OSHA RCS Standard for Construction Industry
The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) created a standard to address the problem of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust control associated with pneumatic jackhammer and breaker operation in the construction industry. The mandated compliance date of the new silica rule is September 23, 2017. As of 2020, the penalty per violation is $13,494. (Going forward, the agency will continue to adjust its penalties for inflation each year based on the Consumer Price Index.). The Twinhammer Hose from Parker is a safe and efficient way to comply with the new OSHA standard. Learn about the pros and cons of traditional industry practices and the benefits of the Twinhammer Hose.
What is respirable crystalline silica (RCS)?
Crystalline silica is a mineral commonly found in construction materials such as stone, artificial stone, and sand. When workers cut, grind, or drill materials that contain crystalline silica, they can be exposed to tiny silica dust particles. These particles can travel deep into workers’ lungs and cause silicosis, an incurable and lung disease.
Traditional Industry Practices
A wet method suppression system is a compliant solution suggested by industry practices and government research. However, some hose-oriented deployment methods may be less efficient and less effective than others:
Manual Water Spraying Using a Helper
A two-person job where a helper holds a water hose with a nozzle and sprays water at the locus of the jackhammer tip and work object.
- Efficiency is diminished by requiring two workers.
- Effectiveness is reduced by inconsistent water angle, distance, flow, and spray pattern.
Independent and Unconnected Air and Water Hose Lines
Hoses typically use bands or clamps to attach fittings.
- Effectiveness is hampered by requiring the operator to take time to regularly inspect the security of the fittings.
- Operator must maneuver independent hoses around debris, equipment, and other obstacles to avoid hose damage and kinking.
Independent and Mechanically Connected Air and Water Hose Lines
Hoses typically use bands or clamps to attach fittings.
Apply zip ties, straps, tape, or other connectors at multiple intervals along the lengths of both hoses to mechanically connect them.
- Effectiveness is hampered by requiring the jackhammer operator to devote attention, effort, and time to:
- Select, procure, and apply zip ties, straps, or tape to hoses,
- Regularly inspect the security of the fittings and attachment components, and
- Maneuver hoses whose zip ties, straps, tape, and gaps between the hoses may become snagged by debris, equipment, and other obstacles at the job site, becoming potential safety hazards.
New Efficient and Safe Solution
Parker’s Twinhammer™ bonded air and water 7084 series jackhammer hose provides a wet method suppression system that complies with the recently created OSHA respirable crystalline silica (RCS) standard.
It is the first factory-assembled dual hose system that delivers both air and water in a single, unitized configuration for silica dust suppression in pneumatic jackhammer operations.
View product specifications for Parker 7084 Twinhammer hose.
Jackhammer Hose Spray Kit
The jackhammer hose spray kit allows for the transfer of water from the supply hose to the jackhammer bit. The kit is easy and convenient to install and provides efficient and consistent water angle, distance, flow and spray pattern for effective silica dust control.
The kit is used with the Twinhammer hose as part of an OSHA-compliant wet method hose system for silica dust suppression. The kit includes the hardware and attachment components to apply to many models and generations of jackhammers.
How To Order
Customers can place an order by calling or visiting one of The Hope Group’s ParkerStore locations.
Request a Quote
=cf7md_options&return=https://www.thehopegroup.com/resources/blog//2019/06/twinhammer-hose-created-with-efficiency-and-safety-in-mind/&url=https://www.thehopegroup.com/resources/blog//2019/06/twinhammer-hose-created-with-efficiency-and-safety-in-mind/” title=”Only admins can see this message”>Customize your form’s colors and fonts
×