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 procedures to control and minimize occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica. This SWP applies to all workplaces and operations where employees may be exposed to silica dust, including but not limited to construction, demolition, abrasive blasting, manufacturing, and any process involving the disturbance of silica-containing materials [1]. It covers tasks such as cutting, grinding, drilling, and crushing of materials like concrete, stone, and masonry [1].

This procedure aims to ensure that employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica is maintained at or below the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) through the implementation of engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection [2]. This SWP should be used in conjunction with other relevant safety procedures and guidelines, including the Hazard Communication Standard and Respiratory Protection Program 3, 4.

2. Definitions

Action Level: A concentration of airborne respirable crystalline silica of 25 μg/m3, calculated as an 8-hour Time-Weighted Average (TWA) [3].

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 [3]. The competent person must have the knowledge and ability necessary to fulfill the responsibilities set forth in this subdivision [3].

PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit): The maximum allowable exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica, as defined by regulatory standards.

Respirable Crystalline Silica: Crystalline silica particles that are small enough to enter the gas-exchange regions of the lungs if inhaled [3].

Regulated Area: An area where an employee's exposure to airborne concentrations of respirable crystalline silica is, or can reasonably be expected to be, in excess of the PEL [4].

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 [5].
• Conduct regular inspections of the work area to identify and correct any silica hazards [6].
• Enforce the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, and ensure that PPE is properly maintained [6].
• Develop and implement a written exposure control plan that includes a description of tasks involving exposure to respirable crystalline silica, engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection used to limit employee exposure, and housekeeping measures used to limit employee exposure [2].

3.2 Workers

• Participate in all required training programs related to silica hazards and control measures [5].
• Use all required PPE, including respirators, in accordance with training and instructions [5].
• Follow established safe work procedures and report any unsafe conditions or practices to the supervisor [5].
• Participate in medical surveillance programs as required [5].

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and implementation of the written exposure control plan [2].
• Conduct workplace air monitoring to assess employee exposure levels [7].
• Investigate incidents and near misses related to silica exposure and recommend corrective actions [7].

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica	Silicosis, lung cancer, COPD, kidney disease, autoimmune diseases 7, 16	Implement engineering controls (e.g., wet methods, ventilation), use respiratory protection, provide worker training, and conduct medical surveillance 1, 3, 7
Exposure to silica dust	Eye, skin, and respiratory irritation	Use appropriate PPE (e.g., safety glasses, gloves, respirators), implement dust control measures, and provide proper hygiene facilities
Dry sweeping or compressed air cleaning	Increased airborne silica dust	Use wet sweeping or HEPA-filtered vacuuming, avoid using compressed air for cleaning unless with ventilation [8]

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE is essential to minimize exposure to respirable crystalline silica. All PPE must be approved and fit properly.

• Respirators - Required when engineering and work practice controls are not sufficient to reduce exposure to or below the PEL [2]. Respirators must be NIOSH-approved and fit-tested, and a respiratory protection program must be in place per 1910.134 [8].
• Safety Glasses/Goggles - Required to protect eyes from dust and debris. Ensure proper fit and use of side shields.
• Gloves - Required to prevent skin irritation and exposure. Select gloves appropriate for the task and materials being handled.
• Coveralls/Protective Clothing - Required to minimize skin exposure. Change clothing regularly and launder separately from other clothing.
• Hearing Protection - Required when noise levels exceed permissible limits. Use earplugs or earmuffs as appropriate.

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

6. Equipment and Tools

Using the right equipment and tools is crucial for controlling silica dust exposure. Ensure all equipment is in good working order and properly maintained.

• Wet Cutting Saws - Use saws equipped with water attachments to suppress dust during cutting operations [9]. Ensure water flow is sufficient to minimize visible dust.
• HEPA-Filtered Vacuums - Use vacuums with HEPA filters for cleanup to prevent dust from becoming airborne [8].
• Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) - Use LEV systems to capture dust at the source during grinding, cutting, and other dust-generating activities.
• Enclosed Blasting Cabinets - Use enclosed blasting cabinets with proper ventilation for abrasive blasting operations [9].
• Drills with Dust Collection - Use drills equipped with integrated dust collection systems to capture dust at the source.

