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 safety measures and guidelines to control and minimize employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust in the workplace. It applies to all tasks and activities where materials containing crystalline silica are processed, handled, or disturbed, potentially generating airborne silica dust. This SWP is applicable in general industry and construction activities, except for exposures that result from the processing of sorptive clays, and operations where objective data demonstrates that employee exposures to respirable crystalline silica will remain below 25 micrograms per cubic meter of air (25 µg/m 3 ) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) under any foreseeable conditions .

This SWP should be used in conjunction with the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (1910.1200) and other relevant safety procedures .

2. Definitions

Action Level: A concentration of airborne respirable crystalline silica of 25 μg/m 3 , calculated as an 8-hour TWA .

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 .

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

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter: A filter that is at least 99.97 percent efficient in removing monodispersed particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter .

Objective Data: Information, such as air monitoring data from industry-wide surveys or calculations based on the composition of a substance, demonstrating employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica associated with a particular product or material or a specific process, task, or activity. The data must reflect workplace conditions closely resembling or with a higher exposure potential than the processes, types of material, control methods, work practices, and environmental conditions in the employer's current operations .

Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): A concentration of airborne respirable crystalline silica of 50 μg/m 3 , calculated as an 8-hour TWA .

Regulated Area: An area, demarcated by the employer, where an employee's exposure to airborne concentrations of respirable crystalline silica exceeds, or can reasonably be expected to exceed, the PEL .

Respirable Crystalline Silica: Quartz, cristobalite, and/or tridymite contained in airborne particles that are determined to be respirable by a sampling device designed to meet the characteristics for respirable-particle size-selective samplers specified in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 7708:1995: Air Quality-Particle Size Fraction Definitions for Health-Related Sampling .

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure workers are adequately trained on the hazards of silica and the proper use of control measures .
Conduct regular inspections of work areas to identify and correct potential silica hazards.
Enforce the use of required PPE and ensure it is properly maintained.
Provide workers with the necessary equipment and resources to implement control measures.
Develop and implement written procedures to restrict access to work areas, when necessary, to minimize the number of employees exposed to respirable crystalline silica and their level of exposure, including exposures generated by other employers or sole proprietors. Procedures must be part of the written exposure control plan .

3.2 Workers

Participate in required training programs on silica hazards and control measures.
Use all required PPE as instructed and maintain it in good condition.
Follow established safe work procedures and report any hazards or concerns to supervisors.
Use engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica to or below the PEL .

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and implementation of the silica control program.
Conduct workplace air monitoring to assess employee exposure levels .
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, other respiratory diseases, kidney effects, immune system effects	Implement engineering controls (e.g., wet methods, ventilation), use respiratory protection, practice good housekeeping , provide workers with information regarding hazards
Skin contact with silica dust	Skin irritation, dermatitis	Avoid direct contact, wear appropriate protective clothing, wash hands and exposed skin regularly
Eye contact with silica dust	Eye irritation, corneal abrasion	Wear safety glasses or goggles, use dust control measures to minimize airborne dust

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE must be worn 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 level of silica exposure. Ensure proper fit testing and training are conducted .
Safety Glasses/Goggles: Wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles to protect eyes from dust and debris.
Gloves: Wear appropriate gloves to prevent skin contact and irritation.
Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to minimize skin exposure. Use disposable coveralls when exposure is high.
Hearing Protection: Use hearing protection if equipment creates noise levels above permissible limits.

Inspect PPE before each use for damage. Replace damaged PPE immediately. Clean and store PPE properly to prevent contamination.

6. Equipment and Tools

Use the right equipment and tools for the job and ensure they are properly maintained to minimize dust generation.

Wet Cutting Saws: Use saws equipped with water attachments to suppress dust during cutting operations.
HEPA-Filtered Vacuums: Use vacuums with HEPA filters for cleanup to prevent dust from becoming airborne .
Local Exhaust Ventilation: Use local exhaust ventilation systems to capture dust at the source.
Enclosed Blasting Equipment: Use blasting enclosures for abrasive blasting to contain dust .
Water Sprays/Jets: Use water sprays or jets to wet materials and suppress dust during handling and processing .

Inspect equipment and tools before each use for proper functioning. Maintain equipment according to manufacturer's instructions. Use appropriate guards and safety features.

