We are FCC Nº22

Cancer is currently one of the main causes of death in the world and re- presents one of the groups of diseases that generate most concern among ci- tizens. In the workplace, the prevention of its development at source is key, taking into account the existence of agents considered carcinogenic in many in- dustrial processes. The regulations on carcinogenic agents indicate that, whenever possible, the substance should be replaced by another that is free of risk. Where this is not possible, it must be ensured that the substance is manufactured and used in a closed system. If none of the above is possi- ble, companies must ensure that the level of exposure of workers is redu- ced to a value as low as technically possible, and always below the limit value laid down in the regulations. FCC Construcción begins development of the PRACAN Project An innovative active robotic platform for the identification, control and monitoring of carcinogenic agent risks Respirable crystalline silica and as- bestos Two of these occupational carcino- gens are respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and asbestos. Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is present in materials commonly used in construction: aggregates, ceramic materials, cement, concrete, etc. Its harmful effects were included in the list of occupational diseases in 2018 and it has been classified as a carcinogenic substance in 2020 in Spain. Asbestos was a material widely used in construction during the 20th cen- tury, until its use was banned in 2002. Currently, once the risk of exposure to a harmful chemical substance has been identified, a risk assessment is carried out, which involves taking samples in situ and subsequent labo- ratory analysis. Measures are then put in place according to the results of the assessment. In the specific case of as - bestos, a work plan must be drawn up and submitted to the labour authority before work is carried out. Prevention of occupational risks Research to obtain effective methods that can estimate the presence of toxic substances in real time in order to es- tablish control and prevention measu- res is of vital importance. Asbestos microfibres, which can be found in asbestos cement structures, are classified as a toxic material. Crystalline silica is a natural component of quartz, which is found in different materials used in construction. W E L L N E S S 50 W E L L N E S S