resort, implemented only when the other options are not available,” he added. The OSHA Table 1 shows meth- ods designed to minimize dust emissions to maintain compliance with the Standard. Respirators are sometimes required, but on a more limited basis depending on the work practice used and the time spent engaging in that particu- lar practice. To view the detailed table, visit https://bit.ly/2LxduQ2. The tile industry responds The tile industry is heeding OSHA’s standard and working to provide solutions to keep workers within the OSHA PEL. iQ Power Tools itself has introduced the iQTS 244 Dry-Cut Dustless Tile Saw that has cyclone technology tested to 99.5% of dust. The company con- sults with an advisory panel com- prised of three NTCA Five Star Contractors – Erin Albrecht of J&R Tile, San Antonio, Texas; James Woelfel of Artcraft Granite Marble & Tile Co., in Mesa, Ariz.; and Mike DiGuisti of Terra-Mar Inc., in Oklahoma City, OK, to develop products that are effective on the job and safe for the contractor. Other companies too are doing their best to make dust a thing of the past as well. These include: WaleTale – designed by Joel Beaton, this simple device that attaches to a mixing bucket sucks dangerous dust into a shop vac. MAPEI offers a branded version of this device as well. MAPEI – The company offers a range of products that are tested at lower silica options than the OSHA PEL, from mortars to under- layment products to patching com- pounds. View them here: http:// www.mapei.com/public/US/lined- ocument/Tech_Bulletin_OSHA_ Silica_Standard.pdf. Merkrete/PAREX USA – Dustless Technology (DLT) is used in three mortar products: 720 Dustless LHT Mortar, 710 Dustless Premium Set Plus mortar and 705 Dustless Pro Set Plus. The company claims each of these mortars produced approxi- mately 80% less dust than ordinary thinsets. Rubi – just introduced a vacu- um attachment at Coverings that enables contractors to cut holes in porcelain, tile and stone products without dust. LATICRETE’s 257® Titanium™ lightweight high-performance thin- set mortar designed for installing Gauged Porcelain Tile (GPT) and Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels/Slabs (GPTP) is silica sand-free, which reduces exposure to respirable silica. “We all have an obligation to keep our people safe on the job site,” Guth concluded. “Following the OSHA standard to minimize silica exposure is a big step to make that happen.” Stay tuned to TileLetter for ongo- ing information about the OSHA regulation and ways to protect your workers and yourself on the job. TECH TALK –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 70 TileLetter | June 2018