Silica Safety Resources

The standard applies to all occupational exposures to respirable crystalline silica in construction work, except where employee exposures will remain below an Action Level (AL) of 25 µg/m³, calculated as an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA), under any foreseeable conditions.

Activities typically OUTSIDE the scope include:

• Mixing small amounts of mortar or concrete
• Mixing bagged, silica-free drywall compound
• Removing concrete formwork
• Working with silica-containing products while wet (finishing block walls, pouring concrete, grouting tiles)
• Silica-generating tasks performed for only 15 minutes or less per day

Employers can choose from two compliance methods: "specified exposure control methods" (Table 1) or "alternative exposure control methods." Employers following Table 1 do not need to assess employee exposures separately.

Key clarifications:

• Requirement to "operate and maintain" tools per manufacturer instructions applies only to dust control instructions
• For tasks with time-based respirator requirements, employers must make a good-faith judgment before the task begins
• Handheld powered demolition hammers with bushing tools and tile saws are covered by Table 1

The standard prohibits dry sweeping, dry brushing, and compressed air cleaning where such activities could contribute to silica exposure, unless:

• Wet sweeping, HEPA-filtered vacuuming, or other exposure-minimizing methods are not feasible
• Compressed air is used with effective ventilation systems that capture dust clouds
• Employee exposure remains below the Action Level under any conditions

Important: These prohibitions apply only to housekeeping activities, not to work tasks themselves.

Employers must establish a written exposure control plan containing:

1. Description of silica exposure tasks
2. Engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection for each task
3. Housekeeping measures to limit exposure
4. Procedures to restrict work area access when necessary

Key points:

• One comprehensive plan can cover all worksites
• No new plan required for each job or worksite
• Focus on minimizing exposed employees, not prohibiting all access

Medical surveillance must be provided at no cost to employees required to use respirators for 30 or more days per year.

Requirements:

• Initial examination within 30 days of assignment
• Written medical report to employee within 30 days
• Written medical opinion to employer within 30 days

Clarifications:

• In-house healthcare providers may perform examinations
• Voluntary respirator use does not trigger surveillance requirements
• Employers must make surveillance available but cannot require participation

MCAA Train-the-Trainer Course:

• Member pricing: $350 per person
• Non-member pricing: $700 per person
• Includes 1-hour basic and 6-hour competent person programs
• Free written program for members

Training Requirements:

• Initial training when assigned to silica exposure position
• Re-training when assigned new tasks or new protections introduced
• MCAA recommends annual re-training for employees and biennial for trainers
• Training can be conducted via video with opportunity for questions

Important Notes:

• APF 10 respirator = N-95 filtering half-mask respirator
• Written plans can be paperless if accessible to employees
• Air monitoring data from others may be used if representative of your conditions