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 during work activities. It applies to all tasks and operations where materials containing crystalline silica are processed, handled, or disturbed, potentially generating airborne silica dust. This includes but is not limited to construction, demolition, abrasive blasting, grinding, cutting, and crushing of silica-containing materials [1]. This SWP is applicable in all locations where such activities occur.

This procedure should be used in conjunction with other relevant safety procedures, including respiratory protection programs, hazard communication programs, and any specific procedures related to the equipment or tasks being performed.

2. Definitions

Action Level: A concentration of airborne respirable crystalline silica of 25 μg/m 3, 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 time-weighted average.

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 workers are adequately trained on the hazards of respirable crystalline silica and the control measures outlined in this SWP [3].
• Provide and maintain all necessary equipment, tools, and PPE required for silica dust control [4].
• Enforce the use of engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection as specified in this SWP [5].
• Conduct regular inspections of the work area to identify and correct any silica hazards [6].
• Ensure the written exposure control plan is followed [5].

3.2 Workers

• Participate in all required training programs related to silica hazards and control measures [3].
• Use all provided engineering controls, work practices, and PPE as instructed [4].
• Report any silica hazards or control measure failures to the supervisor immediately.
• Follow the procedures outlined in this SWP to minimize personal exposure and the exposure of others to respirable crystalline silica [5].
• Participate in medical surveillance programs as required [3].

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and implementation of the written exposure control plan [5].
• Conduct workplace air monitoring to assess employee exposure levels [7].
• Provide guidance on the selection and maintenance of appropriate respiratory protection [6].
• Investigate incidents and near-misses related to silica exposure 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 (e.g., wet methods, ventilation), use respiratory protection, practice good housekeeping 1, 2, 15
Skin and eye irritation	Dermatitis, eye damage	Use appropriate PPE (e.g., gloves, eye protection), wash hands and face thoroughly after work [8]
Dust exposure to others	Health risks to bystanders and other workers	Use barriers and enclosures to contain dust, restrict access to work areas 1, 20

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE is essential to minimize exposure to respirable crystalline silica. All PPE must be inspected before use to ensure it is in good condition.

• Respirator - Use a NIOSH-approved respirator appropriate for the exposure level. Ensure proper fit testing and training are conducted 4, 15.
• Eye Protection - Wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles to prevent eye irritation from dust [8].
• Gloves - Use appropriate gloves to prevent skin contact and irritation [8].
• Protective Clothing - Wear disposable or washable protective clothing to prevent silica dust from contaminating personal clothing [8].
• Hearing Protection - Use hearing protection if the task generates high noise levels.

Inspect PPE before each use for damage or defects. Replace damaged PPE immediately. Clean and maintain PPE according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Equipment and Tools

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

• Wet Cutting Saws - Use saws equipped with water attachments to suppress dust during cutting operations [4].
• HEPA-Filtered Vacuums - Use vacuums with HEPA filters for cleanup to prevent dust from becoming airborne [9].
• Ventilation Systems - Use local exhaust ventilation systems to capture dust at the source [9].
• Abrasive Blasting Equipment - Use enclosed abrasive blasting cabinets or properly ventilated areas to control dust 4, 9.
• Drills with Dust Collection - Use drills with integrated dust collection systems to capture dust at the point of generation.

Inspect equipment and tools before each use for damage or defects. Maintain equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that all dust collection systems are functioning correctly.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

• Workers must complete a silica awareness training program that covers the health hazards of silica exposure, control measures, proper use of PPE, and the requirements of this SWP [3].
• Supervisors must be trained to recognize silica hazards and ensure that control measures are implemented effectively [3].
• Competent Person designation to ensure procedures are followed [5].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

• Conduct a pre-job briefing with all workers involved to discuss the tasks, potential silica hazards, and control measures [5].
• Review the SWP and ensure that all workers understand their roles and responsibilities.
• Discuss any specific safety concerns or potential changes to the work plan.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Identify and demarcate regulated areas where silica exposure may exceed the PEL [10].
• Implement engineering controls, such as wet methods or ventilation, before starting work 1, 2.
• Ensure that all necessary equipment and PPE are available and in good working condition.
• Set up barriers or enclosures to contain dust and prevent it from spreading to other areas [11].