Inspect equipment and tools before each use for damage or defects. Maintain equipment according to manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that dust collection systems are functioning properly.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

• All employees who may be exposed to respirable crystalline silica must complete a comprehensive training program that covers the health hazards of silica exposure, control measures, proper use of PPE, and relevant regulations [5].
• Training must be conducted by a qualified individual and documented for each employee [5].
• A competent person must be designated to oversee silica control activities and conduct regular inspections 1, 6.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

• Conduct a pre-job briefing before starting any work that may generate silica dust.
• Review the SWP, identify potential hazards, and discuss control measures.
• Ensure all workers understand their roles and responsibilities.
• Document the pre-job briefing, including attendees and topics covered.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Assess the work area for potential silica hazards and implement appropriate control measures.
• Establish regulated areas where exposures may exceed the PEL and restrict access to authorized personnel only [4].
• Demarcate regulated areas with signs indicating the presence of respirable crystalline silica and the requirement for respiratory protection [4].
• Ensure adequate ventilation in the work area.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Hazard Assessment and Control Planning

• Conduct a thorough hazard assessment to identify tasks that may generate silica dust and determine the level of exposure 1, 6.
  • Review task procedures and identify potential sources of silica exposure.
  • Evaluate existing control measures and determine their effectiveness.
  • Develop a written exposure control plan that outlines specific control measures for each task [2].

Safety considerations: Ensure the hazard assessment is conducted by a competent person and that all workers are involved in the planning process.

Step 2: Engineering Controls Implementation

• Implement engineering controls to minimize or eliminate silica dust exposure at the source [2].
  • Use wet methods to suppress dust during cutting, grinding, and drilling operations [9].
  • Install and maintain local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems to capture dust at the source.
  • Use enclosed blasting cabinets with proper ventilation for abrasive blasting operations [9].

Safety considerations: Ensure that engineering controls are properly installed, maintained, and functioning effectively. Regularly inspect and repair equipment as needed.

Step 3: Work Practices and Housekeeping

• Implement safe work practices to minimize the spread of silica dust and maintain a clean work environment [2].
  • Avoid dry sweeping or dry brushing; use wet sweeping or HEPA-filtered vacuuming instead [8].
  • Do not use compressed air to clean clothing or surfaces unless used with a ventilation system [8].
  • Clean up spills and dust promptly using wet methods or HEPA-filtered vacuums.

Safety considerations: Train workers on proper housekeeping procedures and ensure that they have the necessary equipment and supplies.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face thoroughly before eating, drinking, or smoking to avoid ingestion of silica dust.
• Respiratory Protection Program: Implement and maintain a respiratory protection program that complies with regulatory requirements, including fit testing, medical evaluations, and training 4, 15.
• Medical Surveillance: Provide medical surveillance to employees who are exposed to respirable crystalline silica at or above the action level for 30 or more days per year 7, 16.
• Competent Person: Designate a competent person to make frequent and regular inspections of job sites, materials, and equipment to implement the written exposure control plan 1, 6.
• Written Exposure Control Plan: Establish and implement a written exposure control plan that contains a description of the tasks in the workplace that involve exposure to respirable crystalline silica; a description of the engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection used to limit employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica for each task; and a description of the housekeeping measures used to limit employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica [2].

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

• In the event of a medical emergency, immediately call for medical assistance.
• Provide first aid as necessary.
• Evacuate the area if there is a risk of further exposure.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

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

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• [Emergency Services]: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [First Aid Contact]: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [Health and Safety Department]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

• Report all incidents, near-misses, and potential hazards related to silica exposure to the supervisor immediately.
• Conduct a thorough investigation of all reported incidents to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions.
• Document the incident, investigation findings, and corrective actions taken.

12. References and Related Documents

• Oregon OSHA Regulations for Respirable Crystalline Silica (437-002-1053 through 437-002-1065) [5]
• Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (1910.1200) [5]
• Respiratory Protection Standard (1910.134) 4, 15

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

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