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 (SWP) outlines the necessary safety measures for tasks that may generate respirable crystalline silica dust. It applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who may be exposed to silica dust during construction, demolition, or other related activities. This SWP covers tasks such as cutting, grinding, drilling, and crushing materials that contain silica. The goal is to minimize silica exposure through engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection.

2. Definitions

Respirable Crystalline Silica Crystalline silica in airborne particles that are small enough to enter the gas exchange regions of the lungs. Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) An atmospheric concentration of 50 µg/m3, calculated as an 8-hour time-weighted average. Dust Collection System A device designed to capture dust at the source, preventing it from becoming airborne.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure workers are properly trained and competent to perform tasks involving silica exposure.
• Provide and maintain all necessary engineering controls and PPE.
• Monitor air quality and exposure levels to ensure compliance with regulatory limits.

3.2 Workers

• Use and maintain PPE as required, including respirators, gloves, and eye protection.
• Participate in training programs related to silica exposure and control measures.
• Report any concerns or incidents related to silica dust exposure to the supervisor or safety representative.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Cutting concrete or masonry [4]	Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica	Use wet cutting methods to suppress dust. Ensure adequate ventilation in enclosed areas.
Grinding or polishing concrete [5]	Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica	Use tools equipped with dust collection systems. Ensure dust collectors have HEPA filters.
Drilling into concrete or rock [5]	Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica	Use drilling equipment with integrated dust collection or water suppression. Use HEPA-filtered vacuums for cleanup.
Operating crushing machines [8]	Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica	Use enclosed cabs with positive pressure and HEPA filtration. Implement dust suppression measures at crushers and discharge points.
All tasks with potential silica exposure [1]	Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica	Provide and ensure the use of appropriate respiratory protection (e.g., N95, P100 respirators).
Dry sweeping or compressed air cleaning [6]	Re-suspension of silica dust	Implement a comprehensive housekeeping program, including regular wet sweeping or HEPA vacuuming.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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

• Respirator: Use a NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirator to protect against inhalation of silica dust. Ensure proper fit and maintenance. [1]
• Eye Protection: Wear safety goggles or a face shield to protect eyes from dust and debris. [2]
• Gloves: Wear gloves to prevent skin contact with silica-containing materials. [3]
• Protective Clothing: Wear coveralls or other protective clothing to prevent contamination of personal clothing. [3]

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

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment and tools used in tasks that may generate silica dust must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they are in safe working condition.

• Stationary Masonry Saw: Ensure the saw is equipped with an integrated water delivery system that continuously feeds water to the blade.
• Handheld Powered Chipping Tools: Equip the tool with a commercially available shroud and dust collection system. Ensure the dust collector provides the air flow recommended by the tool manufacturer and has a filter with 99% or greater efficiency.
• HEPA Vacuum: Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter to effectively capture fine silica particles.
• Dowel Drilling Rig: Ensure the drill has a shroud around the drill bit with a dust collection system.

Inspect tools and equipment for defects before each use. Ensure that dust collection systems are functioning correctly and that water delivery systems are operating as intended. Remove any damaged or malfunctioning equipment from service immediately.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: All workers must receive training on the hazards of silica exposure, control measures, proper use of PPE, and relevant regulations. Training records must be maintained. [7]

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: Before commencing any work that may disturb silica, a pre-job briefing must be conducted. This briefing will cover the SWP, potential hazards, control measures, and emergency procedures.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: Establish a regulated area where silica-containing materials are handled. Ensure adequate ventilation and dust control measures are in place before starting work.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

1. Risk Assessment: Assess the work area for potential silica exposure. Identify tasks that may generate silica dust and evaluate existing control measures.
2. Implement Engineering Controls: Ensure that all necessary engineering controls are in place and functioning correctly. This may include dust collection systems, water suppression, or ventilation. [1]
3. Use Respiratory Protection: Select and use appropriate respiratory protection based on the level of silica exposure. Ensure that respirators are properly fitted and maintained. [1]
4. Apply Wet Methods: Use wet methods when cutting, grinding, or drilling silica-containing materials to suppress dust generation. [4]
5. Maintain Housekeeping: Clean work areas regularly using wet sweeping or HEPA vacuuming to prevent the accumulation of silica dust. [6]
6. Monitor Air Quality: Monitor air quality to ensure that silica exposure levels are below the PEL. Document monitoring results and implement corrective actions if necessary. [4]
7. Post-Task Cleanup: After completing the task, clean all equipment and tools thoroughly. Store silica-containing materials in sealed containers.
8. Personal Hygiene: Remove work clothes and wash hands and face thoroughly to prevent the spread of silica dust.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Always use engineering controls as the primary means of reducing silica exposure. - Ensure that all tools and equipment are fitted with appropriate dust collection systems or water suppression devices.
• Practice good personal hygiene. Wash hands and face thoroughly after working with silica-containing materials and before eating, drinking, or smoking. - Provide readily accessible washing facilities and encourage frequent handwashing.
• Never dry sweep or use compressed air to clean surfaces contaminated with silica dust. Use wet sweeping or HEPA vacuuming instead. - Provide appropriate cleaning equipment and train workers on proper cleaning methods.
• Store silica-containing materials in sealed containers to prevent dust generation. - Clearly label all containers and storage areas.
• Regularly monitor air quality to ensure that silica exposure levels are below the permissible exposure limit (PEL). - Conduct air monitoring in accordance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of a significant silica dust exposure, immediately move to an area with fresh air. Seek medical attention if experiencing respiratory distress or other adverse health effects.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
• Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water. Seek medical attention if irritation develops.
• Inhalation of large quantities of silica dust: Seek immediate medical attention. Do not induce vomiting.

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 involving silica exposure, including near misses, must be reported to the supervisor and safety department immediately. An incident report must be completed detailing the circumstances of the incident and any injuries or health effects experienced.

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

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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