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 (SWP) outlines the safety requirements for controlling respirable crystalline silica dust exposure during construction activities. It applies to all tasks that disturb silica-containing materials, such as concrete, brick, and mortar. The goal is to minimize worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica and prevent related health issues.

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]

Silica Process A process that could release uncombined silica, as defined in subsection 389(1), in a crystalline form in concentrations likely to exceed the contamination limits. [12]

Specialist An American Board Certified Specialist in Pulmonary Disease or an American Board Certified Specialist in Occupational Medicine. [1]

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure all workers are properly trained and competent to perform the task.
• Provide all necessary PPE and ensure it is in good condition.
• Enforce all safety procedures and guidelines.
• Conduct regular site inspections to identify and correct hazards.
• Ensure proper ventilation and dust control measures are in place.
• Investigate all incidents and near misses.

3.2 Workers

• Use all required PPE as outlined in this procedure.
• Participate in all required training sessions.
• Report any equipment malfunctions or safety concerns to the supervisor immediately.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines outlined in this document.
• Cooperate with exposure monitoring and health surveillance programs.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Cutting concrete or masonry [1] [3]	Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust.	Use wet cutting methods to suppress dust. Ensure adequate water flow to the blade. Use tools equipped with integrated water delivery systems.
Drilling concrete or masonry [9] [9] [9]	Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust.	Use drills equipped with commercially available shrouds or cowlings with dust collection systems. Ensure dust collectors have filters with 99% or greater efficiency and filter-cleaning mechanisms. Use HEPA-filtered vacuums when cleaning holes.
Jackhammering or chipping concrete [9] [15]	Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust.	Use jackhammers with water delivery systems that supply a continuous stream or spray of water at the point of impact. Alternatively, use tools equipped with commercially available shrouds and dust collection systems.
Grinding concrete or masonry [8]	Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust.	Use grinders equipped with commercially available shrouds and dust collection systems. Ensure dust collectors provide adequate airflow and have filters with 99% or greater efficiency and a cyclonic pre-separator or filter-cleaning mechanism.
Operating crushing machines [2] [2] [2]	Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust.	Use equipment designed to deliver water spray or mist for dust suppression at the crusher and other points where dust is generated. Operate and maintain the machine in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions to minimize dust emissions. Use a ventilated booth or remote control station.
Operating heavy equipment and utility vehicles [2] [2]	Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust.	Apply water and/or dust suppressants as necessary to minimize dust emissions. When the equipment operator is the only employee engaged in the task, operate equipment from within an enclosed cab.
Operating small drivable milling machines [4] [4]	Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust.	Use machines equipped with supplemental water sprays designed to suppress dust. Water must be combined with a surfactant. Operate and maintain the machine to minimize dust emissions.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All workers involved in tasks with potential silica exposure must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Respirator (NIOSH-approved): Provide respiratory protection in accordance with regulatory requirements. Ensure proper fit testing and training. [6]
• Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect eyes from dust and debris.
• Gloves: Wear gloves to prevent skin contact with silica-containing materials. [13] [14]
• Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to minimize skin exposure. [13] [14]
• Hard Hat: Wear a hard hat to protect from head injuries.
• Safety Boots: Wear appropriate footwear to protect feet from hazards.

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

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment and tools used during tasks with potential silica exposure must be inspected before use to ensure they are in safe operating condition.

• Wet Saws: Use wet saws equipped with integrated water delivery systems to continuously feed water to the blade. [1] [3]
• Drills with Dust Collection: Use drills equipped with commercially available shrouds or cowlings with dust collection systems. [9]
• Jackhammers with Water Delivery: Use jackhammers with water delivery systems that supply a continuous stream or spray of water at the point of impact. [9]
• Grinders with Dust Collection: Use grinders equipped with commercially available shrouds and dust collection systems. [8]
• HEPA-Filtered Vacuums: Use HEPA-filtered vacuums for cleaning work areas. [9]

Ensure that all tools and equipment are regularly inspected and maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Defective equipment must be taken out of service immediately.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: All workers must receive training on the hazards of respirable crystalline silica, the proper use of control measures, and the requirements of this SWP. Training records must be maintained.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

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

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: Establish a designated work area with clear hazard signs. Ensure adequate ventilation and dust control measures are in place before starting work. Keep the work area clean and free of obstructions.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

1. Exposure Assessment: Assess the potential for silica exposure by identifying tasks that disturb silica-containing materials.
2. Engineering Controls: Select and implement appropriate engineering controls, such as wet cutting methods, dust collection systems, and ventilation.
   • Ensure water flow is sufficient to minimize dust release.
   • Verify dust collectors have adequate airflow and filter efficiency.
   • Maintain ventilation systems to prevent dust accumulation.
3. Respiratory Protection: When engineering controls are not sufficient, provide appropriate respiratory protection. Ensure proper fit testing and training on respirator use.
4. PPE Requirements: Wear required PPE, including respirators, eye protection, and protective clothing.
5. Safe Work Practices: Position yourself upwind of dust sources whenever possible. Use tools and equipment in accordance with manufacturer's instructions to minimize dust emissions.
6. Housekeeping: Regularly clean the work area using wet methods or a HEPA-filtered vacuum. Avoid dry sweeping or using compressed air. [11]
7. Exposure Monitoring: Monitor worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica to ensure that control measures are effective. Document all monitoring results. [5] [7]
8. Decontamination: After completing the task, remove work clothes and place them in a closed bag. Clean work clothes using a wet cloth or a vacuum cleaner equipped with a high-efficiency filter. [11]

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Implement engineering controls such as wet cutting methods, dust collection systems, and ventilation to minimize dust generation. - Ensure that all engineering controls are properly installed, maintained, and used correctly. [5] [10]
• Use work practices that minimize dust exposure, such as positioning workers upwind of dust sources and avoiding dry sweeping. - Train workers on proper work practices and ensure they are followed consistently.
• Provide respiratory protection when engineering and work practice controls are not sufficient to reduce exposure to or below the permissible exposure limit (PEL). - Ensure that respirators are properly fitted, maintained, and used in accordance with a written respiratory protection program. [10]
• Regularly clean work areas using wet methods or HEPA-filtered vacuums to prevent dust accumulation. - Avoid dry sweeping or using compressed air, which can create airborne dust. [12]
• Monitor worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica to ensure that control measures are effective. - Conduct air sampling and analysis in accordance with established protocols. Provide workers with the opportunity to observe monitoring activities. [5] [10]

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of a dust exposure incident: 1. Immediately move the affected worker to fresh air. 2. If symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat develop, seek medical attention. 3. Report the incident to the supervisor and safety department. 4. Document the incident and any medical treatment provided.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

In case of emergency, contact emergency services immediately. Provide the location and nature of the incident. Follow established emergency response protocols.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, including near misses and potential exposures, must be reported to the supervisor immediately. A formal incident report must be completed and submitted to the safety department within 24 hours.

The safety department will investigate all reported incidents to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. The investigation will involve interviews with involved personnel, site inspections, and review of relevant documentation.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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