Safety & Health Awareness
Silica Notice
Fabrication of natural & engineered stone may generate respirable crystalline silica dust and it requires appropriate dust-control measures and respiratory protection.
Cutting, grinding, drilling, or polishing natural stone (like granite, marble and quartzite) and engineered stone (like quartz) can release fine airborne silica dust. Repeated, unprotected exposure to respirable crystalline silica is a well-documented occupational health hazard and is regulated in the United States by OSHA's Respirable Crystalline Silica standard (29 CFR 1926.1153 for construction, 29 CFR 1910.1053 for general industry).
Fabricators and contractors working with our materials should follow standard industry controls, including:
- Using wet-cutting methods or on-tool vacuum dust collection whenever cutting, grinding or polishing stone.
- Wearing NIOSH-approved respiratory protection appropriate to the task and exposure level.
- Following a written exposure control plan and any applicable OSHA, state, or local workplace safety requirements.
- Consulting the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the specific material being fabricated, available on each product's page and in the Resources hub.
This page is general safety information, not a substitute for a site-specific exposure control plan or professional occupational health guidance. For questions about a specific project, contact your GFO Stone sales representative.