Safe Work Procedure: Silica Dust Control

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the necessary steps and precautions to control and minimize employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica in the workplace. It applies to all tasks and activities where materials containing crystalline silica are processed, handled, or disturbed, potentially releasing respirable silica dust. This includes but is not limited to construction, demolition, abrasive blasting, grinding, cutting, and crushing operations [1]. This SWP is designed to be used in conjunction with other relevant safety procedures and guidelines.

2. Definitions

Action Level: A concentration of airborne respirable crystalline silica of 25 μg/m3, calculated as an 8-hour TWA [2].

Competent Person: An individual who is capable of identifying existing and foreseeable respirable crystalline silica hazards in the workplace and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate or minimize them. The competent person must have the knowledge and ability necessary to fulfill the responsibilities set forth in this subdivision [2].

Employee Exposure: The exposure to airborne respirable crystalline silica that would occur if the employee were not using a respirator [2].

PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit): The maximum legal limit for exposure to respirable crystalline silica over an 8-hour period.

Respirable Crystalline Silica: Crystalline silica particles that are small enough to enter the gas-exchange regions of the lungs if inhaled.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all workers are adequately trained on the hazards of respirable crystalline silica and the control measures outlined in this SWP [3].
• Provide the necessary equipment and resources to implement the controls specified in this SWP.
• Enforce the use of required PPE and adherence to safe work practices.
• Conduct regular inspections of the work area to identify and correct any silica-related hazards [4].
• Ensure the written exposure control plan is followed [5].

3.2 Workers

• Participate in required training programs on respirable crystalline silica hazards and control measures.
• Follow the safe work practices and control measures outlined in this SWP.
• Use the provided PPE as instructed and maintain it in good condition.
• Report any silica-related hazards or incidents to the supervisor immediately.
• Participate in air monitoring or medical surveillance programs as required.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and implementation of the written exposure control plan.
• Conduct workplace air monitoring to assess employee exposure levels [6].
• Provide guidance on the selection and use of appropriate respiratory protection.
• Investigate silica-related incidents and recommend corrective actions.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica	Silicosis, lung cancer, COPD, kidney disease, autoimmune diseases 3, 7, 16	Implement engineering controls, use wet methods, provide respiratory protection, practice good housekeeping 2, 15
Eye irritation from silica dust	Eye damage, impaired vision	Use safety glasses or goggles [7]
Skin irritation from contact with silica-containing materials	Dermatitis, skin damage	Use gloves and protective clothing

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

It is essential to use the appropriate PPE to minimize exposure to respirable crystalline silica. All PPE must be properly fitted, maintained, and used according to manufacturer's instructions.

• Respirator: Required when engineering and work practice controls are not sufficient to reduce exposure to or below the PEL 1, 4. Select the appropriate type of respirator based on the level of exposure and in accordance with a written respiratory protection program 4, 15.
• Safety Glasses or Goggles: Protect eyes from dust and debris. Use goggles when there is a potential for high dust levels or splashes [7].
• Gloves: Protect skin from irritation and dermatitis caused by contact with silica-containing materials.
• Protective Clothing: Coveralls or other protective clothing to prevent skin exposure to silica dust.
• Hearing Protection: Use hearing protection if the task involves noisy equipment or processes.

Inspect PPE before each use for damage or defects. Replace damaged or worn PPE immediately. Clean and store PPE properly to prevent contamination and prolong its lifespan.

6. Equipment and Tools

Using the right equipment and tools is crucial for controlling silica dust exposure. Ensure all equipment is in good working order and properly maintained.

• HEPA-Filtered Vacuum: Use for cleaning surfaces and clothing to minimize dust dispersal [8].
• Wet Cutting/Grinding Tools: Use tools equipped with water attachments to suppress dust generation during cutting and grinding operations [9].
• Enclosed Cab or Booth: Use enclosed cabs or booths with proper ventilation and filtration systems for tasks that generate high levels of silica dust [9].
• Ventilation Systems: Use local exhaust ventilation systems to capture dust at the source.
• Dust Collection Systems: Use dust collection systems with appropriate filters to remove silica dust from the air.

