Respirable Crystalline 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 outlines the measures to control employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust during construction activities. It applies to all tasks where materials containing crystalline silica are disturbed, such as cutting, grinding, drilling, and demolition. The goal is to maintain exposures at or below the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) and Action Level, and to comply with applicable regulations.

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 [2]

This Section The standard for respirable crystalline silica, Section 1532.3. [2]

Specialist An American Board Certified Specialist in Pulmonary Disease or an American Board Certified Specialist in Occupational Medicine. [2]

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure workers are adequately trained on the hazards of crystalline silica and the required control measures.
• Provide and ensure the use of appropriate PPE, including respirators.
• Implement and maintain engineering and work practice controls to minimize silica exposure.
• Conduct regular inspections of equipment and work areas to ensure compliance with this procedure.

3.2 Workers

• Use and maintain PPE as required, including respirators.
• Participate in training programs regarding crystalline silica exposure.
• Report any concerns or incidents related to silica exposure to the supervisor.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Cutting concrete or masonry with stationary saws [2]	Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust, leading to silicosis or other respiratory illnesses.	Use stationary masonry saws equipped with integrated water delivery systems that continuously feed water to the blade. Operate and maintain tools in accordance with manufacturer's instructions to minimize dust emissions.
Cutting concrete or masonry with handheld power saws [2]	Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust, leading to silicosis or other respiratory illnesses.	Use handheld power saws equipped with integrated water delivery systems that continuously feed water to the blade. When used indoors or in enclosed areas, ensure the worker uses a respirator with an APF of at least 10. Operate and maintain tools in accordance with manufacturer's instructions to minimize dust emissions.
Cutting fiber-cement board with handheld power saws [5]	Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust, leading to silicosis or other respiratory illnesses.	Use handheld power saws for cutting fiber-cement board outdoors only, equipped with a commercially available dust collection system. Ensure the dust collector provides the air flow recommended by the tool manufacturer, or greater, and has a filter with 99% or greater efficiency. Operate and maintain tools in accordance with manufacturer's instructions to minimize dust emissions.
Drilling into concrete or masonry	Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust, leading to silicosis or other respiratory illnesses.	Use wet methods to suppress dust during drilling. Provide local exhaust ventilation to capture dust at the source. Ensure workers use appropriate respiratory protection (e.g., half-mask respirator with P100 filters).
Grinding concrete or masonry	Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust, leading to silicosis or other respiratory illnesses.	Use wet methods to suppress dust during grinding. Provide local exhaust ventilation to capture dust at the source. Ensure workers use appropriate respiratory protection (e.g., half-mask respirator with P100 filters).
Demolition of concrete or masonry structures	Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust, leading to silicosis or other respiratory illnesses.	Use wet methods to suppress dust during demolition activities. Provide local exhaust ventilation where feasible. Ensure workers use appropriate respiratory protection (e.g., full-facepiece respirator with P100 filters) and protective clothing.
Housekeeping and cleanup activities [6] [6]	Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust, leading to silicosis or other respiratory illnesses.	Isolate the work area with hazard signs to limit access. Use wet sweeping or vacuuming with HEPA filters to clean the area. Prohibit dry sweeping or the use of compressed air for cleaning.
Inadequate Ventilation [8]	Exposure to high concentrations of respirable crystalline silica dust.	Ensure adequate ventilation, especially in confined areas. Use local exhaust ventilation to minimize the risk of inhalation of dust.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The appropriate PPE must be worn at all times when performing tasks that may generate respirable crystalline silica dust.

• Respirator: A properly fitted half-mask or full-facepiece respirator with P100 filters is required when engineering controls are not sufficient to reduce exposures to or below the PEL. [3]
• Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles are required to protect eyes from dust and debris. [4]
• Gloves: Gloves are required to protect skin from contact with materials containing crystalline silica. [4]
• Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and pants are required to minimize skin exposure to dust.

Inspect respirators before each use for damage, proper fit, and cleanliness. Replace filters regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions or when breathing becomes difficult. Clean respirators after each use and store them in a clean, dry place.

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment and tools used during tasks that may generate respirable crystalline silica dust must be in good working order and inspected regularly.

