Silica Awareness Safety Training and Safe Work Procedure for Construction Activities

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER]

Revision Date: [DATE]

Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE]

Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This safe work procedure applies to construction activities that may generate respirable crystalline silica dust, including excavation and earth drilling, concrete and asphalt cutting, drilling, grinding, jackhammering, drywall removal and finishing, demolition, and handling of demolition debris. It covers planning, hazard assessment, exposure control, dust suppression, housekeeping, personal hygiene, PPE, respiratory protection, exposure monitoring, training, and emergency response. The procedure is intended for outdoor and indoor work, including enclosed or partially enclosed areas, where silica-containing materials such as concrete, masonry, stone, mortar, asphalt, drywall compounds, and related construction materials may be disturbed. It is limited to tasks where silica exposure can be controlled through engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection as required by the applicable standard. It does not replace site-specific exposure control plans, manufacturer instructions, or regulatory requirements, and it must be adapted when conditions change, when visible dust persists, when equipment malfunctions, or when work occurs in regulated or restricted access areas.

2. Definitions

Respirable crystalline silica Very small airborne particles of crystalline silica that are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs when materials such as concrete, brick, stone, mortar, sand, or asphalt are cut, ground, drilled, crushed, or otherwise disturbed. Exposure assessment A workplace evaluation used to determine whether respirable crystalline silica is present at or above the action level and to identify the amount of exposure created by specific tasks and conditions. Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) An engineering control system that captures dust at or near the point of generation and removes it from the breathing zone before it becomes airborne. Wet method A dust control method that uses water delivered to the cutting, drilling, grinding, or breaking point to suppress dust generation and reduce the amount of respirable crystalline silica released into the air. HEPA filtration High-efficiency particulate air filtration used on vacuums or dust collection systems to capture fine dust particles, including respirable silica, during cleanup or source capture operations.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Plan the work so that silica-generating tasks are identified before work begins, and ensure the appropriate controls are selected for each task based on the material, tool, duration, and work environment.
• Ensure an exposure assessment is completed when required and verify that the action level and permissible exposure limit are not exceeded through the use of effective engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection where necessary.
• Implement and enforce the written exposure control plan, designate a competent person, and ensure regulated or restricted access areas are clearly marked and access is limited to authorized personnel.
• Provide workers with task-specific training, fit testing, and respiratory protection program support when respirators are required, and ensure all dust control equipment is maintained in good working order.
• Stop work and reassess conditions when visible dust is not controlled, when equipment fails, when water supply or ventilation is inadequate, or when site conditions change in a way that could increase exposure.

3.2 Workers

• Follow the safe work procedure, use the assigned dust controls exactly as trained, and never bypass, disable, or remove guards, shrouds, water delivery systems, or vacuum attachments.
• Wear the required PPE and respiratory protection correctly, perform user seal checks where applicable, and report any respirator fit, comfort, damage, or seal concerns immediately.
• Inspect tools, hoses, filters, shrouds, and water delivery components before use, and remove defective equipment from service until repaired or replaced.
• Maintain good hygiene by washing hands and face before eating, drinking, smoking, or leaving the work area, and by changing out of dusty clothing before going home when required.
• Report visible dust, malfunctioning controls, slurry buildup, housekeeping issues, near misses, symptoms of overexposure, and any unsafe condition to the supervisor without delay.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Support hazard identification and worker consultation by reviewing silica-generating tasks, observing work practices, and helping verify that controls are practical and consistently applied.
• Participate in training reviews, exposure control plan reviews, and incident trend analysis to identify recurring deficiencies and recommend corrective actions.
• Assist in communicating worker concerns regarding dust exposure, housekeeping, respiratory protection, and access control to management for timely resolution.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment is the last line of defense and must be used together with engineering controls, work practices, and housekeeping measures. PPE does not replace dust suppression or exposure control, but it is essential when residual exposure remains or when site conditions require additional protection.

