Just as two years have elapsed since the initial strike by tram workers in Tenerife, which coincided with the 2023 carnivals, the insular council has announced an agreement to finally replace the carcinogenic silica dust in the braking system. The workers have been advocating for this change for several years, deeming exposure to this dust a “serious risk” to their health.
In collaboration with the manufacturer Alstom, the corporation has declared that between March and June of this year, measures will be taken to eliminate the silica powder in the braking system. The Cabildo emphasises that this decision follows a process of “testing and adaptation”, verifying that calcium silicate serves as a “safe and effective alternative” after laboratory evaluations and equipment trials.
At a press briefing, Rosa Dávila, the president of the Cabildo, stated that this decision aligns with a European directive established five years ago, which categorised silica dust as a “carcinogenic” substance.
Historically, silica dust has been employed in trams to enhance traction on the tracks. However, prolonged exposure to this material poses health risks, leading the council to seek a “safer alternative.”
It is noteworthy that the previous government team in the Cabildo, led by Pedro Martín, had pledged to the workers to find a substitute for silica dust. However, following the 2023 elections, the new team “questioned” this replacement. Jonay Acosta, secretary of the Company Committee, explained to this publication a year ago that the corporation headed by Dávila indicated that the substitution would proceed if it were “technically feasible, but if not, then no.” Thus, the Labour Inspectorate suggested that the company and the manufacturer could reach a mutual agreement to maintain the status quo, without any alterations implemented.
Dávila now asserts that with this modification, “the Tenerife tram system becomes the second rail network in Spain to eliminate silica dust.” Furthermore, she added that the new material has already been tested in several tram units between January and February and is present in three out of the 26 tram units.
As the island’s president noted, Metaranraife will conduct a thorough cleaning of all facilities and tracks where the previous material has been used, ensuring the removal of any residues and reinforcing their commitment to safety and sustainability in public transport across the island.
