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 silica dust exposure in construction, demolition, and other related activities. It applies to all workers, supervisors, and contractors who may be exposed to silica dust during their work. This procedure aims to minimize the risk of respiratory illnesses associated with silica dust inhalation by providing guidelines for hazard identification, risk assessment, and implementation of appropriate control measures.

This SWP is applicable in all work environments where silica-containing materials are disturbed, such as concrete cutting, grinding, drilling, crushing, and abrasive blasting. It includes both indoor and outdoor work settings.

This SWP should be used in conjunction with the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for silica-containing materials and any other relevant safety procedures or guidelines.

2. Definitions

Silica Dust: Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is very small particles of silica that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs. It is generated when cutting, grinding, drilling, or otherwise disturbing silica-containing materials such as concrete, brick, mortar, and stone.

Hazardous Substance: A substance that can cause harm to people's health or safety [1].

SDS (Safety Data Sheet): A document that provides information on the properties of hazardous chemicals and how they affect health and safety in the workplace [2].

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses [3].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all workers are adequately trained on the hazards of silica dust and the control measures outlined in this SWP.
• Conduct regular inspections of the work area to identify potential sources of silica dust exposure.
• Ensure that all workers have access to and properly use the required PPE.
• Enforce the use of dust control measures, such as water suppression and ventilation.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and standards related to silica dust control.

3.2 Workers

• Participate in all required training programs related to silica dust control.
• Follow the procedures outlined in this SWP and any other relevant safety guidelines.
• Use all required PPE properly and maintain it in good condition.
• Report any potential hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.
• Cooperate with supervisors and health and safety representatives to implement and maintain effective dust control measures.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and implementation of this SWP.
• Conduct regular workplace inspections to monitor compliance with this SWP.
• Provide advice and support to supervisors and workers on silica dust control measures.
• Investigate incidents and near-misses related to silica dust exposure and recommend corrective actions.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

It is essential to use the appropriate PPE to minimize exposure to silica dust. Inspect all PPE before use to ensure it is in good condition and fits properly [3].

• Respirator - Use an approved respirator (e.g., N95, P100) appropriate for the concentration of silica dust in the air. Ensure the respirator fits properly and is used according to the manufacturer's instructions [4].
• Safety Glasses/Goggles - Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect eyes from dust and debris [5].
• Gloves - Wear gloves to prevent skin contact with silica-containing materials [9].
• Protective Clothing - Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to minimize skin exposure. Change into clean clothes after work [3].
• Hearing Protection - Use hearing protection (e.g., earplugs or earmuffs) if the work generates high noise levels [10].

Inspect PPE before each use for damage. Replace damaged or worn PPE immediately. Clean and store PPE properly after use.

6. Equipment and Tools

Use the appropriate equipment and tools for the task to minimize dust generation. Ensure all equipment is in good working order and properly maintained [10].

• Wet Cutting/Grinding Tools - Use tools equipped with water suppression systems to reduce dust generation during cutting and grinding operations [4].
• HEPA Vacuum - Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter for cleaning up dust and debris [11].
• Ventilation Systems - Use local exhaust ventilation systems to capture dust at the source [6].
• Dust Collection Systems - Use dust collection systems attached to power tools to capture dust as it is generated [4].
• Enclosures - Use enclosures or barriers to isolate work areas and contain dust [4].

Inspect equipment and tools before each use for damage or defects. Maintain equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions. Remove any defective equipment from service.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All workers must complete a silica awareness training program that covers the following topics:

• Hazards of silica dust exposure
• Health effects of silica dust inhalation
• Proper use of PPE
• Dust control measures
• Safe work practices
• Emergency procedures

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

A pre-job briefing must be conducted before starting any work that may generate silica dust. The briefing should cover the following topics:

• Scope of the work
• Potential hazards
• Control measures to be implemented
• Required PPE
• Emergency procedures
• Roles and responsibilities of workers

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Identify all potential sources of silica dust exposure in the work area.
• Implement dust control measures, such as water suppression and ventilation.
• Isolate the work area to prevent dust from spreading to other areas.
• Ensure that all necessary equipment and tools are available and in good working order.
• Set up warning signs to alert others to the potential hazards of silica dust exposure.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Hazard Assessment and Control Planning

Before commencing any work, assess the potential for silica dust exposure. Identify tasks that may generate silica dust and evaluate the level of risk involved.

• Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all materials being used to identify silica content [2].
• Evaluate the work area for potential dust sources and pathways.
• Develop a written control plan that outlines specific measures to minimize dust exposure.

Safety considerations: Ensure all workers understand the hazard assessment and control plan before starting work.

Step 2: Dust Control Implementation

Implement the dust control measures outlined in the control plan. These measures may include:

• Using wet methods to suppress dust at the source [4].
• Providing local exhaust ventilation to capture dust [6].
• Using enclosed systems or barriers to contain dust [4].

Safety considerations: Regularly monitor dust control measures to ensure they are effective. Adjust controls as needed to minimize dust exposure.

Step 3: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Usage

Ensure all workers wear the appropriate PPE, including respirators, safety glasses/goggles, gloves, and protective clothing [3].

• Fit-test respirators to ensure a proper seal.
• Inspect PPE before each use for damage or defects.
• Train workers on the proper use, maintenance, and storage of PPE.

Safety considerations: Ensure workers understand the limitations of PPE and the importance of using it correctly.

Step 4: Work Practices

Follow safe work practices to minimize dust generation and exposure.

• Avoid dry sweeping or using compressed air for cleaning [4].
• Use HEPA vacuums to clean up dust and debris [11].
• Position workers upwind of dust sources whenever possible.

Safety considerations: Regularly monitor work practices to ensure they are effective in minimizing dust exposure.

Step 5: Housekeeping

Maintain a clean and orderly work area to prevent the accumulation of dust.

• Regularly clean up dust and debris using wet methods or HEPA vacuums [11].
• Dispose of waste materials properly in sealed containers [7].
• Avoid allowing dust to accumulate on surfaces.

Safety considerations: Ensure housekeeping practices do not create additional dust exposure hazards.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Substitution: Consider using non-silica-containing materials or less hazardous alternatives whenever possible [1].
• Engineering Controls: Implement engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation and wet methods to minimize dust exposure [6].
• Administrative Controls: Develop and implement safe work procedures, provide training, and schedule work to minimize dust exposure [2].
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure workers use appropriate PPE, including respirators, safety glasses, and gloves [3].
• Hygiene Practices: Encourage workers to wash their hands and face thoroughly after exposure to silica dust and before eating, drinking, or smoking [3].

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, follow these general procedures:

• Stop work immediately and assess the situation.
• Evacuate the area if necessary.
• Provide first aid to any injured workers.
• Report the incident to the supervisor and health and safety representative.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Eye Exposure: Flush the affected eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists [5].
• Skin Exposure: Wash the affected area with soap and water. Seek medical attention if irritation develops [3].
• Respiratory Distress: Move the affected worker to fresh air. Provide oxygen if necessary. Seek medical attention immediately [12].

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency Services: 911
• [COMPANY MEDICAL CONTACT]: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [HEALTH AND SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE]: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [SUPERVISOR]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards related to silica dust exposure must be reported to the supervisor immediately. An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

• Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304) [1], [10], [13], [14], [15]
• WHMIS Safety Data Sheet (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety) [2], [16]
• [Relevant Provincial Regulations for British Columbia]

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

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