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 occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica. This procedure applies to all tasks and activities where materials containing crystalline silica are processed, handled, or disturbed, potentially generating airborne silica dust. This includes but is not limited to construction, demolition, abrasive blasting, grinding, cutting, and manufacturing activities [1].

This SWP is applicable in all work environments where there is a potential for exposure to respirable crystalline silica. This includes both indoor and outdoor settings, fixed sites, and temporary work locations.

This SWP should be used in conjunction with other relevant safety procedures, including respiratory protection programs, hazard communication programs, and any specific procedures related to the equipment or tasks being performed.

2. Definitions

Action Level: A concentration of airborne respirable crystalline silica of 25 μg/m3, calculated as an 8-hour TWA [2].

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 [2].

Employee Exposure: The exposure to airborne respirable crystalline silica that would occur if the employee were not using a respirator [2].

PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit): The maximum legal limit for exposure to respirable crystalline silica over an 8-hour period.

Respirable Crystalline Silica: Crystalline silica particles that are small enough to enter the gas-exchange regions of the lungs if inhaled.

Objective data means information, such as air monitoring data from industrywide 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 [2].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that workers are adequately trained on the hazards of respirable crystalline silica and the proper use of control measures [3].
• Conduct regular inspections of the work area to identify and correct any unsafe conditions related to silica exposure [4].
• Enforce the use of required PPE, including respirators, and ensure that PPE is properly maintained [4].
• 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 [5].
• Designate a competent person to ensure the procedures are followed [5].

3.2 Workers

• Participate in required training programs and understand the hazards of respirable crystalline silica [3].
• Use all required PPE, including respirators, in accordance with training and instructions [3].
• Follow established safe work procedures and report any unsafe conditions or near-misses to the supervisor [3].
• Do not engage in dry sweeping or dry brushing where such activity could contribute to employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica unless wet sweeping, HEPA-filtered vacuuming or other methods that minimize the likelihood of exposure are not feasible [6].
• Do not allow compressed air to be used to clean clothing or surfaces where such activity could contribute to employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica unless the compressed air is used in conjunction with a ventilation system that effectively captures the dust cloud created by the compressed air; or No alternative method is feasible [6].

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and implementation of the written exposure control plan [5].
• Participate in workplace inspections and hazard assessments related to silica exposure [4].
• Investigate incidents and near-misses related to silica exposure and recommend corrective actions [4].

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica	Silicosis, lung cancer, COPD, kidney disease, autoimmune diseases 7, 16	Implement engineering controls, use respiratory protection, practice good hygiene, provide medical surveillance 1, 4, 7
Eye irritation from silica dust	Eye discomfort, impaired vision	Use safety glasses or goggles, control dust at the source
Skin irritation from prolonged exposure	Dermatitis, skin damage	Wear gloves and protective clothing, practice good hygiene
Exposure to silica from neighboring tasks	Increased risk of exposure	Restrict access to work areas, communicate hazards to all personnel, coordinate work activities [5]

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE must be worn at all times when there is a potential for exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

• Respirator - Use appropriate NIOSH-approved respirators (e.g., N95, half-face, or full-face respirators) when engineering and work practice controls are not sufficient to reduce exposure to or below the PEL 1, 4. Ensure proper fit testing, maintenance, and training in accordance with 1910.134 [6].
• Safety Glasses or Goggles - Wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles to protect eyes from dust and debris.
• Gloves - Use appropriate gloves to prevent skin contact and irritation.
• Coveralls or Protective Clothing - Wear disposable or washable coveralls to minimize skin exposure and prevent the spread of silica dust.
• Hearing Protection - Use hearing protection if the task generates high noise levels.

Inspect all PPE before each use for damage or defects. Replace damaged or worn PPE immediately. Clean and maintain PPE according to manufacturer's instructions.

6. Equipment and Tools

Use the right equipment and tools for the job and ensure they are in good working order.

