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HCLG Launches Free Silica Resource Hub to Tackle Construction’s Silent Killer

News

The Health in Construction Leadership Group (HCLG) has officially launched its new Silica Hub, a free, central platform designed to raise awareness of the dangers of Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) dust and support the construction industry in managing associated health risks.

The dangers of Respirable Crystalline Silica Dust cannot be understated. It is estimated that over 600,000 workers are exposed to silica dust annually, and in the region of 500 die each year as a result. Whilst there are already resources online available to warn of the risks, navigating multiple resources can be overwhelming, making it difficult to know where to start.

To address this challenge, HCLG developed the Silica Hub: a single, accessible online space bringing together trusted guidance and practical resources. The idea was formed over 12 months ago, when the HCLG Respiratory Working Group joined forces with the Construction Dust Partnership Working Group, with a shared goal of simplifying access to high-quality, free information.

The Hub instantly allows you to engage with tailored content based on your seniority and job role, which ensures you’re consuming the most relevant information. At the heart of the platform is HCLG’s RACE Strategy, which organises resources into four clear categories: Risk Assessment, Awareness, Control and Evaluation.

Each section of the Hub includes a range of practical materials, such as whitepapers, videos, posters and digital tools, designed to support employers, managers and workers in improving health outcomes and reducing harmful exposure on site.

RVT Group has been a member of the HCLG Respiratory Working Group since 2019 and is proud to support an initiative that places occupational health, collaboration and accessibility at the forefront of industry change. The Silica Hub is available to access now and forms part of HCLG’s ongoing commitment to improving respiratory health standards across the construction industry. To access the hub, please click here:  Silica Hub | healthinconstruction

How Can RVT Group Help Protect Workers Against Respirable Crystalline Silica Dust?

RVT Group offer FREE hazard control assessments, which include:

• An initial assessment at a time and place that’s convenient for you; whether that’s a telephone call, Teams meeting, or site visit.
• A best practice proposal for a fully compliant engineering solution to manage silica dust effectively on your site.
• A no-obligation equipment hire quote, with details on how to proceed.

Here are some of the most popular solutions RVT Group offers for silica dust:

DUSTEX® Raptor: The Raptor provides an airflow of 1000m³/hr and features three-stage filtration (including HEPA), this unit is one of the most effective and best priced units on the market for its size.

DUSTEX® DustMaster® Pro: With an airflow of up to 2500m³/hr, this HEPA filtration unit is effective for a wide range of tasks. It is also one of the most popular choices when you need to create a negative pressure environment for zero dust migration.

DUSTEX® Wandafilta Pro: In terms of mobile units, this would offer the highest airflow and would still be easy to move around site. When used with a VENTEX® fan, it can move up to 5400m³/hr of air, and again, it includes multiple stages of filtration (including HEPA).

By working with RVT Group, you can rest assured that:

• You will receive a solution that is fully compliant with COSHH regulations and HSE requirements.
• All LEV equipment will include a TExT certificate, to confirm it is in full working condition.
• Equipment will be delivered at a time and date that is convenient to you, to ensure there is no disruption to your project schedule.
• Our technical support team will be on-call to provide product support and best-practice advice when you need it.
• Your team will be protected from exposure to Silica Dust, and will be able to go home healthy.

Get in Touch with RVT Group

If you’d like to discuss how to get support on site, please get in touch with our friendly experts: Speak with a consultant | Hazard Control Solutions | RVT Group