The best selling masonry saw in the USA
OSHA CompliantiQ1550 21.5" Masonry Saw
Independent Silica Dust Testing
Test Overview
Cutting Equipment
iQ1550 electric masonry 21.5" saw for materials up to 8" high, 24" wide and 24" long
Dust Collection
iQ1550 21.5" masonry saw with integrated vacuum, filter and dust containment system
Materials
Manufactured Concrete Paver 4"x8" and Standard Red Face Brick — US market > 100 million annually
Number of Cuts
100 thru cuts of red brick + 100 thru cuts of concrete paver
Air Sampling Duration
480 minutes in operator's breathing zone
Testing Laboratory
ALS Global Environmental Laboratory, Salt Lake City UT 84123
Test Documentation
Analytical Results
IQ 1550 Sample A — On Person (Breathing Zone)
Lab ID: 2328215001 · Collected: 10/05/2023 · Perris, CA
NIOSH 0600 — Respirable Dust
mg/sample
0.085
mg/m³
0.071
Reporting Limit
0.020
NIOSH 7500 — Crystalline Silica
| Analyte | Result (ug/m³) | Result (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Quartz | 6.8 | 5.7 / 8.0% |
| Cristobalite | <4.2 | <5.9 |
| Tridymite | <17 | <24 |
| Total Silica | 6.8 (5.7 ug/m³) | 8.0% |
Understanding the Results in Context
Total Silica at 5.7 ug/m³ represents just 11.4% of OSHA's PEL (50 ug/m³) and 22.8% of the Action Level (25 ug/m³). This is an exceptional result for iQ's largest saw (21.5" blade, cuts up to 8" material). The iQ1550 is fully compliant with OSHA Table 1 requirements.
Monitoring and Analysis Methods
Air samples were collected at iQ Power Tools, 4635 Wade Avenue, Perris, CA, 92571 during dry cutting activities. Samples used SKC Brand of AirCheck Touch air sampling pumps on pre-weighted 3-piece matched weight 37 mm PVC filter media and SKC GS-3 plastic cyclones (SKC Part #225-100) at a flow rate of 2.75 liters per minute (LPM). Analysis was conducted at an AIHA accredited laboratory, ALS Laboratory in Salt Lake City, Utah, in accordance with current OSHA regulations using NIOSH method 0600 and method 7500.
Result: Total Silica 5.7 ug/m³
Exceptional performance for iQ's largest masonry saw — silica levels 84% below OSHA's permissible exposure limit, fully OSHA Table 1 compliant.
Disclaimer: iQ Power Tools dry-cut masonry saws are not specifically listed under OSHA Table 1. However, independent air monitoring conducted by ALS Global Environmental Laboratory demonstrates operator respirable crystalline silica exposures substantially below OSHA's 50 µg/m³ Permissible Exposure Limit when the saws are operated with their integrated dust collection systems as intended. Therefore, employers may use the objective data and exposure assessment provisions of OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153 to support silica compliance. Results may vary based on material type, cutting conditions, and equipment maintenance.