14/07/2025
Here is a practical Guideline for Health Awareness Checkup & Prevention Strategy for Silica Dust Exposure in Ceramic Industries (like in Morbi):
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🩺 Health Awareness Checkup Guidelines 🗒️ (For Workers in Ceramic Industries)
1. Pre-Placement Checkup
Complete medical history
Physical examination focusing on respiratory system
Chest X-ray (PA View) – baseline lung image
Spirometry – to check lung function
Blood test – hemoglobin, total count, sugar
Urine test – basic metabolic screening
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2. Periodic Health Checkup (Every 6-12 Months)
Repeat chest X-ray (annually)
Spirometry test ( 6 monthly)
Audiometry – if noise exposure is present
ECG – in workers >40 years or with cardiac symptoms
TB symptom screening
Respiratory symptom checklist:
Chronic cough
Chest pain
Shortness of breath 🫁
Wheezing
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3. Record-Keeping 🗄️
Maintain individual health files for each worker
Flag any signs of early silicosis or lung damage
Inform affected workers and ensure referral to chest physician
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🛡️ Prevention Strategy for Silica Dust Exposure
A. Engineering Controls
Enclose dust-generating processes (cutting, polishing, crushing)
Use wet methods (wet cutting/spraying water) to suppress dust
Install local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems
Regular maintenance of dust filters and exhausts
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B. Administrative Controls
Limit exposure time – rotate workers in high-risk zones
Conduct toolbox talks on silicosis once a month
Place warning signboards in high dust areas
Display visual posters on PPE and dust hazards
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C. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Provide NIOSH-certified respirators (N95 or higher)
Ensure proper fit testing and training on use
Use disposable or washable overalls in dusty areas
Mandatory helmet, goggles, gloves, and boots
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D. Workplace Monitoring
Measure respirable silica dust levels quarterly
Compare with the permissible exposure limit (PEL) (0.05 mg/m³ – OSHA standard)
If levels exceed, take immediate corrective action
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E. Training & Awareness
Train workers on:
-Risks of silica exposure
-Symptoms of silicosis
-Correct use of PPE
-First aid for dust inhalation incidents
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F. Housekeeping & Cleanliness
Wet mopping/vacuuming (no dry sweeping)
Clear settled dust regularly
Avoid accumulation of silica dust on surfaces