• Respiratory Protection: Use a respirator that is appropriate for the task and exposure level when engineering and work practice controls cannot keep silica exposure below the applicable limit or when Table 1 or the site exposure control plan requires it. Respirators must be part of a written respiratory protection program, and workers must be trained, medically cleared, and fit tested as required. Select the respirator type based on the operation, such as an N95 filtering facepiece for lower-risk tasks where permitted, or higher protection where exposure is greater. For abrasive blasting, use the required supplied-air or Type CE respiratory protection. [2] [5] [2]
  • Do not use a tight-fitting respirator with facial hair that breaks the seal.
  • Perform a user seal check each time the respirator is donned.
  • Replace damaged, dirty, or poorly fitting respirators immediately.
• Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles when cutting, drilling, grinding, jackhammering, or handling dusty debris to protect against airborne dust, slurry splash, and flying particles. Choose eye protection that remains effective when wet methods are used and that does not interfere with the respirator seal or other PPE. [14] [18]
  • Use sealed goggles where splash or slurry is likely.
  • Replace scratched or damaged lenses that reduce visibility.
• Protective Clothing: Wear disposable or washable work clothing that covers the body to reduce contamination of personal clothing and vehicles. Clothing should be selected to minimize dust retention and should be removed or cleaned before leaving the worksite. If facilities are available, shower and change into clean clothes before going home. [1] [4]
  • Do not brush or blow dust from clothing.
  • Use HEPA vacuuming or wet cleaning for dusty clothing when appropriate.
• Hand Protection: Wear durable work gloves suitable for the task to reduce contact with slurry, sharp debris, abrasive surfaces, and contaminated materials. Gloves should allow safe tool handling and should be cleaned or replaced when heavily contaminated or damaged. [14]
  • Select gloves that maintain grip when wet.
  • Remove gloves before eating, drinking, or smoking.
• Head and Hearing Protection: Use hard hats and hearing protection as required by the site hazard assessment and the equipment in use. Cutting, drilling, grinding, jackhammering, and milling operations often create high noise levels and overhead hazards in addition to silica exposure. [18]
  • Ensure hearing protection is compatible with the respirator and eye protection.
  • Inspect hard hats for cracks, UV damage, and suspension defects.

Inspect all PPE before each use for damage, contamination, fit, and serviceability. Respirators must be checked for proper seal and cleanliness, eye protection must be free of cracks and excessive scratching, gloves must be intact and suitable for wet or abrasive work, and protective clothing must be clean enough to prevent secondary contamination. Replace disposable items when damaged, contaminated, or no longer effective, and clean reusable PPE according to manufacturer instructions and site procedures. Store PPE in a clean, dry location away from silica dust and other contaminants. [2] [17]

6. Equipment and Tools

Dust-generating construction tools must be selected, operated, and maintained so that silica exposure is controlled at the source. Equipment condition, water delivery, shrouds, vacuum performance, and ventilation effectiveness must be verified before work begins and monitored throughout the task.

• Wet-Cutting Saws and Drills with Integrated Water Delivery: Use saws, drills, and core equipment equipped with an integrated water delivery system that continuously feeds water to the blade or bit. Water must reach the cutting surface consistently and in sufficient volume to minimize visible dust. This equipment is appropriate for many concrete, masonry, and asphalt cutting tasks when operated according to manufacturer instructions. [16] [8]
  • Check hoses for cracks, leaks, and secure connections.
  • Adjust nozzles so water reaches the blade or bit.
  • Verify water supply before starting and during operation.
• Vacuum Dust Collection System with HEPA Filtration: Use a commercially available dust collection system or shroud attached to the tool and connected to a vacuum with HEPA filtration when wet methods are not feasible or when additional control is needed. The system must capture dust at the point of generation and be maintained so airflow and filtration remain effective. [9] [5]
  • Keep hoses clear of kinks, debris, and tight bends.
  • Replace or clean filters and bags as directed by the manufacturer.
  • Do not overfill collection bags.
• Local Exhaust Ventilation and Portable Exhaust Fans: Provide local exhaust ventilation or supplemental mechanical ventilation in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas to move contaminated air away from workers' breathing zones. Ventilation must not be blocked by doors, windows, or worker movement, and it should be positioned to capture or displace dust effectively. [16] [7]
  • Use exhaust trunks, air ducts, or portable fans as needed.
  • Verify airflow direction before starting work.
  • Reassess ventilation when the work area changes.
• HEPA Vacuum for Housekeeping and Clothing Cleanup: Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum for cleaning settled dust, slurry residue, and dusty clothing where permitted. This equipment helps prevent dust from becoming airborne during cleanup and reduces the risk of carrying silica off site. [4] [13]
  • Use wet cleanup or HEPA vacuuming instead of dry sweeping.
  • Do not use compressed air unless dust is captured by ventilation.
  • Clean slurry before it dries.
• Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters and Watertight Electrical Connections: When water is used for dust suppression, use GFCIs and watertight, sealable electrical connectors for electric tools and equipment. This reduces the risk of electrical shock and equipment failure in wet work conditions. [12]
  • Inspect cords and connectors before use.
  • Remove damaged electrical equipment from service immediately.

