Silica Dust Exposure 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 to control silica dust exposure and respiratory hazards during construction activities. It applies to all workers who may be exposed to materials containing crystalline silica. The procedure aims to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations and to minimize the risk of silicosis and other respiratory illnesses.

2. Definitions

Crystalline Silica A naturally occurring mineral found in many construction materials such as concrete, brick, and mortar. Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is the portion of crystalline silica that is small enough to enter the gas-exchange regions of the lungs if inhaled. Silicosis An occupational lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust, characterized by inflammation and scarring in the lungs. Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) Equipment used to protect workers from inhaling hazardous substances, including respirators with appropriate filters.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that workers are adequately trained and competent to perform tasks involving silica exposure.
Provide and maintain appropriate PPE, including respirators, and ensure that workers use them correctly.
Implement and enforce control measures to minimize silica dust exposure, such as engineering controls, work practices, and administrative controls.
Conduct regular inspections of the work area and equipment to identify and correct hazards related to silica exposure.
Investigate incidents and near misses related to silica exposure and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Ensure that the work area is properly delimited with hazard signs to prevent unauthorized access.
Provide workers with closed bags for work clothes and ensure proper cleaning methods are followed.

3.2 Workers

Use and maintain PPE as required, including respirators, eye protection, and protective clothing.
Participate in training and information sessions regarding silica hazards, prevention methods, and safe work practices.
Follow safe work procedures and instructions provided by the employer and supervisor.
Report any hazards, incidents, or near misses related to silica exposure immediately to the supervisor.
Practice good personal hygiene, including washing hands and face regularly, especially before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Remove work clothes before leaving the work area and place them in a closed bag or clean them using a wet cloth or HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Participate in workplace inspections and hazard assessments related to silica exposure.
Advise the employer and workers on matters related to silica safety and health.
Investigate worker complaints and concerns related to silica exposure.
Promote and support the implementation of silica control measures.
Participate in the development and review of safe work procedures for tasks involving silica exposure.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Inhalation of silica dust during cutting, grinding, or drilling of materials containing silica.	Risk of developing silicosis, lung cancer, and other respiratory illnesses.	Use wet cutting methods to suppress dust. Install and maintain local exhaust ventilation. Regularly clean work areas using wet methods or HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners.
Exposure to high concentrations of silica dust during abrasive blasting operations.	Severe respiratory damage, including acute silicosis.	Use enclosed blasting equipment. Ensure proper ventilation and respiratory protection. Regularly inspect and maintain blasting equipment.
Exposure to silica dust while operating mobile equipment in areas with silica-containing materials.	Chronic silicosis and other respiratory illnesses.	Isolate workers from the dust source using closed operation cabins with high-efficiency filters and positive pressure. Ensure cabins are well-maintained and sealed.
Inadequate respiratory protection when other control measures are not sufficient to reduce silica exposure below permissible limits.	Increased risk of respiratory illnesses, including silicosis.	Provide and ensure the use of appropriate respiratory protection (e.g., respirators with P100 or HEPA filters). Conduct regular fit testing and training on respirator use and maintenance.
Prolonged or repeated exposure to silica dust without adequate controls.	Cumulative risk of developing silicosis and other respiratory illnesses.	Implement administrative controls such as job rotation and limiting exposure time. Provide training on silica hazards, control measures, and safe work practices.
Dust generated from handling and storing materials containing silica.	Exposure to airborne silica dust, leading to respiratory hazards.	Use water sprays or dust suppressants to keep dust down. Cover or enclose piles of materials containing silica. Avoid dry sweeping or compressed air for cleaning.
Exposure from contaminated work clothes.	Secondary exposure from silica dust on clothing.	Ensure proper maintenance and cleaning of work clothes. Provide closed bags for transporting work clothes and prohibit the use of compressed air for cleaning clothing.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Workers must use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure to silica dust.

Respirator: Respirators with P100 or HEPA filters are required when engineering controls are not sufficient to reduce silica exposure below permissible limits. Ensure that respirators are properly fitted and maintained.
Protective Clothing: Coveralls and headgear are required to prevent skin contamination from silica dust. Ensure that protective clothing is clean and in good condition. [3]
Eye Protection: Goggles or face shields are required to protect the eyes from irritation and injury. Ensure that eye protection is clean and provides adequate coverage.
Gloves: Gloves are required to prevent skin contact with silica-containing materials. Ensure that gloves are made of a material that is resistant to silica dust and that they fit properly.

Inspect respirators before each use for damage or defects. Clean and store respirators properly after each use. Replace filters regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment and tools used in tasks that may generate silica dust must be in good working order and properly maintained.

