The Construction Chemicals division of BASF Corporation launched MasterSeal® 940DR and MasterSeal 941DR respirable crystalline silica-free aggregates for deck coatings.
Respirable crystalline silica dust generated on a jobsite is one of the leading health and safety issues facing the construction industry. Workers who inhale crystalline silica particles are at increased risk of developing serious silica-related health issues. Following the Respirable Crystalline Silica standard for construction from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers need to limit worker exposures to respirable crystalline silica.
Aggregates are commonly used in deck coating applications for vehicular and pedestrian surfaces to provide slip resistance and durability. Incorporating standard silica-based aggregates into the coating can generate dust that may contain respirable crystalline silica. MasterSeal 940DR and MasterSeal 941DR both contain zero respirable crystalline silica, while maintaining all the advantages of standard aggregate. MasterSeal 940DR and MasterSeal 941DR have different particle sizes that meet both pedestrian and vehicular traffic needs.
“BASF continually invests in solutions that keep the safety of our industry partners a top priority,” said Jay Patel, Industry Sector Manager for BASF’s Construction division. “Our new aggregates are the latest development in our effort to provide safer jobsite solutions, joining BASF’s line of low dust concrete repair mortars and grouts.”