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Crystalline silica is a mineral that can be found in stone, concrete, brick, and mortar. When these materials are cut or crushed, silica dust is created that can be breathed in by workers. Breathing in this dust can lead to cancer, respiratory, and other diseases.
Limiting Exposure to Silica Dust
Preventing diseases caused by silica dust is done by limiting workers exposure to the dust. Construction tasks at that cause exposure to silica are:
- Using masonry saws, grinders, drills
- Using jackhammers and handheld powered chipping tools
- Operating vehicle mounted drilling rigs
- Milling
- Operating crushing machines
- Using heavy equipment for demolition
OSHA’s standard for Respirable Crystalline Silica in construction, effective September 23rd, 2017 is aimed at limiting worker’s exposure to silica dust.
OSHA Silica Dust Requirements
The standard for silica dust includes provisions such as:
- The permissible exposure limit (PEL): the PEL for silica dust is 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air on average for an 8-hour shift
- Medical Exams: These exams monitor exposed workers and inform them about their lung health
- Provide Engineering Controls: these controls, such as water or ventilation, limit exposure to silica dust
- Provide Respirators: when worker exposure cannot be limited to the PEL using engineering controls, respirators must be provided
- Develop an exposure control plan
- Train workers: teach employees about silica risks and how to limit exposure
Silica Dust Compliance with Help from TSC
Total Safety Consulting can help you comply with OSHA’s silica rule and more importantly, keep your workers safe. Our safety experts can help you get the right silica dust compliant. We carry silica dust compliant PPE. Total Safety’s Training Academy also offers a Silica Hazard Awareness Seminar that will educate your employees on the hazard of silica dust and how to limit exposure. Interested in learning more about the silica dust rule?
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