Silica Dust (2019)

The next Steps cover Cal/OSHA safety regulations for Silica Dust. Where appropriate, we have referenced the code from Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations.

The topics we will cover in this Navitent are:

-Silica Containing Materials
-Hazards
-Employer Requirements

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Silica Containing Materials

Construction work that involves exposure to crystalline silica containing materials can cause lung diseases. These silica containing materials include (but are not limited to):

• Sand
• Rock
• Ceramic and terracotta tiles
• Concrete and concrete block
• Manufactured stone
• Roof tiles
• Bricks and blocks
• Grouts and mortar
• Some joint compounds
• Abrasive materials

Hazards

Exposure to crystalline silica can cause a variety of lung diseases, including silicosis, lung cancer, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), decreased lung function, increased likelihood of getting tuberculosis, and immune system and kidney effects. Although most cases of silicosis develop after years of exposure, instances of extremely high exposure have resulted in illness and even death in a matter of weeks.

The 8-hour permissible exposure limit (PEL) for airborne crystalline silica is established at 0.05 mg/m3 with an Action Level of 0.025 mg/m3 (see Table AC-1 of 5155 and section 1532.3).

Hazardous work activities include abrasive blasting with sand and loading, dumping, chipping, hammering, cutting, and drilling of rock, sand, or concrete. Generally, during work on materials, such as rock or concrete that contain a significant amount of silica, continuous exposure to a visible cloud of dust will probably result in levels of exposure that exceed the PELs. However, in some cases the PELs can be exceeded even when there is no visible cloud of dust.

For additional information on the hazards and control of silica exposures see the:

Hazards of Silica in Construction eTool (www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/etools/08-019/index.htm)

Respirable Crystalline Silica Standards Update and FAQ (www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/respiratory-silica- FAQ.html).

Employer Requirements

Before beginning work that could expose employees to crystalline silica, employers must comply with the following requirements:

-Know and understand T8 CCR sections 1532.3 and 1530.1. Section 1530.1 contains certain requirements not found in 1532.3, such as:

a. Procedures to ensure that dust reduction systems maintain their effectiveness.
b. Additional training topics for employees and supervisors.

-Methods of exposure control or compliance. 1532.3(c) or (d)(3)

-Exposure assessments.1532.3(d)(2)

-Respiratory protection.1532.3(e)

-Housekeeping. 1532.3(f).

-Restricted areas. 1532.3(g)(1)(D)

-Written exposure control plan. 1532.3(g)

-Medical surveillance.1532.3(h)

-Communication of respirable crystalline silica hazards to employees. 1532.3(i)

-Recordkeeping. 1532.3(j)

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-Silica Containing Materials
-Hazards
-Employer Requirements

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Note: while you don't need to remember all the information in this Navitent, you do need to remember that it is in your Navitent library to refer to when you need it. Go to the Title 8 regulations in the CA Code of Regulations and to the CA Labor Code for detailed information regarding the scope, specifications, and exceptions of a particular regulation and for other requirements that may be applicable to their operations.