Countertop Installers
A single stone countertop section can weigh hundreds of pounds. Installers carry slabs through homes, fit them to cabinets and sometimes cut and polish on site. Crush injuries, back strain and silica dust are the main dangers.
- Installers
- Fabricators
- Kitchen & Bath
- California
Hazards
- Heavy lifting and tipping: slabs can slide off carts or A-frames and crush feet and legs.
- Silica dust: cutting, grinding and polishing granite, quartz and engineered stone releases respirable crystalline silica. See Silica and California Engineered Stone Rules.
- Cuts from sharp slab edges and broken pieces.
- Adhesives, epoxies and sealants: skin and breathing irritation. See Epoxies & Resins.
- Electric shock from tools and water near outlets. See GFCI.
- Falls on stairs and uneven floors, and slips on wet areas.
- Customer property and tight spaces: narrow doors, stairs and corners.
Moving slabs
- Use A-frame carts, panel carriers, suction cup lifters and slab dollies rated for the weight; use enough people, usually two to four. Do not carry slabs on bare hands only
- Carry slabs on edge, not flat, with the strong side down, and avoid twisting
- Plan the path: measure doors and corners, clear obstacles and protect floors
- Check suction cups and rubber pads; test the vacuum before lifting
- Place the slab on padded supports and secure it; never lean slabs against a wall unsecured
- Wear steel-toe boots, cut-resistant gloves, safety glasses and long sleeves
Cutting on site
- Avoid dry cutting. Use wet methods or tools with HEPA dust extraction. Cut outside when possible and keep dust away from the home.
- Wear a fit-tested respirator when controls are not enough. See Respiratory Protection.
- Use GFCI outlets and keep cords out of water.
- Clean up slurry and dust with wet methods or HEPA vacuums; do not dry sweep.
- Wash hands and change clothes before leaving to avoid taking dust home.
Standards & references
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