Respirable Crystalline 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 applies to all operations where workers may be exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust. This includes but is not limited to cutting, grinding, drilling, and crushing of materials containing silica. The procedure outlines the controls necessary to minimize exposure and ensure worker safety.

2. Definitions

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. [1]

Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) A concentration of 50 µg/m 3 calculated as an 8-hour TWA. [9]

Exposure Assessment An exposure assessment indicates that employee exposure is above the PEL, the employer shall describe in the written notification the corrective action being taken to reduce employee exposure to or below the PEL. [3]

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure all workers are properly trained on this procedure and the hazards of silica dust.
• Provide and maintain all necessary PPE and equipment.
• Conduct regular inspections of work areas to ensure compliance with this procedure.
• Enforce all safety rules and regulations related to silica dust exposure.
• Investigate any incidents or near misses related to silica dust exposure.
• Ensure that workers have access to necessary hygiene facilities.
• Conduct exposure monitoring to determine the levels of silica dust in the air.

3.2 Workers

• Use all required PPE as specified by this procedure and your supervisor.
• Participate in training and fit-testing for respiratory protection.
• Report any concerns about silica dust exposure to your supervisor or safety representative.
• Follow all safe work procedures and control measures to minimize dust exposure.
• Inspect equipment and tools before use to ensure they are in good working order.
• Participate actively in pre-job briefings and safety meetings.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Cutting or grinding silica-containing materials [1]	Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust	Use wet cutting methods to suppress dust. Ensure adequate water flow to the blade or cutting surface.
Drilling or chipping concrete [11]	Exposure to high concentrations of silica dust	Use tools equipped with dust collection systems. Ensure the dust collector has a filter with 99% or greater efficiency.
Working in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces [5]	Accumulation of silica dust and increased exposure	Provide adequate ventilation in enclosed areas. Use local exhaust ventilation to capture dust at the source.
Inadequate respiratory protection [4]	Inhalation of silica dust despite other controls	Implement a respiratory protection program. Provide appropriate respirators and ensure proper fit-testing and training.
Dry sweeping or using compressed air for cleaning [8]	Re-suspension of silica dust into the air	Regularly clean work areas using wet methods or HEPA-filtered vacuums. Avoid dry sweeping or compressed air, which can create airborne dust.
Operating crushing machines and heavy equipment [2]	Exposure to silica dust generated during crushing and abrasion	Use enclosed cabs or remote control stations for crushing machines and heavy equipment.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All PPE must be inspected before each use for damage or defects. Replace any damaged or defective PPE immediately.

• NIOSH-approved respirator: Provides respiratory protection against respirable crystalline silica dust. Ensure proper fit-testing and training are conducted. [4]
• Safety goggles: Protects eyes from dust and debris. Choose goggles that provide a tight seal around the eyes. [10]
• Protective coveralls: Protects skin from contact with dust and other materials. Coveralls should be made of a material that does not trap dust. [7]
• Gloves: Protects hands from abrasion and contact with materials. Choose gloves appropriate for the task. [10]
• Hard hat: Provides head protection from falling objects and debris.

Inspect respirators for proper fit and function. Clean and store respirators according to manufacturer's instructions. Replace filters regularly.

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment and tools used in operations that generate silica dust must be inspected regularly and maintained in good working order.

• Stationary masonry saws with integrated water delivery: Use saws equipped with integrated water delivery systems to continuously feed water to the blade, minimizing dust emissions. [1]
• Handheld power saws with integrated water delivery or dust collection: Use handheld power saws equipped with integrated water delivery systems for outdoor use. Indoors, use saws with dust collection systems and HEPA filters. [1]
• Handheld drills with dust collection: Use drills equipped with commercially available shrouds or cowlings with dust collection systems. Ensure dust collectors have HEPA filters. [6]
• HEPA-filtered vacuum: Use HEPA-filtered vacuums for cleaning work areas and equipment to prevent the re-suspension of silica dust. [6]

Inspect water delivery systems for proper flow. Check dust collection systems for filter integrity and airflow. Ensure all guards and safety devices are in place and functioning correctly.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: Ensure all workers involved in the task have received adequate training on the hazards of silica dust and the proper use of control measures and PPE. [8]

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: Before starting any work that may generate silica dust, conduct a pre-job briefing to discuss the hazards, control measures, and safe work procedures.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: Ensure the work area is properly prepared, including setting up ventilation, wetting down surfaces, and providing access to necessary equipment and PPE.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

1. Conduct a Risk Assessment: Before starting any work, conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential silica exposure hazards and determine appropriate control measures.
2. Provide Training and Competency: Ensure all workers involved in the task have received adequate training on the hazards of silica dust and the proper use of control measures and PPE. [8]
3. Ensure Adequate Ventilation: Ensure the work area is adequately ventilated to prevent the accumulation of silica dust. Use local exhaust ventilation where possible. [4]
4. Use Wet Cutting Methods: When cutting, grinding, or drilling materials containing silica, use wet methods to suppress dust. Ensure adequate water flow to the blade or cutting surface. [1]
5. Use Dust Collection Systems: When wet methods are not feasible, use tools equipped with dust collection systems. Ensure the dust collector has a filter with 99% or greater efficiency. [6]
6. Wear Respiratory Protection: Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator at all times when exposed to silica dust. Ensure the respirator is properly fitted and maintained. [4]
7. Wear Protective Clothing and Equipment: Wear appropriate protective clothing, including coveralls, gloves, and eye protection, to prevent skin and eye contact with silica dust. [10]
8. Clean Work Areas Regularly: Regularly clean work areas using wet methods or HEPA-filtered vacuums. Avoid dry sweeping or compressed air, which can create airborne dust. [8]
9. Dispose of Waste Properly: Properly dispose of silica-containing waste materials in closed containers to prevent dust exposure. [8]
10. Practice Good Hygiene: After completing work, wash hands and face thoroughly to remove any silica dust. Change out of work clothes and launder them separately.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Never dry sweep or use compressed air for cleaning, as this can re-suspend silica dust into the air. Always use wet cleaning methods or HEPA-filtered vacuums. [8]
• Ensure adequate ventilation in all work areas to prevent the accumulation of silica dust. Use local exhaust ventilation whenever possible. [4]
• Regularly inspect and maintain all equipment and tools to ensure they are in good working order and that control measures are functioning effectively. - Check water delivery systems, dust collection systems, and ventilation equipment regularly. [1]
• Participate in regular training sessions to stay informed about the hazards of silica dust and the proper use of control measures and PPE. [8]

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of a medical emergency, immediately call for medical assistance and provide first aid as necessary.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Inhalation of large amounts of silica dust: Move to an area with fresh air immediately. Seek medical attention if breathing difficulties persist.
• Eye contact with silica dust: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
• Skin contact with silica dust: Wash affected area with soap and water. Seek medical attention if irritation develops.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, including near misses and potential exposures, must be reported to the supervisor immediately. The supervisor will then complete an incident report and submit it to the safety department.

The safety department will investigate all reported incidents to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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