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 precautions and control measures 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 crystalline silica [1]. This procedure is applicable in all work environments where such activities are performed. It is designed to comply with OSHA regulations outlined in 29 CFR 1926.1153 and 29 CFR 1910.134 1, 7.

2. Definitions

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

PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit): The maximum allowable exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica, which is 50 µg/m³, calculated as an 8-hour TWA [2].

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

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all workers are adequately trained on this SWP and the hazards of respirable crystalline silica.
• Provide the necessary engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection as specified in this procedure and OSHA regulations 1, 8.
• Conduct regular inspections of work areas to ensure compliance with this SWP.
• Enforce the proper use of PPE by all workers.
• Ensure the written exposure control plan is reviewed and updated at least annually [3].

3.2 Workers

• Follow all instructions and safety guidelines outlined in this SWP.
• Use all required PPE properly and maintain it in good condition.
• Participate in all required training programs.
• Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.
• Cooperate with exposure monitoring and medical surveillance programs.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and implementation of the written exposure control plan.
• Conduct exposure monitoring to assess employee exposure levels [4].
• Provide guidance on the selection, fit, and use of respirators.
• Investigate incidents and near-misses related to silica exposure.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use proper PPE to minimize exposure to silica dust 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15.

• Respirator - Use a NIOSH-approved respirator appropriate for the level of silica exposure. Ensure proper fit testing and training in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134 4, 5, 7, 12, 19.
• Eye Protection - Wear approved dust-proof or splash-proof chemical safety goggles and a face shield to protect eyes from dust and debris 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15.
• Hand Protection - Wear suitable waterproof gloves to prevent skin contact and irritation 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15.
• Skin and Body Protection - Wear suitable waterproof protective clothing to minimize skin exposure 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15.

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 to minimize exposure to silica dust [1].

• Stationary Masonry Saws - Use saws equipped with integrated water delivery systems that continuously feed water to the blade [1].
• Handheld Power Saws - Use saws equipped with integrated water delivery systems that continuously feed water to the blade [1].
• HEPA-Filtered Vacuum - Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum for cleaning work areas instead of dry sweeping or compressed air [6].

Inspect equipment and tools before each use for damage or defects. Maintain equipment according to manufacturer's instructions to minimize dust emissions [1].

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Workers must complete a silica awareness training program that covers the health hazards of silica, control measures, proper use of PPE, and the requirements of this SWP. Training must comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153 1, 6, 9, 12, 18.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing with all workers involved to discuss the tasks, potential hazards, control measures, and emergency procedures. Ensure all workers understand their roles and responsibilities.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Identify all materials containing crystalline silica in the work area.
• Establish regulated areas where necessary to limit access and minimize exposure [3].
• Ensure that all engineering controls are in place and functioning properly.
• Set up adequate ventilation to minimize dust accumulation 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

8.1 Task Assessment and Planning

• Identify tasks that may generate silica dust.

• Assess the potential exposure levels based on the task, materials, and work environment. If the task is on Table 1, implement the specified controls [1].

• Determine the appropriate engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection needed to minimize exposure 1, 8, 9, 12, 18.

• Sub-step 8.1.1: Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all materials to identify silica content.

• Sub-step 8.1.2: Select appropriate tools and equipment with dust control features.

• Sub-step 8.1.3: Plan work to minimize dust generation and exposure duration.

Safety considerations for this step: Accurate assessment is crucial for selecting effective control measures.

8.2 Implementing Engineering and Work Practice Controls

• Use water sprays or misters to suppress dust during cutting, grinding, drilling, and demolition activities 1, 18.

• Use local exhaust ventilation to capture dust at the source [7].

• Operate tools and equipment in accordance with manufacturer's instructions to minimize dust emissions [1].

• Practice good housekeeping to prevent dust accumulation. Use HEPA-filtered vacuums instead of dry sweeping or compressed air for cleaning 3, 12.

• Sub-step 8.2.1: Ensure water delivery systems on saws are functioning correctly.

• Sub-step 8.2.2: Position ventilation systems to effectively capture dust clouds.

• Sub-step 8.2.3: Regularly clean work areas with HEPA-filtered vacuums.

Safety considerations for this step: Proper implementation of controls is essential to reduce silica exposure.

8.3 Respiratory Protection

• When engineering and work practice controls are not sufficient to reduce exposure to or below the PEL, use respiratory protection 1, 6, 9, 12, 18.

• Select a NIOSH-approved respirator appropriate for the level of silica exposure. Ensure proper fit testing and training in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134 4, 5, 7, 12, 19.

• Use a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) with a HEPA filter for extended or high-exposure tasks [2].

• Sub-step 8.3.1: Conduct fit testing for all respirator users.

• Sub-step 8.3.2: Inspect respirators before each use for damage or defects.

• Sub-step 8.3.3: Follow proper donning and doffing procedures.

Safety considerations for this step: Respirators must be properly selected, fitted, and maintained to provide adequate protection.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling materials containing silica and before eating, drinking, or smoking 4, 5, 11, 20.
• No Dry Sweeping: Do not dry sweep or use compressed air for cleaning unless HEPA-filtered vacuuming or wet sweeping are not feasible 3, 12.
• Equipment Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain all equipment to minimize dust emissions [1].
• Regulated Areas: Restrict access to work areas where high silica exposure is likely [3].
• Dust Suppression: Use water sprays or other dust suppressants whenever possible 1, 18.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of any emergency, immediately stop work and assess the situation. Evacuate the area if necessary and follow the established emergency response plan.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention 7, 10, 15.
• Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen and seek medical attention.
• Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• [Emergency Contact Name]: [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.

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

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