Silica & Fabrication Safety Policy.

Engineered Stone Fabrication Safety Policy

Purpose

This policy establishes minimum safety requirements for fabricators who cut, grind, polish, or otherwise fabricate engineered stone products supplied by Marbino. The goal is to protect workers, customers, and job sites from exposure to respirable crystalline silica and other fabrication-related hazards.

Scope

This policy applies to all fabricators, subcontractors, and third parties who handle or fabricate engineered stone slabs purchased from Marbino, whether fabrication occurs at a shop, job site, or temporary facility.

Regulatory Compliance

All fabrication activities must comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including but not limited to:

  • OSHA Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard (29 CFR 1910.1053)

  • OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)

  • Applicable state OSHA or industrial hygiene requirements

Fabricators are solely responsible for understanding and complying with all laws and regulations in their jurisdiction.

Prohibited Practices

The following practices are strictly prohibited:

  • Dry cutting, dry grinding, or dry polishing of engineered stone

  • Fabrication without proper dust suppression or ventilation controls

  • Fabrication without required personal protective equipment (PPE)

Required Fabrication Controls

Fabricators must implement engineering and administrative controls including:

1. Wet Methods

  • Use continuous water-fed tools for all cutting, grinding, drilling, and polishing operations

  • Ensure sufficient water flow to suppress visible dust at the source

2. Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)

  • Use properly designed and maintained dust collection systems where applicable

  • Ensure filters and collection units are inspected and serviced regularly

3. Work Area Controls

  • Perform fabrication in designated areas with restricted access

  • Keep non-essential personnel away from fabrication zones

  • Clean work areas using wet methods or HEPA-filtered vacuums only (no dry sweeping or compressed air)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Fabricators must provide and enforce the use of appropriate PPE, including:

  • NIOSH-approved respirators suitable for silica exposure (as required by exposure levels)

  • Eye and face protection

  • Hearing protection

  • Cut-resistant gloves

  • Protective clothing as needed

A written respiratory protection program must be implemented where respirator use is required.

Training Requirements

Fabricators must ensure that all employees involved in engineered stone fabrication:

  • Receive documented training on silica hazards

  • Are trained on proper use of wet methods, ventilation systems, and PPE

  • Understand emergency procedures and exposure control plans

Health Monitoring

Where required by law, fabricators must provide:

  • Medical surveillance for employees exposed to respirable crystalline silica

  • Access to medical records and exposure assessments

Waste Handling and Disposal

  • Slurry, dust, and waste material must be handled and disposed of in accordance with local environmental regulations

  • Prevent dried slurry or residue from becoming airborne

Documentation and Recordkeeping

Fabricators must maintain records of:

  • Safety training

  • Equipment maintenance

  • Exposure assessments (if applicable)

These records must be made available to regulatory agencies upon request.

Responsibility Disclaimer

Marbino does not control fabrication methods or job-site conditions. Responsibility for safe fabrication practices rests solely with the fabricator. By purchasing and fabricating engineered stone products from Marbino, fabricators acknowledge and agree to comply with this policy and all applicable safety regulations.

Right to Refuse Service

Marbino reserves the right to refuse sale or service to fabricators who knowingly engage in unsafe or non-compliant fabrication practices.

This policy is provided for general safety guidance and does not replace applicable laws, regulations, or professional safety consultation.