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 controls to minimize employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica during construction activities. It applies to all tasks that may generate silica dust, including but not limited to cutting, grinding, drilling, and demolition of materials containing silica. This procedure is designed to comply with OSHA's respirable crystalline silica standard, 29 CFR 1926.1153 4, 5, 8, 19.

This SWP applies to all employees, contractors, and subcontractors who may be exposed to respirable crystalline silica during their work activities. It covers all work environments where materials containing crystalline silica are handled or processed.

This SWP should be used in conjunction with the manufacturer's instructions for equipment and materials, relevant OSHA regulations, and any other applicable safety procedures.

2. Definitions

Action Level: An airborne concentration of respirable crystalline silica of 25 µg/m³, calculated as an 8-hour time-weighted average (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 [1].

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].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all workers are adequately trained on the hazards of respirable crystalline silica and the proper use of control measures.
• Conduct regular inspections of work areas to identify and correct any silica-related hazards.
• Enforce the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ensure that engineering controls are properly implemented and maintained.

3.2 Workers

• Participate in required training programs.
• Follow all safety procedures and instructions provided by the supervisor and this SWP.
• Use all required PPE properly and maintain it in good condition.
• Report any silica-related hazards or concerns to the supervisor immediately.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and implementation of the written exposure control plan.
• Conduct exposure monitoring to assess the effectiveness of control measures.
• Investigate incidents and near-misses related to silica exposure.
• Provide recommendations for improving silica control measures.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use proper PPE [3].

• Respirator: Use a NIOSH-approved respirator appropriate for the level of silica exposure. Ensure proper fit testing and training 2, 9, 12.
• Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles to protect eyes from dust and debris 3, 9, 12, 17.
• Hand Protection: Wear gloves to prevent skin contact and irritation 3, 9, 12, 16, 17.
• Body Protection: Wear appropriate work clothing to minimize skin exposure 3, 9, 12, 16, 17.

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

6. Equipment and Tools

Always use proper equipment and tools.

• Stationary Masonry Saws: Use saws equipped with integrated water delivery systems that continuously feed water to the blade [4].
• Handheld Power Saws: Use saws equipped with integrated water delivery systems that continuously feed water to the blade [4].
• HEPA-Filtered Vacuum: Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum for cleanup of silica dust [5].

Inspect equipment and tools before each use for damage or defects. Maintain equipment according to manufacturer's instructions.

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.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing with all workers involved to discuss the tasks, hazards, and control measures. Review this SWP and ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Establish regulated areas where silica exposure may exceed the action level [5].
• Implement engineering controls to minimize dust generation and dispersion 2, 3.
• Ensure adequate ventilation in the work area 2, 3, 9, 16, 17.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Implement Engineering Controls

Use engineering controls as the primary means of reducing silica exposure 4, 8.

• Water Sprays: Use water sprays or misters to suppress dust during cutting, grinding, and drilling operations [4].
• Local Exhaust Ventilation: Use local exhaust ventilation systems to capture dust at the source 2, 3.
• Tool-Mounted Dust Collection: Use tools with integrated dust collection systems [4].

Ensure that engineering controls are properly maintained and functioning effectively.

Step 2: Use Respiratory Protection

When engineering controls are not sufficient to reduce silica exposure below the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 µg/m³, use respiratory protection 4, 8, 9, 12.

• Respirator Selection: Select a NIOSH-approved respirator appropriate for the level of silica exposure 2, 9, 12.
• Fit Testing: Ensure that respirators are properly fit-tested to provide an adequate seal 2, 9, 12.
• Respirator Use: Use respirators in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and OSHA regulations 2, 9, 12.

Step 3: Practice Good Housekeeping

Maintain a clean work environment to minimize silica dust accumulation 6, 15.

• Wet Sweeping or HEPA Vacuuming: Use wet sweeping or HEPA-filtered vacuuming to clean up dust and debris [5].
• Avoid Dry Sweeping or Compressed Air: Do not use dry sweeping or compressed air for cleaning, as these methods can create airborne dust 6, 8, 15, 20.
• Proper Waste Disposal: Dispose of silica-containing waste in sealed containers to prevent dust release 6, 15.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Avoid Dry Methods: Use wet methods or HEPA vacuuming instead of dry sweeping or compressed air for cleaning 6, 8, 15, 20.
• Isolate Work Areas: Restrict access to work areas where silica dust is generated to minimize the number of employees exposed [6].
• Change Clothes: Change into clean clothes before leaving the work site to prevent take-home exposure.
• Wash Hands: Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling silica-containing materials and before eating, drinking, or smoking 6, 11, 18.
• Medical Surveillance: Participate in medical surveillance programs as required by OSHA for employees exposed to silica at or above the action level for 30 or more days per year [5].

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

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

• Evacuate: Evacuate the affected area immediately.
• First Aid: Provide first aid to any injured workers.
• Report: Report the incident to the supervisor and health and safety representative.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention [7].
• Inhalation: Move to fresh air and seek medical attention if experiencing respiratory distress [7].
• Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water [7].

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency Medical Services: 911
• [Company Name] Safety Department: [Phone Number]
• [Project Name] Supervisor: [Phone Number]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

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

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

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