicosis was identified and, since then, doctors have voiced concerns due to a rise in cases linked to the cutting of artificial stone.
Silica is a core component of engineered stone. When engineered stone is cut and sanded, the dust produced poses a risk to operatives when inhaled. It is only during fabrication and installation there is a risk, and engineered stone itself is not hazardous.
Amidst the reporting of the health risks to fabricators, there has been some misunderstanding between solid surfaces and engineered stone. Solid surfaces are silica-free and do not present the same risk to health as artificial engineered stone, such as quartz.
DFMK wants to assure customers that none of the surfaces we fabricate contain silica. Solid surfaces and engineered stone have distinct chemical compositions, with solid surfaces being silica-free and made with a blend of acrylic and natural minerals.
That’s not to say we don’t take the welfare of our employees seriously, and DFMK invest considerably into the management of health and safety. We have a comprehensive safety management system audited by an external body annually and we have achieved Advanced accreditation with CHAS.
Despite the relatively low risks associated with dust from acrylic solid surfaces, we have taken precautions to protect our operatives and others from harm. We have risk-assessed activities alongside guidance from the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) produced by the material manufacturers.
Our health and safety controls include:
- Templating and factory preparation – most components can be prepared in our factory using accurate laser templating, reducing the need for cutting and sanding at customers’ sites.
- CNC machines – we can automatically cut and shape solid surface materials without the need for an operator in the cutting area. CNC machines are fitted with dust extraction, to control the dust at the source.
- Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV systems) – all sanders and saws are fitted with M-Class dust extractors that suck the dust away as it is produced.
- Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) – our operatives are provided with air pressure and full face masks to reduce the risk of dusk inhalation.
- Clearing dust using vacuum cleaners – residual dust is cleared up using a vacuum cleaner and not brushed to limit dust becoming airborne again.
With engineered stone making headlines to rightly highlight the terrible risk of silicosis, it was important to clarify our position. DFMK takes the safety of its employees and customers incredibly seriously, which is why we will never work with materials containing silica.
While fabricating acrylic surfaces is not associated with silicosis, it is still our duty to mitigate any risk to our operatives. We will continue to adhere to the recommended health and safety standards, and have our operations regularly audited by an external body to ensure compliance.
We want to encourage DFMK customers who may have concerns surrounding the recent reports to talk to us directly. Our team are more than happy to discuss our safety measures and reassure that there is no silica present at our factory or as part of our projects.
For further information on the situation and to stay updated on developments, visit the Worktop Fabricators Federation.