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

A. Task: Cutting Concrete with a Handheld Saw

1. Step 1 Title: Set Up Dust Control Measures

   • Connect a water source to the saw and ensure that the water flow is sufficient to suppress dust [4].
   • Position the work piece to minimize dust exposure to the worker and others in the area.
   • Ensure adequate ventilation in the work area.

   Safety considerations for this step: Ensure water source is adequate and functioning properly. Check ventilation system is working.

2. Step 2 Title: Don Appropriate PPE

   • Wear a properly fitted respirator, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing [8].
   • Ensure that all PPE is in good condition and fits properly.

   Safety considerations for this step: Ensure respirator is properly fitted and sealed. Check PPE for any damage.

3. Step 3 Title: Perform Cutting Operation

   • Start the saw and begin cutting, ensuring that water is continuously applied to the cutting surface to suppress dust [4].
   • Cut in a manner that directs dust and water away from the worker's breathing zone.
   • Avoid dry cutting unless wet methods are not feasible and other dust control measures are in place.

   Safety considerations for this step: Maintain a safe distance from the blade. Avoid overreaching or awkward postures.

B. Task: Abrasive Blasting

1. Step 1 Title: Set Up Abrasive Blasting Enclosure

   • Ensure the blasting enclosure is properly sealed and ventilated [4].
   • Verify that the ventilation system is functioning correctly and capturing dust effectively.

   Safety considerations for this step: Check enclosure for leaks or damage. Ensure ventilation system is operating at the correct airflow.

2. Step 2 Title: Don Appropriate PPE

   • Wear a properly fitted respirator, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing [8].
   • Use hearing protection if the blasting operation generates high noise levels.

   Safety considerations for this step: Ensure respirator is properly fitted and sealed. Check PPE for any damage.

3. Step 3 Title: Perform Abrasive Blasting

   • Operate the abrasive blasting equipment inside the enclosure, ensuring that the ventilation system is continuously running [4].
   • Use appropriate abrasive materials that minimize silica content.
   • Avoid overfilling the enclosure with dust and debris.

   Safety considerations for this step: Maintain a safe distance from the blasting nozzle. Avoid overexertion or fatigue.

C. Task: Dry Sweeping/Brushing

1. Step 1 Title: Assess Feasibility of Alternative Methods

   • Determine if wet sweeping, HEPA-filtered vacuuming, or other methods that minimize the likelihood of exposure are feasible [9].
   • If alternative methods are not feasible, proceed with caution and implement additional control measures.

   Safety considerations for this step: Ensure alternative methods are thoroughly evaluated. Document the reasons for not using alternative methods.

2. Step 2 Title: Don Appropriate PPE

   • Wear a properly fitted respirator, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing [8].
   • Ensure that all PPE is in good condition and fits properly.

   Safety considerations for this step: Ensure respirator is properly fitted and sealed. Check PPE for any damage.

3. Step 3 Title: Perform Dry Sweeping/Brushing

   • Sweep or brush in a manner that minimizes the creation of airborne dust [9].
   • Use a sweeping compound or other dust suppressant if available.
   • Avoid sweeping or brushing in areas with high foot traffic or ventilation that could spread dust.

   Safety considerations for this step: Sweep slowly and carefully. Avoid creating dust clouds.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face thoroughly after working with silica-containing materials and before eating, drinking, or smoking [8].
• Clothing Management: Change out of work clothes before leaving the work site. Launder work clothes separately from personal clothing [8].
• No Eating or Drinking in Work Areas: Prohibit eating, drinking, and smoking in areas where silica exposure may occur [8].
• Equipment Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain equipment to ensure it is functioning correctly and minimizing dust generation [4].
• Medical Surveillance: Participate in medical surveillance programs as required to monitor for any health effects related to silica exposure 3, 7.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

• In the event of a medical emergency, immediately call for medical assistance.
• Provide first aid as necessary until medical personnel arrive.
• Evacuate the area if there is a significant release of silica dust.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Eye Exposure: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists [8].
• Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately. Seek medical attention if breathing difficulties occur [8].
• Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water. Seek medical attention if irritation develops [8].

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency Medical Services: [PHONE NUMBER]
• Site Safety Manager: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [COMPANY NAME] Health and Safety Department: [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 identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

• Oregon OSHA Regulations for Respirable Crystalline Silica, 437-002-1053 through 437-002-1065 [3].
• OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 1910.1200 [3].
• NIOSH Hazard Review, Health Effects of Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica [12].

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

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