Silica Safety & Worker Protection

At Armina Stone, the health and safety of our employees, customers, trade partners, and installation teams is one of our highest priorities.

Many natural and engineered stone products contain crystalline silica, a naturally occurring mineral found in materials such as quartz, granite, sandstone, and engineered stone surfaces. When stone materials are cut, fabricated, polished, drilled, or ground, fine airborne particles known as respirable crystalline silica dust can be released.

Prolonged exposure to respirable crystalline silica may contribute to serious health conditions, including:

• Silicosis
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Lung Cancer
• Kidney Disease
• Other Respiratory Conditions

Our Commitment

Armina Stone is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment through:

• Advanced fabrication technology
• Wet-cutting and dust suppression methods
• Local exhaust ventilation systems
• Employee training and education
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Exposure monitoring when required
• Compliance with applicable OSHA standards and regulations

Our fabrication facilities utilize industry best practices designed to minimize airborne silica exposure and protect workers throughout the fabrication process.

Understanding Silica Exposure

Respirable crystalline silica particles are extremely small and may be generated during activities such as:

• Cutting stone slabs
• Grinding or polishing surfaces
• Drilling stone materials
• Demolition or removal of stone products
• Fabrication and installation activities

These particles may not be visible to the naked eye and can remain airborne if proper controls are not used.

Industry Standards and Regulations

Armina Stone follows applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations regarding respirable crystalline silica exposure.

Current OSHA standards establish permissible exposure limits and require employers to implement engineering controls, work practices, respiratory protection, employee training, and medical surveillance where applicable.

Resources

We encourage employees, contractors, customers, and industry partners to learn more about silica safety and workplace protection through the resources below.