Formulators|Aquaflex® introduces its line of silica-free waterproof concrete repair products which include Patch Mix, Skim-Fast and SLU. Every year two million construction workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust in the workplace from concrete shot blasting, grinding, etc. Using Aquaflex® silica-free waterproof concrete repair products will both reduce worker exposure and site contamination, while promoting a clean, healthy construction environment.
A unique line for patching, skim and self-leveling materials formulated free of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) content. Recently RCS has been identified by OSHA in its Final Rule (effective today – June 23, 2016) as contributing to cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease. Silicosis takes the lives of over 600 workers and 900 new cases are reported every year. The construction industry has one-year from the effective date to comply with OSHA’s key provisions.
Construction workers who perform concrete grinding or shot-blasting breathe dust that contains RCS. A recent OSHA study found that grinding concrete without dust control exposed workers to levels of dust containing RCS ranging from 35 to 55 times the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL). In a second study using a wet-grind process, exposure levels were still 10 times the PEL. In addition, mechanical concrete prep may pose secondary routes of exposures to other trades and the eventual occupants from site contamination. "By eliminating RCS from our concrete repair products Formulators |Aquaflex is taking the industry’s first step toward a safe and responsible solution to high moisture flooring installations," said Benny Dickens, CEO/Founder of Formulators | Aquaflex.
Key provisions in the OSHA Final Ruling include:
Reduces the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8-hour shift. A microgram is 1/1000th of a gram.
Requires employers to: use engineering controls (such as water or ventilation) to limit worker exposure to the PEL; provide respirators when engineering controls cannot adequately limit exposure; limit worker access to high exposure areas; develop a written exposure control plan, offer medical exams to highly exposed workers, and train workers on silica risks and how to limit exposures.
Formulators prefers to work through its nationwide network of commercial contractors, independent sales associates and trained technicians. Aquaflex is now specified by several leading flooring manufacturers, major national retailers and healthcare networks. Aquaflex is not just a proven advance in high moisture installation performance but also represents a clear evolution in clean, safe and environmentally responsible product development and manufacturing.
Aquaflex® Silica-Free Concrete Repair performs under extreme conditions…
-NO %RH limitations
-NO pH limitations
-Recommended with Aquaflex2; Waterproof PSA Adhesive
-Compatible with standard floor covering adhesives
About Formulators|Aquaflex
Formulators | Aquaflex is based in Southern California and was founded as a research/development/manufacturer focusing on niche products to address failures in conventional solutions. Formulators manufactures Aquaflex – a specialty construction brand of waterproof flooring installation and concrete repair products, centered around its patented waterproof adhesive technology.
