To mitigate dust exposure during drywall sanding operations and ensure respiratory protection in compliance with OSHA regulations, a drywall company should implement the following safety precautions and control measures:

Engineering Controls:

• Ventilation: Ensure good general ventilation of the work area. Ventilation rates should be matched to conditions. If applicable, use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to maintain airborne levels below recommended exposure limits. If exposure limits have not been established, maintain airborne levels to an acceptable level.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Respiratory Protection: In dusty environments, the use of an OSHA, MSHA, or NIOSH-approved respirator is recommended when permissible exposure limits may be exceeded. A NIOSH approved dust mask or filtering facepiece is recommended in poorly ventilated areas or when permissible exposure limits may be exceeded. Respirators should be selected by and used under the direction of a trained health and safety professional, following requirements found in OSHA's respirator standard (29 CFR 1910.134) and ANSI's standard for respiratory protection (Z88.2).
• Eye and Face Protection: Wear approved eye protection properly fitted dust-proof chemical safety glasses. Safety glasses with side shields (or goggles) should be worn.
• Hand Protection: Wear gloves of adequate length to offer appropriate skin protection from incidental contact. Wear suitable protective gloves to prevent cuts and abrasions. Suitable gloves can be recommended by the glove supplier.
• Skin and Body Protection: Wear suitable protective clothing. Normal work clothing (long sleeved shirts and long pants) is recommended.

Hygiene Practices:

• Always observe good personal hygiene measures, such as washing after handling the material and before eating, drinking, and/or smoking. Routinely wash work clothing and protective equipment to remove contaminants. [1] [2] [2] [2] [1] [1] [1]