Quarries Partnership Team

摘要

Silica is a natural mineral present in varying amounts in materials such as sand, sandstone and granite. When these materials are crushed or abraded during quarrying and associated mineral processing activities, very fine airborne dusts may be generated, including respirable crystalline silica (RCS), which is recognized as a significant cause of silicosis and other lung diseases. Quarrying is a complex, high-energy industry with many opportunities for airborne dust, including RCS, to be created and it is important to apply dust-control measures to prevent or minimize exposure wherever possible. Everyone involved in quarrying has a role to play in reducing exposure to dust and so the Quarries Partnership Team (QPT) was set up to bring together key stakeholders from industry, the HSE, trade associations, trade unions and training providers to work with one another to achieve this goal. The QPT's aim is to reduce the risk of quarry workers developing lung disease by raising awareness of the health risks, improving workers knowledge of dust and promoting good working practices.