Inspect equipment and tools before each use for damage or defects. Maintain equipment according to manufacturer's instructions. Use appropriate guards and safety features on equipment.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

• Workers must complete a training program on the hazards of respirable crystalline silica, control measures, and proper use of PPE [3].
• Supervisors must be trained on their responsibilities for implementing and enforcing the silica control program.
• A competent person must be designated to oversee silica control activities and conduct regular inspections 1, 6.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

• Conduct a pre-job briefing with all workers involved in the task to discuss the potential silica hazards, control measures, and emergency procedures.
• Review the SWP and ensure all workers understand their roles and responsibilities.
• Identify any specific hazards or conditions that may be present at the work site.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Establish regulated areas where employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica is, or can reasonably be expected to be, in excess of the PEL [10].
• Demarcate regulated areas from the rest of the workplace in a manner that minimizes the number of employees exposed to respirable crystalline silica within the regulated area [10].
• Implement engineering controls and work practices to minimize dust generation and dispersal.
• Ensure adequate ventilation is available in the work area.
• Provide access to clean water for wet methods and cleaning.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Exposure Assessment

Assess employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica to determine the appropriate control measures 1, 2.

• Review task to identify potential silica exposure.
• Determine if task is listed in Table 1 of rule 437-002-1057 [9].
• If task is not listed, conduct air monitoring to determine exposure levels [6].

Safety considerations: Use personal air monitoring equipment to collect representative samples of employee exposure. Follow established sampling and analytical methods [11].

Step 2: Implement Engineering and Work Practice Controls

Use engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica to or below the PEL [5].

• Use wet methods to suppress dust generation during cutting, grinding, and drilling operations [9].
• Use local exhaust ventilation to capture dust at the source.
• Use enclosed cabs or booths with proper ventilation and filtration systems [9].
• Implement good housekeeping practices to minimize dust accumulation [8].

Safety considerations: Ensure that engineering controls are properly installed and maintained. Regularly inspect and repair or replace any damaged equipment.

Step 3: Respiratory Protection

Provide and ensure the use of appropriate respiratory protection when engineering and work practice controls are not sufficient to reduce exposure to or below the PEL 1, 4.

• Select respirators based on the level of exposure and in accordance with a written respiratory protection program 4, 15.
• Ensure that respirators are properly fitted and maintained.
• Provide training on the proper use, maintenance, and storage of respirators.

Safety considerations: Conduct fit testing to ensure that respirators provide an adequate seal. Regularly inspect respirators for damage or defects. Replace filters and cartridges as needed.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face thoroughly after working with silica-containing materials and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
• No Dry Sweeping or Brushing: Do not allow dry sweeping or dry brushing where such activity could contribute to employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica unless wet sweeping, HEPA-filtered vacuuming or other methods that minimize the likelihood of exposure are not feasible [8].
• Compressed Air: Do not allow compressed air to be used to clean clothing or surfaces where such activity could contribute to employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica unless the compressed air is used in conjunction with a ventilation system that effectively captures the dust cloud created by the compressed air; or no alternative method is feasible [8].
• Smoking: Discourage smoking in work areas, as smoking can increase the risk of lung cancer in silica-exposed workers [12].
• Medical Surveillance: Participate in medical surveillance programs as required to monitor for early signs of silica-related diseases 7, 16.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

• In the event of a medical emergency, call [EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER] immediately.
• Provide first aid as needed.
• Evacuate the area if necessary.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Eye Exposure: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
• Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if breathing difficulties occur.
• Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water. Seek medical attention if irritation develops.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• [Emergency Contact Name]: [Phone Number]
• [Safety Manager Name]: [Phone Number]
• [Local Hospital Name]: [Phone Number]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards related to silica exposure to the supervisor immediately. Conduct a thorough investigation of all reported incidents to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

• Oregon OSHA, Division 2/Z Silica, 437-002-1053 through 437-002-1065 [3].
• OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 1910.1200 [3].
• OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard, 1910.134 4, 15.

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Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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