Inspect all dust-control equipment before each shift and after any change in conditions. Confirm that hoses are connected and undamaged, nozzles are aimed correctly, water flow is adequate, shrouds fit properly, filters are clean, vacuum suction is sufficient, and collection bags are not overfilled. Maintain equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions, replace worn blades or bits, and remove defective tools from service until repaired. If visible dust persists, stop work and correct the control failure before resuming. [10] [9] [16]

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: Workers must be trained to recognize silica hazards, understand the tasks that generate respirable crystalline silica, and apply the correct controls for each operation. Training must cover the health effects of silica exposure, the use and limitations of wet methods, LEV, vacuum systems, housekeeping restrictions, PPE, respiratory protection, and emergency response. Supervisors and competent persons must be able to identify silica dust hazards, enforce the exposure control plan, and stop work when controls are not effective. [2] [14]

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: Before work starts, conduct a toolbox talk or pre-task briefing to review the day’s silica-generating activities, the materials involved, the selected dust controls, access restrictions, PPE requirements, emergency arrangements, and any changes in site conditions. Confirm that workers understand who is responsible for monitoring controls, who will inspect equipment, and what to do if visible dust or equipment problems occur. The briefing should also identify nearby trades or public exposures and establish communication methods for stopping work if conditions become unsafe. [4] [13]

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: Prepare the work area by identifying silica-containing materials, establishing boundaries around dust-generating operations, and restricting access to essential personnel only. Set up water supply, ventilation, vacuum systems, electrical protection, and housekeeping tools before cutting, drilling, grinding, or demolition begins. Where heavy equipment or demolition is involved, ensure the operator has the required enclosed cab or other approved controls and that nearby workers are protected from drifting dust. [1] [11]

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

1. 1. Review the task and identify silica-generating activities: Confirm the exact work to be performed, the materials involved, and whether the task includes excavation, cutting, drilling, grinding, jackhammering, drywall removal, demolition, or debris handling. Determine whether the operation will disturb concrete, masonry, stone, mortar, asphalt, or drywall compounds that may contain crystalline silica. If the task is short duration, do not assume it is exempt; evaluate the exposure potential and apply controls accordingly. [6] [11]
   • Review the site plan, material information, and any prior exposure data.
   • Identify nearby workers and adjacent operations that could be affected.
   • Stop and reassess if the material composition is uncertain.
2. 2. Conduct the pre-task hazard assessment and confirm controls: Assess the work area for dust sources, ventilation limitations, electrical hazards, access issues, and the need for regulated or restricted access areas. Select the primary control method for the task, such as wet cutting, LEV, or vacuum dust collection, and confirm that the equipment is available and suitable for the tool and material. Verify whether exposure monitoring or an exposure assessment is required for the planned work. [1] [3]
   • Confirm the action level and PEL requirements for the site.
   • Identify whether Table 1 methods apply or whether exposure-based controls are needed.
   • Document any unusual conditions such as enclosed spaces or high dust potential.
3. 3. Inspect tools, water systems, ventilation, and vacuums before use: Inspect all equipment before starting work. Check hoses, fittings, nozzles, shrouds, filters, collection bags, power cords, and connectors. Confirm that water reaches the cutting or drilling point, that vacuum airflow is adequate, and that ventilation is positioned to move contaminated air away from the breathing zone. Remove defective equipment from service immediately. [8] [15]
   • Verify water supply and flow before the first cut or drill.
   • Check that vacuum hoses are clear, connected, and not kinked.
   • Ensure GFCIs and watertight connectors are used where water is present.
4. 4. Establish access control and communicate the work boundaries: Set up barriers, signs, or other controls to keep unauthorized personnel out of the dust-generating area. Inform nearby workers of the silica hazard, the controls in use, and the need to avoid entering the area without authorization and required PPE. If the work is in a regulated or restricted access area, ensure the area is clearly demarcated and access is limited to trained and protected personnel. [5] [11]
   • Use signage that identifies silica dust hazards and required PPE.
   • Coordinate with other trades to prevent cross-exposure.
   • Assign a spotter or monitor when visibility or traffic is limited.
5. 5. Apply wet methods or source-capture controls during the task: Operate the tool with the selected dust control active from the start of the task. For cutting and drilling, use continuous water delivery to the blade or bit where feasible. For grinding or other tasks where wet methods are not practicable, use a shroud and HEPA-filtered vacuum or LEV. Maintain steady work practices so the control remains effective and visible dust is minimized. [17] [9]
   • Keep water flowing continuously to the cutting surface.
   • Do not defeat shrouds or disconnect vacuum systems during operation.
   • Adjust work pace if needed to maintain control effectiveness.
6. 6. Use respiratory protection when required: If engineering and work practice controls cannot keep exposure below the applicable limit, or if the task requires respirators under the applicable standard or exposure control plan, wear the assigned respirator before entering the work area. Ensure the respirator is correctly selected, fit tested, and used as part of a compliant respiratory protection program. Do not rely on a respirator as the only control when source suppression or ventilation can be improved. [1] [3]
   • Perform a seal check each time the respirator is donned.
   • Replace damaged or contaminated respirators immediately.
   • Do not enter the work area without the required respiratory protection.
7. 7. Manage slurry, dust, and debris during and after the task: Clean slurry and settled dust before it dries and becomes airborne again. Use wet cleanup methods or HEPA-filtered vacuuming, and place debris in designated containers or disposal areas to prevent re-entrainment. Do not dry sweep, dry brush, or use compressed air unless no feasible alternative exists and dust is effectively captured by ventilation. [10] [13]
   • Clean work surfaces as the task progresses when practical.
   • Keep debris piles damp and controlled.
   • Dispose of collected dust and slurry according to site procedures.
8. 8. Complete post-job cleanup and decontamination: After the task is complete, clean tools, hoses, shrouds, and surrounding surfaces using wet methods or HEPA vacuuming. Remove dusty disposable clothing or clean reusable clothing before leaving the site, wash hands and face, and shower if facilities are available. Ensure vehicles and break areas are not contaminated with silica dust. [4] [1]
   • Vacuum clothing rather than brushing or blowing it off.
   • Change into clean clothes before leaving the site.
   • Inspect the area for residual dust before demobilizing.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Use substitution and planning to reduce silica exposure before work begins. - Choose less hazardous materials or methods where feasible, and avoid sand or other blasting media containing more than 1% crystalline silica. [1] [2]
• Restrict housekeeping practices that re-entrain dust into the air. - Use wet sweeping or HEPA-filtered vacuuming instead of dry sweeping, dry brushing, or compressed air whenever feasible. [7]
• Keep eating, drinking, smoking, and cosmetic application out of dusty areas. - Provide clean break areas and require hand and face washing before meals, smoking, or leaving the work area. [2] [14]
• Limit access to active silica-generating work zones. - Use barriers, signs, and supervision to keep unprotected personnel away from dust sources and to prevent cross-exposure from nearby trades. [1]
• Maintain dust-control systems in good working order. - Inspect filters, hoses, water delivery components, and ventilation equipment routinely and repair or replace defective parts immediately. [1] [4]

