Precast Concrete Products

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

OSHA If the precast concrete member is to be modified in any way, e.g. by drilling, grinding, cutting, crushing, or abrasive blasting on site, the entity performing the modification is to comply with applicable OSHA respirable crystalline silica standards, i.e. CFR 1910.1053 and/or CFR 1926.1153. Use proper engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent exposure to respirable crystalline silica and concrete dust.

2.2 Label elements

The product is classified according to the Global Harmonized System (GHS)

Hazard pictograms

GHS08 GHS07

Potential health effects

Acute Eye: Eye contact to airborne concrete dust may cause immediate or delayed irritation or inflammation. Acute Skin: Skin contact with concrete dust may cause irritation Acute Inhalation: Cutting, grinding, crushing, drilling precast concrete products may generate dust containing respirable crystalline silica. Repeated exposures to very high levels of respirable crystalline silica (quartz) for periods as short as six months may cause acute silicosis. 1 Acute silicosis is a rapidly progressive, incurable lung disease that is typically fatal. Symptoms include (but are not limited to): shortness of breath, cough, fever, weight loss, and chest pain.

Potential chronic health

Prolonged over exposure to respirable dusts in excess of allowable exposure limits may cause inflammation of the lungs leading to possible fibrotic changes, a medical condition known as pneumoconiosis (lung disease). Prolonged and repeated inhalation of respirable crystalline silica containing dust in excess of allowable exposure limits may cause a form of silicosis, an incurable non-cancerous lung disease that may result in permanent lung damage or death. Chronic silicosis generally occurs after 10 years or more of over exposure: a more accelerated type of silicosis may occur between 5-10 years of higher levels of exposure. Silicosis can be progressive and symptoms can appear at any time, even years after exposure has ceased. Symptoms of silicosis may include, but are not limited to, the following: shortness of breath; difficulty breathing with or without exertion; coughing; diminished chest expansion; reduction of lung volume; right heart enlargement and/or failure. Persons with silicosis have an increased risk of pulmonary tuberculosis infection. Smoking aggravates the effects of silica exposure.