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NIOSH issue guidance on silica dust control during re-pointing
The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has reported that use of grinders to remove deteriorated mortar between bricks may lead to significant exposure to crystalline silica. No effective treatment exists for silicosis, but it can be prevented by controlling exposure to dust containing crystalline silica.
Construction workers are exposed to dust when grinding or cutting mortar or cement from between the bricks of old buildings. NIOSH found that exposures could be reduced using tool-mounted local exhaust ventilation and work practices. These control measures can reduce silica dust by 5 to 20 times.
Comment: HSE has produced guidance on the risk from silica dust during construction work. The guidance states that chasing out mortar between bricks prior to re-pointing can lead to exposure of 21 times the Maximum Exposure Limit (MEL) for silica.