• Stationary Masonry Saw: Ensure the saw is equipped with an integrated water delivery system that continuously feeds water to the blade. [2]
• Handheld Power Saw: Ensure the saw is equipped with an integrated water delivery system that continuously feeds water to the blade. [2]
• Dust Collection System: Dust collector must provide the air flow recommended by the tool manufacturer, or greater, and have a filter with 99% or greater efficiency [5]
• HEPA Vacuum: Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a high-efficiency filter. [6]

Ensure that all tools with dust collection systems are inspected before each use to verify that the dust collection system is functioning correctly. Check for any damage to the system, including hoses, filters, and connectors. Replace any damaged parts immediately. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and filter replacement.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: All workers who may be exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust must receive training on the hazards of silica, the control measures in place, the proper use of PPE, and the requirements of this safe work procedure. Training records must be maintained. [6]

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: A pre-job briefing must be conducted with all workers involved in the task to discuss the hazards of silica exposure, the control measures in place, the proper use of PPE, and the requirements of this safe work procedure. Any questions or concerns must be addressed before work begins.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: Before beginning work, the work area must be assessed for potential sources of silica exposure. The area should be well-ventilated, and all unnecessary personnel should be kept away. Hazard signs must be posted to warn of the potential for silica exposure. [6]

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

1. Assess the Work Area: Assess the work area for potential sources of silica exposure. Identify tasks that may generate respirable crystalline silica dust.
2. Verify Training and Competency: Ensure that all workers involved in the task have received adequate training on the hazards of silica, the control measures in place, and the proper use of PPE. [6]
3. Implement Engineering Controls: Ensure that engineering controls, such as wet cutting methods, local exhaust ventilation, and enclosed cabs, are in place and functioning correctly. [1]
4. Don Appropriate PPE: Ensure that all workers wear the appropriate PPE, including respirators, eye protection, and protective clothing. Respirators must be properly fitted and maintained.
5. Perform the Task Safely: Perform the task using the engineering controls and work practices in place to minimize dust generation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for equipment operation and maintenance.
6. Monitor Dust Levels: Regularly monitor the work area for dust levels. If visible dust is present, take corrective actions to improve dust control measures.
7. Clean the Work Area: Clean the work area using wet sweeping or vacuuming with HEPA filters. Do not use dry sweeping or compressed air. [6]
8. Remove Work Clothes: Remove work clothes and place them in a closed bag supplied by the employer or clean them using either a wet cloth or a vacuum cleaner equipped with a high-efficiency filter. [6]
9. Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands and face thoroughly with soap and water after completing the task.
10. Report Incidents: Report any incidents, near-misses, or exposure concerns to the supervisor immediately.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Implement engineering controls such as wet cutting methods, local exhaust ventilation, and enclosed cabs to minimize dust generation and airborne concentrations. [1]
• Provide and ensure the use of appropriate respiratory protection when engineering controls are not sufficient to reduce exposures to or below the PEL. [3]
• Regularly monitor employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica to ensure that control measures are effective and exposures are below the PEL and action level. [7]
• Practice good housekeeping to minimize the accumulation of dust in the work area. Use wet sweeping or vacuuming with HEPA filters instead of dry sweeping or compressed air. [6]
• Provide training to all employees who may be exposed to respirable crystalline silica on the hazards of silica, control measures, and proper use of PPE. [6]

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of a dust exposure incident: 1. Immediately move to an area with fresh air. 2. Remove any contaminated clothing, using a wet cloth or vacuum with HEPA filter to clean the clothing before removal. 3. Wash exposed skin with soap and water. 4. Seek medical attention if experiencing respiratory distress or other symptoms.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

In case of emergency, contact the supervisor immediately. For serious injuries or health emergencies, call emergency services.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Any incident, near-miss, or exposure related to respirable crystalline silica dust must be reported to the supervisor immediately. An incident report must be completed, detailing the circumstances of the incident, the control measures in place, and any corrective actions taken or recommended.

All reported incidents will be investigated to determine the root cause and contributing factors. The investigation will involve interviews with workers, a review of the work area and equipment, and an assessment of the effectiveness of the control measures in place. Corrective actions will be implemented to prevent recurrence.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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