SANTA ANA, Calif. -- Formulators|Aquaflex® introduces Aquaflex® Silica-Free Waterproof Concrete Repair (patent pending), a unique line for patching, skim and self-leveling materials formulated free of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) content.  Recently RCS has been identified by OSHA in its final rule (effective June 23, 2016) as contributing to cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease.  Silicosis takes the lives of over 600 workers and 900 new cases are reported every year.  The construction industry has one-year from the effective date to comply with OSHA's key provisions.

 

"OSHA estimates over 2 million contractors are exposed to RCS.  This new ruling will open a Pandora's box of possible worker's compensation liability for flooring contractors engaged in epoxy moisture mitigation. Construction workers who perform concrete grinding or shot-blasting breathe dust that contains RCS.  A recent OSHA study(1) found that grinding concrete without dust control exposed workers to levels of dust containing RCS ranging from 35 to 55 times the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL).  In a second study(2) using a wet-grind process, exposure levels were still 10 times the PEL. In addition, mechanical concrete prep may pose secondary routes of exposures to other trades and the eventual occupants from site contamination.  By eliminating RCS from our concrete repair products Formulators|Aquaflex® is taking the industry's first step toward a safe and responsible solution to high moisture flooring installations," said Benny Dickens, CEO/founder of Formulators|Aquaflex®.  

 

 

For more information, visit www.formulators.com or www.osha.gov/silica/.