Strasbourg Cathedral is an architectural jewel embodying the richness and splendor of France’s heritage. This imposing Gothic cathedral fascinates visitors from all over the world with its majesty and history.
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Strasbourg Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Strasbourg Cathedral, officially known as Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, is a true architectural masterpiece. Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, it is considered one of the most significant examples of Gothic architecture. In 1988, it was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, underlining its exceptional cultural and historical importance.
Renovation of the St Laurent portal, a danger for employees
The St Laurent portal
The Saint Laurent portal is one of the main entrances to Strasbourg Cathedral. It is a masterpiece of Gothic sculpture and a real sight for sore eyes. The statues adorning the portal depict biblical scenes and religious figures. Their remarkable finesse is a testament to the skill of the artists of the time. Visitors can admire the exquisite detail of the sculptures and marvel at the artistic representation of important biblical stories.
Renovation of the St Laurent gate
Stone-cutting is an ancient and respected profession, but it can also present significant health hazards for craftsmen. One of the most worrying hazards is silica, a substance naturally present in many stones.
Silica and its health risks
Silica is a crystalline form of silicon dioxide found in many types of stone, including sandstone. When cutting stone, friction and impact generate silica-containing dust particles, which can be inhaled by craftsmen. This chronic exposure to silica can lead to serious health problems, such as silicosis, an incurable lung disease that reduces respiratory capacity. Silica is also associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, respiratory disease and other lung conditions.
Preventive and protective measures
To minimize the risks associated with silica in stone-cutting, it is essential to implement appropriate prevention and protection measures. First and foremost, craftsmen must be equipped with respiratory masks specially designed to filter out silica particles. These masks must be correctly fitted and regularly replaced to ensure optimum protection.
For the renovation of the St Laurent portal, OberA also responded to a specification for the design, acquisition and development of a centralized vacuum system, unique in France. To guarantee optimum protection for the stonemasons, OberA installed a dust collector. Dustomat 4.24 with piping system to equip several stone-cutting stations on different floors of the Saint-Laurent portal. The installation enables up to 3 stone-cutting stations to be operated simultaneously.
