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 exposure to silica dust during construction, demolition, and other related activities. It applies to all workers, supervisors, and contractors involved in tasks that may generate silica dust. This procedure covers the identification of potential silica hazards, the implementation of engineering controls, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the establishment of safe work practices to protect workers from the adverse health effects associated with silica exposure.

2. Definitions

Crystalline Silica: A basic component of soil, sand, granite, and numerous other minerals. [1]

Respirable Crystalline Silica: Very small particles of crystalline silica that are capable of penetrating deep into the lungs when inhaled [2].

PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit): The maximum amount of a substance a worker can be exposed to, as set by OSHA [1].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all workers are adequately trained on the hazards of silica and the control measures outlined in this SWP.
Conduct regular inspections of the work area to identify potential silica hazards and ensure that control measures are properly implemented and maintained.
Provide workers with the necessary PPE and ensure that it is properly used and maintained.
Enforce the requirements of this SWP and take corrective action when necessary.

3.2 Workers

Participate in all required training programs on silica hazards and control measures.
Follow the procedures outlined in this SWP and use all required PPE.
Report any potential silica hazards or unsafe conditions to their supervisor immediately.
Cooperate with supervisors and safety personnel to ensure that control measures are properly implemented and maintained.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and implementation of this SWP.
Conduct regular audits of the work area to ensure compliance with this SWP and other applicable regulations.
Investigate incidents and near-misses related to silica exposure and recommend corrective actions.
Provide guidance and support to supervisors and workers on silica-related health and safety issues.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica	Silicosis, lung cancer, respiratory irritation, other respiratory diseases 5, 6, 7, 10, 13, 15, 16, 18	Use engineering controls (e.g., ventilation, water sprays), provide respiratory protection, implement dust control measures 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 12, 14, 19, 20
Skin contact with silica-containing materials	Skin irritation, dermatitis 5, 6, 7, 10, 15, 16, 18	Wear appropriate protective clothing and gloves, wash hands thoroughly after handling materials 2, 3, 4, 9, 12, 14
Eye contact with silica dust	Eye irritation, burning, permanent eye damage 5, 6, 7, 10, 15, 16, 18	Wear approved safety goggles or face shield 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 12, 14

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use proper PPE 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 12, 14.

Respirator: Use a NIOSH-approved respirator when engineering controls are not sufficient to maintain airborne concentrations below the PEL 4, 8, 11, 17, 20. Ensure proper fit testing and training are conducted prior to use.
Safety Goggles/Face Shield: Wear approved safety goggles or a face shield to protect eyes from dust and debris 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 12, 14.
Gloves: Wear appropriate chemical-resistant gloves to minimize skin contact with silica-containing materials 2, 3, 4, 9, 12, 14.
Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and other protective clothing to prevent skin exposure 3, 4.

Inspect PPE before each use for damage or defects. Replace damaged or worn PPE immediately. Follow manufacturer's instructions for proper use, maintenance, and storage of PPE.

6. Equipment and Tools

Always use proper equipment and tools.

Ventilation Systems: Use local exhaust ventilation to capture dust at the source and maintain airborne levels below recommended exposure limits 1, 8, 9, 12, 14, 19.
Water Sprays/Misters: Use water sprays or misters to suppress dust during cutting, grinding, and other dust-generating activities 1, 9.
HEPA Filtered Vacuums: Use vacuums equipped with HEPA filters to clean up dust and debris 11, 17, 20.
Cutting/Grinding Tools with Dust Collection: Use tools equipped with integrated dust collection systems to minimize dust emissions.

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

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Workers must complete a training program on silica hazards, control measures, and the proper use of PPE. Training must cover the health effects of silica exposure, the requirements of this SWP, and the proper use and maintenance of equipment and tools.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing with all workers involved in the task. Review the scope of work, potential silica hazards, control measures, and emergency procedures. Ensure that all workers understand their roles and responsibilities.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Establish a designated work area and restrict access to authorized personnel only. Implement dust control measures, such as wetting down the work area or using temporary enclosures. Ensure that adequate ventilation is provided.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Hazard Assessment

Conduct a thorough hazard assessment to identify potential sources of silica exposure. Consider the type of material being used, the work methods being employed, and the potential for dust generation. Determine the appropriate control measures based on the hazard assessment.

Sub-step 1.1: Identify all tasks that may generate silica dust.
Sub-step 1.2: Evaluate the potential for worker exposure to silica dust.
Sub-step 1.3: Select appropriate control measures to minimize silica exposure.

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure that the hazard assessment is conducted by a competent person with knowledge of silica hazards and control measures.

Step 2: Implement Engineering Controls

Implement engineering controls to minimize dust generation and worker exposure. Use local exhaust ventilation, water sprays, or other dust suppression methods. Enclose or isolate dust-generating activities whenever possible.

Sub-step 2.1: Set up local exhaust ventilation systems.
Sub-step 2.2: Apply water sprays or misters to suppress dust.
Sub-step 2.3: Enclose or isolate dust-generating activities.

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure that engineering controls are properly installed, maintained, and used correctly.

Step 3: Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Provide workers with the necessary PPE, including respirators, safety goggles, gloves, and protective clothing. Ensure that workers are properly trained on the use, maintenance, and storage of PPE.

Sub-step 3.1: Provide workers with appropriate respirators and ensure proper fit testing.
Sub-step 3.2: Ensure that workers wear safety goggles or face shields to protect their eyes.
Sub-step 3.3: Ensure that workers wear gloves and protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure that PPE is properly selected, used, and maintained.

Step 4: Monitor Air Quality

Conduct air monitoring to assess the effectiveness of control measures and ensure that worker exposure is below the PEL. Use personal air sampling to measure individual worker exposure. Adjust control measures as necessary to maintain compliance.

Sub-step 4.1: Conduct personal air sampling to measure worker exposure.
Sub-step 4.2: Analyze air samples to determine silica concentrations.
Sub-step 4.3: Adjust control measures as necessary to maintain compliance.

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure that air monitoring is conducted by a qualified professional using approved methods.

Step 5: Clean Up and Disposal

Clean up dust and debris using HEPA-filtered vacuums or wet methods. Do not use compressed air to clean up dust. Dispose of waste materials in accordance with applicable regulations.

Sub-step 5.1: Use HEPA-filtered vacuums to clean up dust and debris.
Sub-step 5.2: Wet down surfaces to prevent dust from becoming airborne.
Sub-step 5.3: Dispose of waste materials in accordance with applicable regulations.

Safety considerations for this step: Avoid creating additional dust during clean-up activities.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Minimize Dust Generation: Use work methods that minimize dust generation, such as using wet cutting techniques or applying dust suppressants 1, 9.
Isolate Work Areas: Isolate work areas to prevent dust from spreading to other areas of the workplace.
Regular Cleaning: Clean work areas regularly to remove accumulated dust and debris 11, 17, 20.
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling silica-containing materials and before eating, drinking, or smoking 2, 3, 4, 9, 12, 14.
Medical Surveillance: Participate in medical surveillance programs as required by regulations.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, such as a significant release of silica dust, evacuate the area immediately. Follow established emergency response procedures and contact emergency services if necessary.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention 11, 17, 20.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air and seek medical attention if experiencing respiratory distress [2].
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water and seek medical attention if irritation develops [2].

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
[Company Medical Contact]: [PHONE NUMBER]
[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 determine the root cause and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

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