Local Exhaust Ventilation: Used to capture dust at the source during cutting, grinding, and drilling operations. Ensure that the ventilation system is properly sized and maintained.
Water Sprays and Misters: Used to suppress dust during cutting, grinding, and drilling. Ensure that the water supply is clean and that the spray is directed at the point of dust generation.
HEPA-Filtered Vacuum Cleaner: Used for cleaning work areas and equipment. Ensure that the vacuum cleaner is equipped with a HEPA filter to capture fine silica dust.
Air Sampling Equipment: Used to monitor silica dust levels in the air. Ensure that the air sampling equipment is properly calibrated and that samples are collected by a qualified professional.

Ensure that all equipment used to control dust is used and cared for in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or a standard offering equivalent safety. [1]

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: Workers must receive training on the hazards of crystalline silica, control measures, and proper use of PPE. Training must cover the following topics:

Materials presumed to contain crystalline silica
The work that exposes workers to crystalline silica dust
The effects of exposure to crystalline silica dust on health
Safe working methods and procedures
The use and care of control equipment and tools for crystalline silica dust
The wearing and care of individual and common protective equipment [1] [2] [2]

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: A pre-job briefing must be conducted to discuss the SWP, potential hazards, and control measures. All workers involved in the task must attend the briefing and acknowledge their understanding of the procedures.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: Before starting work, the area must be assessed for potential silica hazards. Implement control measures such as ventilation and wetting down dust. Delimit the work area with hazard signs to prevent unauthorized access.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Risk Assessment: Assess the work area for potential silica hazards and identify tasks that may generate silica dust. Determine the appropriate control measures based on the risk assessment.
Training and Competency Verification: Ensure that all workers have received adequate training on silica hazards, control measures, and the proper use of PPE. Verify that workers are competent to perform the assigned tasks safely.
Implement Engineering Controls: Set up local exhaust ventilation systems to capture dust at the source. Use water sprays or misters to wet down materials before cutting, grinding, or drilling.
Use Respiratory Protection: Provide workers with appropriate respiratory protection, such as respirators with P100 or HEPA filters. Ensure that respirators are properly fitted and maintained.
Wear Protective Clothing and Eye Protection: Wear appropriate protective clothing, including coveralls and headgear, to prevent skin contamination. Use eye protection, such as goggles or face shields, to prevent eye irritation.
Practice Good Housekeeping: Use wet sweeping or HEPA-filtered vacuuming to clean work areas regularly. Avoid dry sweeping or using compressed air, which can create airborne dust.
Clean Work Clothes: Before leaving the work area, remove work clothes and place them in a closed bag. Clean work clothes using a wet cloth or HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner. [2]
Monitor Air Quality: Regularly monitor the work area for silica dust levels to ensure that control measures are effective. Conduct air sampling to assess worker exposure and verify compliance with occupational exposure limits.
Equipment Inspection and Maintenance: Inspect and maintain all equipment and tools used in tasks that may generate silica dust. Ensure that equipment is in good working order and that dust control systems are functioning properly.
Waste Disposal and Cleanup: After completing the task, properly dispose of waste materials containing silica in accordance with environmental regulations. Clean and store equipment and tools in a designated area.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Implement engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation and wet methods to minimize dust generation. - Ensure ventilation systems are properly maintained and used. Use water sprays or misters to suppress dust during cutting, grinding, and drilling.
Practice good housekeeping to prevent the accumulation of silica dust. Use wet sweeping or HEPA-filtered vacuuming to clean work areas. - Avoid dry sweeping or using compressed air for cleaning, as these methods can create airborne dust.
Provide workers with clean washing facilities and eating areas to prevent ingestion of silica dust. - Encourage workers to wash their hands and face regularly, especially before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Isolate workers from the source of dust emissions where possible. - Use closed operation cabins for mobile equipment or remote-control systems for hazardous tasks. [1]
Confine the source of dust emissions to prevent worker exposure. - Use enclosures or barriers to contain dust-generating activities. [1]

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of a medical emergency due to silica exposure, immediately move the affected worker to fresh air and seek medical attention. Follow established first aid procedures and ensure that the worker receives appropriate medical care.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

In case of an emergency, contact the supervisor or designated emergency personnel immediately.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near misses, and health concerns related to silica exposure must be reported to the supervisor and safety department immediately. An incident report must be completed, detailing the circumstances of the event and any injuries or health effects experienced by the worker.

A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the root causes of the incident and to identify corrective actions to prevent recurrence. The investigation will involve interviews with workers, a review of work procedures, and an assessment of control measures in place.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]