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 steps and precautions to control and minimize exposure to silica dust during tasks that involve materials containing silica. This procedure applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who may be exposed to silica dust in the workplace. It covers tasks such as cutting, grinding, drilling, and any other activities that may generate silica dust. This SWP aims to ensure a safe working environment by providing guidelines for hazard identification, risk assessment, and the implementation of effective control measures.

2. Definitions

Silica Dust: Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a very small particle created when cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling, and crushing materials such as concrete, brick, block, mortar, and stone.

PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit): The maximum amount of a substance a worker can be exposed to, averaged over an 8-hour workday, as set by OSHA.

TLV (Threshold Limit Value): A recommended exposure limit set by the ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists), representing the concentration to which it is believed that workers can be exposed day after day for a working lifetime without adverse health effects.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards, including respirators, gloves, and eye protection.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all workers are properly trained on this SWP and the hazards of silica dust.
Provide the necessary PPE and ensure it is used correctly.
Conduct regular inspections of work areas to ensure compliance with this SWP.
Implement and maintain engineering controls to minimize silica dust exposure.

3.2 Workers

Follow this SWP and all safety instructions provided by supervisors.
Use the provided PPE correctly and maintain it in good condition.
Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.
Participate in training programs related to silica dust control.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and review of this SWP.
Conduct workplace monitoring to assess silica dust exposure levels.
Provide guidance on health and safety issues related to silica dust.
Investigate incidents and near-misses related to silica dust exposure.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Inhalation of silica dust	Silicosis, lung cancer, respiratory irritation	Use respiratory protection (NIOSH-approved respirators), implement dust control measures (wet cutting, ventilation), and provide worker training 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 17, 18, 20.
Eye contact with silica dust	Eye irritation, corneal abrasion	Wear approved eye protection (dust-proof or splash-proof chemical safety goggles and face shield) 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 15, 17, 18.
Skin contact with silica dust	Skin irritation, dermatitis	Wear suitable waterproof protective clothing and gloves 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 15, 17, 18.
Unguarded machinery	Lacerations, abrasions, fractures	Ensure all machinery is properly guarded and in good working condition.
Manual handling of heavy materials	Musculoskeletal injuries	Use proper lifting techniques and mechanical aids when possible.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use proper PPE to minimize exposure to hazards [1].

Respirator: Use a NIOSH-approved dust mask or filtering facepiece, such as N95, especially in poorly ventilated areas or when exposure limits may be exceeded 2, 3, 4, 6, 15, 17, 18. Ensure the respirator is properly fitted and used under the direction of a trained health and safety professional following OSHA's respirator standard (29 CFR 1910.134) and ANSI's standard for respiratory protection (Z88.2) 2, 3, 4, 6, 15, 17, 18.
Eye Protection: Wear approved eye protection, such as dust-proof or splash-proof chemical safety goggles and a face shield, to prevent eye irritation and injury 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 15, 17, 18.
Hand Protection: Wear suitable waterproof gloves resistant to chemical penetration, such as nitrile gloves, to protect against skin irritation and dermatitis 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 15, 17, 18.
Skin and Body Protection: Wear suitable waterproof protective clothing to minimize skin exposure 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 15, 17, 18.

Inspect PPE before each use for damage or wear. Replace damaged PPE immediately. Follow manufacturer's instructions for proper use, maintenance, and storage of PPE.

6. Equipment and Tools

Always use proper equipment and tools to minimize exposure to hazards.

Wet Cutting Saws: Use saws equipped with a water delivery system to suppress dust during cutting operations.
HEPA Vacuum: Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter for cleaning work areas and collecting dust.
Ventilation Systems: Use local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to keep worker exposure below recommended limits 1, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.
Drills with Dust Collection: Use drills with integrated dust collection systems to capture dust at the source.

Inspect equipment and tools before each use for damage or wear. Maintain equipment according to manufacturer's instructions. Remove any defective equipment from service immediately.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Workers must be trained and competent in the following areas:

Hazards of silica dust exposure and associated health risks.
Proper use and maintenance of PPE, especially respirators.
Safe operation of equipment and tools used for silica dust control.
Implementation of engineering controls, such as wet cutting and ventilation.
Emergency procedures and incident reporting.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing before starting any work that may generate silica dust. The briefing should cover:

Review of this SWP and any specific requirements for the task.
Identification of potential silica dust exposure hazards.
Confirmation that all necessary PPE and equipment are available and in good condition.
Discussion of emergency procedures and contact information.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Prepare the work area to minimize silica dust exposure:

Ensure adequate ventilation, using local exhaust ventilation where possible 1, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.
Use water sprays or other dust suppression methods to keep dust levels down.
Seal off or isolate the work area to prevent dust from spreading to other areas.
Provide readily accessible eye wash stations and safety showers 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

8.1 Assessing the Risk

Detailed description of step 1: Before commencing any task, assess the potential for silica exposure. Identify the materials being used and the processes involved that could generate dust.

Sub-step 1.1: Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all materials to identify silica content.
Sub-step 1.2: Evaluate the work area for potential dust exposure, considering ventilation and proximity to other workers.
Sub-step 1.3: Determine the appropriate control measures based on the risk assessment.

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure all workers involved in the task participate in the risk assessment.

8.2 Implementing Dust Controls

Detailed description of step 2: Implement engineering controls to minimize dust generation and exposure.

Sub-step 2.1: Use wet cutting methods whenever possible to suppress dust at the source.
Sub-step 2.2: Ensure local exhaust ventilation is properly positioned and functioning effectively.
Sub-step 2.3: Use HEPA vacuums to clean work areas and collect dust regularly.

Safety considerations for this step: Regularly inspect and maintain dust control equipment to ensure it is functioning correctly.

8.3 Performing the Task

Detailed description of step 3: Perform the task while adhering to all safety precautions and control measures.

Sub-step 3.1: Wear all required PPE, including respirators, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 15, 17, 18.
Sub-step 3.2: Follow safe work practices to minimize dust generation.
Sub-step 3.3: Continuously monitor the work area for dust levels and adjust controls as needed.

Safety considerations for this step: Take breaks in a dust-free area to reduce prolonged exposure.

8.4 Cleaning Up

Detailed description of step 4: After completing the task, clean the work area to remove any remaining dust.

Sub-step 4.1: Use a HEPA vacuum to clean all surfaces and equipment.
Sub-step 4.2: Dispose of waste materials in sealed containers to prevent dust release.
Sub-step 4.3: Wash hands and face thoroughly after cleaning.

Safety considerations for this step: Avoid using compressed air for cleaning, as it can spread dust into the air.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Hygiene Practices: Do not eat, smoke, or drink in the work area. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking 2, 6.
Housekeeping: Maintain good housekeeping practices to prevent dust accumulation. Clean work areas regularly using HEPA vacuums [2].
Equipment Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain all equipment used for dust control. Replace or repair any damaged equipment immediately.
Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in the work area. Use local exhaust ventilation when possible to capture dust at the source 1, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.
PPE Use: Always wear the required PPE, including respirators, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing, when working with materials that may generate silica dust 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 15, 17, 18.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency:

Stop work immediately and assess the situation.
Evacuate the area if necessary.
Provide first aid to any injured workers.
Report the incident to the supervisor and health and safety representative.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Eye Exposure: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen and seek medical attention [3].
Skin Irritation: Wash affected area with soap and water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention [3].

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

[Emergency Contact 1]: [Phone Number]
[Emergency Contact 2]: [Phone Number]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards to the supervisor immediately. An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

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