Prevention is the only cure

If both employers and workers practice them, proper work procedures can control the levels of silica exposure in the workplace. Appropriate practices include:

• wet drilling or sawing of silica-containing materials,
• showering and changing into clean clothing before leaving work, and
• avoiding smoking, eating, and drinking in dusty areas.

Appropriate respiratory protection equipment and programs should be provided whenever engineering controls and work practices cannot keep concentrations of airborne silica at or below safe limits.

OSHA OFFERS HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION ON CRYSTALLINE SILICA.

See appropriate equipment:

Respirators
Air Monitoring

Steps you can take | Steps employers should take