• Wet Cutting Saws - Use saws equipped with water attachments to suppress dust during cutting operations [7].
• HEPA-Filtered Vacuums - Use vacuums with HEPA filters for cleanup to prevent the spread of dust [6].
• Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) - Use LEV systems to capture dust at the source during grinding, sanding, or other dust-generating activities [6].
• Abrasive Blasting Equipment - Use equipment with proper ventilation and containment to control dust during abrasive blasting [4].
• Enclosed Cabs/Booths - Use enclosed cabs or booths with positive pressure and filtration systems for tasks that generate high levels of dust [7].

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use for damage or defects. Maintain equipment according to manufacturer's instructions. Remove any defective equipment from service.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Workers must receive training on the hazards of respirable crystalline silica, the proper use of control measures, and the requirements of this SWP [3]. Training must include: Health hazards associated with silica exposure, specific tasks that could result in exposure, measures implemented to protect employees, contents of the silica rule, purpose of medical surveillance, and the identity of the competent person [3].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing with all workers involved to discuss the tasks, hazards, and control measures. Review the SWP, potential hazards, required PPE, and emergency procedures.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Assess the work area for potential sources of silica exposure.
• Implement engineering controls, such as wet methods or ventilation, to minimize dust generation 1, 2.
• Demarcate regulated areas where exposures may exceed the PEL and restrict access to authorized personnel only 1, 17.
• Ensure proper housekeeping measures are in place to prevent the accumulation of dust 1, 15.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Exposure Assessment

Assess employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica 1, 12. If exposures are at or above the action level, implement appropriate control measures. If using Table 1 specified exposure control methods, fully and properly implement the engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection specified for the task [7].

• Review task to identify potential silica exposure.
• Determine if objective data is available to characterize exposure 6, 10.
• Conduct air monitoring if necessary to determine exposure levels 10, 12.

Safety considerations: Ensure proper sampling techniques and use a certified laboratory for analysis [8].

Step 2: Engineering and Work Practice Controls

Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica to or below the PEL 1, 2.

• Use wet methods to suppress dust during cutting, grinding, and drilling operations [7].
• Use local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to capture dust at the source [6].
• Use enclosed cabs or booths with positive pressure and filtration systems [7].
• Regularly clean work areas using HEPA-filtered vacuums or wet methods [6].

Safety considerations: Ensure that engineering controls are properly maintained and effective. When using wet methods, apply water at flow rates sufficient to minimize the release of visible dust [7].

Step 3: Respiratory Protection

If engineering and work practice controls are not sufficient to reduce exposure to or below the PEL, provide and ensure the use of appropriate respiratory protection 1, 4, 15.

• Select respirators based on the level of exposure and in accordance with 1910.134 4, 15.
• Ensure proper fit testing and training on respirator use and maintenance [6].
• Establish a written respiratory protection program 1, 15.

Safety considerations: Ensure that respirators are properly fitted, maintained, and used. Conduct regular fit testing and provide training on proper respirator use [6].

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 Dry Sweeping or Compressed Air: Do not dry sweep or use compressed air for cleaning unless no other method is feasible and dust is effectively controlled [6].
• Equipment Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain equipment to ensure it is functioning properly and not generating excessive dust.
• Competent Person Inspections: For construction activities or when using specified exposure control methods, designate a competent person to make frequent and regular inspections of job sites, materials, and equipment to implement the written exposure control plan 1, 4.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, such as a significant release of silica dust, follow these procedures:

• Evacuate the area immediately.
• Alert others in the vicinity.
• Contact the supervisor and emergency services.
• Provide first aid as needed.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Eye Exposure: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
• Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if breathing difficulties occur.
• Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency Services: 911
• Supervisor: [PHONE NUMBER]
• Health and Safety Department: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards related to silica exposure to the supervisor immediately. An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

• Oregon OSHA Regulations for Respirable Crystalline Silica (437-002-1053 through 437-002-1065) [3].
• Hazard Communication Program
• Respiratory Protection Program

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

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