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

If an emergency occurs, stop the task immediately, make the area safe if it can be done without risk, and notify the supervisor. Move affected workers to fresh air if dust exposure is suspected, provide first aid within the scope of training, and call emergency services for serious injury, respiratory distress, electrical shock, or uncontrolled equipment failure. Preserve the scene for investigation when safe to do so, and do not restart work until the hazard has been identified and corrected. [5]

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Visible dust is escaping from the tool, slurry is drying, or the dust control system fails during cutting, drilling, grinding, or demolition.: Stop work immediately and isolate the area. Shut down the tool, inspect the water delivery system, shroud, vacuum, or ventilation equipment, and correct the failure before restarting. If exposure may have exceeded the limit, notify supervision and arrange for exposure assessment or monitoring as required. [8] [11]
• A worker develops coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, or other symptoms during silica-generating work.: Remove the worker from the dusty area, provide fresh air, and seek medical evaluation promptly. Report the symptoms to supervision and document the task, duration, controls used, and any equipment problems so the exposure can be reviewed. Do not allow the worker to resume exposure until medically cleared if required by company policy or the respiratory protection program. [4] [2]
• Electrical equipment is used with water suppression and a shock, short circuit, or damaged cord is discovered.: Stop work, de-energize the equipment if it can be done safely, and keep workers clear of the area. Remove damaged electrical equipment from service, use GFCI protection and watertight connectors, and have a qualified person inspect the system before reuse. [12]
• A jackhammer, saw, grinder, or drill creates uncontrolled dust in a confined or enclosed area.: Stop the operation, increase ventilation, and reassess whether additional controls or a different method are required. Limit access to the area, verify that the water spray, LEV, or vacuum system is functioning, and resume only when dust is controlled and workers are properly protected. [18] [16]

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency contact information, site first aid resources, and external emergency numbers must be posted or otherwise made readily available at the worksite before silica-generating work begins. Workers must know how to contact supervision, site emergency response personnel, and local emergency services.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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