12 Respirable Crystalline Silica
29 CFR 1926.1153 — an active OSHA National Emphasis Program enforcement priority
Cutting, grinding, drilling, or demolishing concrete, masonry, brick, block, mortar, tile, or stone generates respirable crystalline silica. The action level is 25 µg/m³ and the PEL is 50 µg/m³ (8-hour TWA).
12.1 Controls
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3F follows Table 1 of 1926.1153 for listed tasks: integrated water delivery or shrouded tools with HEPA dust collection, used exactly as specified, with the respiratory protection Table 1 assigns for the task and duration
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Tasks not on Table 1 (or not performed per Table 1) require exposure assessment and compliance with the PEL
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Housekeeping: no dry sweeping or compressed air on silica dust — use HEPA vacuums or wet methods
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A written Exposure Control Plan is maintained; a competent person implements it on site and restricts access to high-dust areas
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Medical surveillance is offered to employees required to wear a respirator for silica 30+ days per year