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 .
Supervisors must be trained to recognize silica hazards and ensure workers follow safe work procedures.
A competent person must be designated to oversee silica control activities and conduct regular inspections .

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing before starting any task that may generate silica dust.
Discuss the specific hazards associated with the task, the control measures to be used, and the proper use of PPE.
Review the steps outlined in this SWP and ensure all workers understand their roles and responsibilities.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Assess the work area for potential silica hazards and implement appropriate control measures.
Demarcate regulated areas where silica exposure may exceed the PEL and restrict access to authorized personnel only .
Ensure adequate ventilation is available to minimize dust accumulation.
Provide access to clean water for washing hands and equipment.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

8.1 Exposure Assessment

Before work begins, assess the potential for silica exposure by using air monitoring data or objective data .
If exposures are expected to be at or above the action level, implement appropriate control measures and PPE .
Reassess exposures whenever changes occur in production, processes, control equipment, personnel, or work practices that may result in new or additional exposures at or above the action level .
Sub-step 8.1.1: Review available air monitoring data or objective data for similar tasks or materials.
Sub-step 8.1.2: If data is not available, conduct air monitoring to determine employee exposure levels.
Sub-step 8.1.3: Document the exposure assessment results and make them available to affected employees .

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure proper sampling methods are used and samples are analyzed by an accredited laboratory .

8.2 Engineering Controls

Use engineering controls as the primary means of reducing silica exposure .
Implement wet methods, local exhaust ventilation, or enclosed systems to minimize dust generation and dispersion .
Ensure engineering controls are properly maintained and functioning effectively .
Sub-step 8.2.1: Use water sprays or jets to wet materials before cutting, grinding, or drilling.
Sub-step 8.2.2: Install local exhaust ventilation systems to capture dust at the source.
Sub-step 8.2.3: Use enclosed systems or blasting enclosures to contain dust during abrasive blasting operations .

Safety considerations for this step: Regularly inspect and maintain engineering controls to ensure they are working properly .

8.3 Work Practices

Follow safe work practices to minimize dust exposure .
Avoid dry sweeping or dry brushing unless wet sweeping or HEPA-filtered vacuuming are not feasible .
Do not use compressed air to clean clothing or surfaces unless used with a ventilation system or no alternative method is feasible .
Sub-step 8.3.1: Use wet methods for cleaning and dust suppression.
Sub-step 8.3.2: Avoid activities that generate dust, such as dry cutting or grinding.
Sub-step 8.3.3: Clean up dust spills immediately using wet methods or HEPA-filtered vacuums .

Safety considerations for this step: Train workers on proper work practices and ensure they are consistently followed .

8.4 Respiratory Protection

When engineering and work practice controls are not sufficient to reduce exposure to or below the PEL, use respiratory protection .
Provide respirators in accordance with a written respiratory protection program that complies with 1910.134 .
Ensure proper respirator selection, fit testing, and training .
Sub-step 8.4.1: Select a NIOSH-approved respirator appropriate for the level of silica exposure.
Sub-step 8.4.2: Conduct fit testing to ensure a proper seal between the respirator and the worker's face.
Sub-step 8.4.3: Train workers on the proper use, maintenance, and storage of respirators .

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure workers are medically cleared to wear respirators and follow all requirements of the respiratory protection program .

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face thoroughly after working with silica-containing materials and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Clothing Management: Change out of work clothes before leaving the work site. Launder work clothes separately from other clothing.
No Eating or Drinking in Work Areas: Prohibit eating, drinking, and smoking in areas where silica dust is present.
Equipment Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain equipment to prevent dust leaks and ensure proper functioning.
Medical Surveillance: Participate in medical surveillance programs as required to monitor for potential health effects of silica exposure .

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In case of a medical emergency, call [EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER] immediately.
Provide first aid as necessary and transport the injured person to a medical facility.
Report all incidents and near-misses to the supervisor and health and safety representative.

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 immediately. Seek medical attention if breathing difficulties occur.
Skin Irritation: Wash affected area with soap and water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: [EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER]
Supervisor: [SUPERVISOR NAME] - [PHONE NUMBER]
Health and Safety Representative: [H&S REP NAME] - [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

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

12. References and Related Documents

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (1910.1200) .
OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (1910.134) .
NIOSH Hazard Review: Health Effects of Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica .

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