Steps employers should take

  1. Substitute less hazardous materials for those containing more than 1% crystalline silica. Even substitute abrasives, however, may have toxic effects, so NIOSH recommends using careful controls, work practices, and respiratory protection for all abrasive blastingÑno matter what type of abrasive is used.
  2. Recognize situations in which silica dust may be generated; plan to eliminate or control dust at its source.
  3. Inform workers about their exposures to crystalline silica dust, the possible health effects of this dust, and the risk of silicosis.
  4. Establish effective programs for monitoring the exposure of workers to crystalline silica dust. Conduct air monitoring to measure worker exposure and check that controls are working properly.
  5. Train workers about safe work practices to reduce exposure to crystalline silica. For example, workers should remove dust from equipment with a water hose instead of compressed air. Use vacuums with high-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA filters). Use wet sweeping instead of dry sweeping.
  6. Post warning signs to mark the boundaries of work areas that may be contaminated with respirable crystalline silica.
  7. Provide workers with material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for silica, masonry products, alternative abrasives, and other hazardous materials to which they may be exposed.
  8. Provide workers with information about safe handling, labeling, and storage of toxic materials.
  9. Write all signs, labels, instructions, and other material for workers in easy-to-read English and in any other languages needed for workers' understanding of the material.
  10. Provide engineering controls such as containment methods (enclosed blast-cleaning machines and cabinets). Provide equipment for wet drilling or wet sawing of silica-containing materials. Make sure workers use tools with dust collection systems. Use local exhaust ventilation to prevent release of dust into the air.
  11. Provide appropriate respiratory protection for workers, including NIOSH-certified respirators and a respiratory protection program to ensure proper use and maintenance of respirators.
  12. Provide regular medical exams for workers who may be exposed to respirable crystalline silica.
  13. Provide either disposable protective clothes or protective clothes that are laundered at the workplace.
  14. Provide areas for workers to shower and change into clean clothes before leaving the worksite. This practice prevents contamination of other work areas, cars, and homes.
  15. Report all cases of silicosis to state health departments and to OSHA (1-800-321-6742) or MSHA (1-800-746-1553).

Source:
Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Health and Safety http://www.cdc.gov/elcosh/docs/d0100/d000048/d000048.html

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