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🏗️ Silica Compliance Program

OSHA's silica standard (29 CFR 1926.1153) requires comprehensive programs to protect workers from respirable crystalline silica. This guide helps you comply.

What is Silica?​

Crystalline silica is a common mineral found in:

  • Sand, stone, concrete, mortar
  • Brick, block, ceramic tile
  • Drywall, joint compound
  • Asphalt, roofing materials

Respirable silica - Dust particles small enough to inhale (smaller than 10 micrometers)

The Standard​

Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)​

  • 50 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) - 8-hour time-weighted average
  • 25 μg/m³ - Action level (triggers additional requirements)

When It Applies​

The standard applies to construction work where employees are exposed to respirable crystalline silica above the PEL.

Required Program Elements​

1. Exposure Assessment​

Initial assessment:

  • Determine if workers are exposed above the PEL
  • Use objective data, exposure monitoring, or Table 1

Table 1 Compliance:

  • If following Table 1 specified methods, no exposure monitoring required
  • Must follow Table 1 exactly

Exposure Monitoring:

  • If not using Table 1, monitor exposures
  • Repeat monitoring if conditions change

2. Engineering Controls​

Primary method - Use engineering controls to reduce exposure:

  • Water suppression - Wet cutting, wet drilling
  • Ventilation - Local exhaust ventilation (LEV)
  • Tool modifications - Tools with integrated dust collection
  • Enclosures - Enclose work areas

3. Work Practice Controls​

Safe work practices:

  • Wet methods - Keep materials wet
  • Dust collection - Use HEPA-filtered tools
  • Housekeeping - Clean with HEPA vacuum, not compressed air
  • Prohibited practices - No dry sweeping, dry brushing

4. Respiratory Protection​

When required:

  • If engineering controls don't reduce exposure below PEL
  • During setup/breakdown of controls
  • During emergencies

Requirements:

  • Written program - Respiratory protection program
  • Fit testing - Annual fit testing
  • Medical evaluation - Before wearing respirator
  • Training - Proper use and maintenance

5. Medical Surveillance​

Required for:

  • Employees exposed above PEL for 30+ days per year

Includes:

  • Chest X-ray - Initial and periodic
  • Pulmonary function test - Spirometry
  • Physical exam - Focused on respiratory
  • Medical questionnaire - Health history

Frequency: Every 3 years (or more if recommended)

6. Training​

Required training covers:

  • Health hazards - Health effects of silica exposure
  • Work tasks - Tasks that create exposure
  • Engineering controls - How controls work
  • Work practices - Safe work practices
  • Respiratory protection - When and how to use
  • Medical surveillance - Purpose and procedures

Frequency: Initially and when procedures change

Table 1 - Specified Exposure Control Methods​

Common Tasks​

TaskEngineering/Work Practice ControlRespiratory Protection
Handheld power sawsUse saw with integrated water deliveryNone if used correctly
Handheld grindersUse grinder with integrated water deliveryNone if used correctly
Jackhammers/rotary hammersUse tool with shroud and LEVAPF 10 if LEV not feasible
Handheld drillsUse drill with shroud and LEVAPF 10 if LEV not feasible

Note: Must follow Table 1 exactly. Deviations require exposure monitoring.

Written Program Requirements​

Program Elements​

Your written program must include:

  • Exposure assessment - How you assess exposure
  • Engineering controls - Controls used
  • Work practices - Safe work practices
  • Respiratory protection - When and how used
  • Housekeeping - Cleaning procedures
  • Medical surveillance - Program details
  • Training - Training program

Common Compliance Tasks​

Concrete Cutting/Sawing​

  • Wet cutting - Use water suppression
  • Dust collection - HEPA-filtered equipment
  • Respiratory protection - If needed
  • Training - Workers trained

Drywall Finishing​

  • Wet sanding - Use wet methods
  • HEPA sanders - Use HEPA-filtered sanders
  • Ventilation - Adequate ventilation
  • Housekeeping - HEPA vacuum cleanup

Masonry Work​

  • Wet cutting - Wet saws for cutting
  • Dust collection - For grinding
  • Respiratory protection - If needed
  • Training - Workers trained

Recordkeeping​

Required Records​

  • Exposure monitoring - If performed, keep 30 years
  • Medical surveillance - Keep duration of employment + 30 years
  • Training - Training records
  • Program documents - Written program

Penalties for Non-Compliance​

ViolationTypical Penalty
Serious$16,131 per violation
Willful$161,323 per violation
Repeat$161,323 per violation

Best Practices​

  1. Use Table 1 - Simplest compliance path
  2. Train everyone - All exposed workers
  3. Document everything - Keep records
  4. Monitor compliance - Regular checks
  5. Update program - When conditions change
Serious Health Hazard

Silica exposure causes silicosis, lung cancer, and other diseases. Compliance isn't optional - it protects your workers' health.