How to Prevent Silica Dust Exposure as a Mason

Silica dust — it’s the silent killer in masonry. It’s wrecked more lungs than we can count, and it’ll get you fined fast if OSHA walks on site.

Now, if you had a buddy in the trade and you knew there was a tool that could seriously cut down the dust — protect their health, keep them out of trouble, AND help them lay more stone without busting their back — you’d tell them, right?

That’s what the StoneX Splitter tool does.
It keeps the air clean, keeps the crew going longer, boosts morale, cuts down on labor, and helps you lay 50–100% more stone a day. Your body (and lungs) takes less of a beating, and the job gets done faster and safer.

1. Tools & Gear That Help Keep Dust Down (Engineering Controls)

• Snap vs Cut: The revolutionary veneer stone cutting tool, the StoneX Splitter, snaps the stone, virtually eliminating dust in the air.

• Wet Cutting: Mason’s use water when cutting, grinding, or drilling stone. It knocks the dust down before it gets into the air.

• Vac Systems at the Tool: Use vacs with HEPA filters hooked right to your saws or grinders to catch the dust as it comes off.

• Work Inside a Tent or Booth: If you’re doing high-dust work, try to do it in a tented area or booth to keep the dust from blowing all over.

• Clean with HEPA Vacuums: When you’re cleaning up, no dry sweeping – use a HEPA vac or wet mop so you’re not stirring dust into the air.

2. Smarter Work Habits (Work Practices & Admin Controls)

• Handle Stone the Right Way: Don’t drop or toss stone pieces – it kicks up dust. Cut, move, and clean carefully to keep dust down.

• Keep the Site Clean: Regular cleanup with water or a HEPA vac. Never use compressed air to blow dust off surfaces.

• Limit Who’s Around: Don’t let extra folks hang around when you're doing dusty work – fewer people exposed, the better.

• Swap Out Workers: If needed, rotate guys in and out of the dusty jobs. It helps cut down how much each person breathes in – but fixing the dust at the source is the top priority.

3. When You Gotta Wear a Mask (Respiratory Protection)

• Wear It When Needed: If you’re still breathing dust even with all the other stuff in place, you need a respirator.

• Make Sure It Fits Right: The mask’s gotta seal tight to your face – get fit-tested and know how to use and clean it.

• Pick the Right Mask for the Job: Use the right type of respirator for how much dust you’re dealing with – don’t just grab any old mask.

4. Don’t Take Dust Home (Personal Hygiene)

• Change Clothes: Put on work clothes at the job, and change before going home. If there’s a shower at the site, use it.

• No Food or Smokes in Dusty Spots: Don’t eat, drink, or smoke around stone dust – it’ll end up in your mouth or lungs.

• Wash Up Before Breaks: Clean your hands and face before lunch or a smoke – do it in a clean area, away from the dust.

5. Know What You’re Working With (Training & Awareness)

• Get Trained Right: Make sure everyone on the crew knows about the dangers of silica dust and how to work safe around it.

• Keep People in the Loop: Talk about what you’re doing to keep the dust down – everyone’s got a role to play in staying safe.

⚠️ Final Word:

Stone dust can mess up your lungs for life – you might not feel it now, but it adds up. This guide keeps things simple, but always follow OSHA rules and check with a safety pro if you’re unsure.

Let me know if you'd like this formatted as a poster, checklist, or toolbox talk handout.