News

The February NZMTA Seminar Series, with the help of 3M, focused on respiratory protection as a means of preventing silicosis. It was identified during the seminar that it can be very easy to take a lapse approach to managing occupational illness when the consequences of not taking enough action can take decades to take effect.

Click here to see how exposure to silica dust affects your lungs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_sC2wX9Uwc

As a trade that is exposed to silica dust via the cutting of masonry products, we need to ensure that we are doing everything we can to ensure that we are not causing harm to ourselves or others near our worksites. One of the first approaches to minimalizing harm from silica is to ensure that those in the front line have adequate respiratory protection. Lifting your tee-shirt to cover your face is NOT enough to protect your lungs from inhaling silica dust – even if it is just a quick cut.

The attached guide from 3M is designed to help individuals select the right dust mask. Click here to see 3Ms dust mask chart: 3M Respitory Protection Poster.

For members of the NZMTA we have a special deal with NZ Safety Blackwood. You will need to show them your NZMTA Membership discount card (or quote the NZ Safety Blackwood code on your card if you are ordering online).

Click here to see the NZ Safety Backwoods Construction Deals for NZMTA member’s flyer: NZ Safety Blackwoods Flyer