Airborne particles
Learn how to reduce exposure and improve safety.
Inherent in most abrasive processes, airborne particles are generated from both the working of a material (sanding, grinding, cutting, etc.) and from the wear of the abrasive material itself. Extremely fine airborne particles can be particularly hazardous, as they are often invisible to the naked eye and are more easily absorbed into lungs and respiratory tracts, leading to long-term health risks.
Airborne particles pose a risk to
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Skin- Tends to be caused by larger dust particles
- Can cause short-term health issues, such as irritation, redness, discomfort and abrasion
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Eyes- Contact lens wearers are especially susceptible
- Can cause short-term health issues, such as irritation, redness, discomfort and abrasion
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Lungs- Generally impacted by extremely fine particles, that are invisible to the naked eye
- Can cause both short and long-term health issues
Please note: breathing problems resulting from dust exposure are not always instant and can take several years to develop.
Employers’ responsibility
Employers are required to implement measures to eliminate, reduce and control occupational exposures to hazardous substances to levels below the applicable occupational exposure limits. Respiratory protection must be used in accordance with the requirements of the CSA Standard Z94.4 and the requirements of the applicable jurisdiction.
*Content source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. www.ccohs.ca and independent testing by VITO
Managing and preventing airborne particles
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High-efficiency abrasivesSwitching to high-performance abrasives help reduce dust exposure as they cut faster, allowing jobs to be completed in a shorter time with less disc wear.
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Dust control systemsDust control systems, such as dust extraction systems, can be used to divert dust away from operators.
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Personal protective equipment (PPE)Personal protective equipment, such as respiratory and eye protection, can be used to help keep hazardous particles out of eyes and lungs.
Featured high-efficiency abrasives to reduce airborne particle hazards
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Offering 3M’s proprietary Precision Shaped Grain technology, these discs deliver exceptional levels of cutting capability and the stock removal capability of a grinding wheel.
- Reduction of airborne particles
- Produces up to 71% less airborne particles**
- Innovative slicing action means larger, longer metal chips, which stay airborne for less time**
- Other hazard reductions
Hand-arm vibration reduction
Noise reduction
- Reduction of airborne particles
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Designed to cut significantly faster and last up to four hours longer than competing products where applications demand use on the face and edge of the wheel.**
- Reduction of airborne particles
- Produces up to 40% less airborne particles**
- Innovative slicing action means larger, longer metal chips, which stay airborne for less time**
- Significantly reduced wear, resulting in less airborne particles from the wheel itself**
- Other hazard reductions
Hand-arm vibration reduction
Noise reduction
- Reduction of airborne particles
Learn more about abrasives safety
