Controlling Exposure
To control exposure to silica dust and fibers, avoid dry sweeping and the use of compressed air on concrete.
Silica Control in Construction.wmv
Both these activities can stir up large amounts of dust. Use a vacuum with high efficiency filters when possible. When these activities cannot be avoided, respirators must be worn.
Best practices to help protect employees against exposures to silica include:
- Replace crystalline silica materials with safer substitutes, whenever possible.
- Provide engineering or administrative controls, where feasible, such as local exhaust ventilation and blasting cabinets. Where necessary to reduce exposures below the PEL, use protective equipment or other protective measures.
- Use all available work practices to control dust exposures, such as water sprays.
- Wear only a N95 NIOSH-certified respirator, if respirator protection is required. Do not alter the respirator. Do not wear a tight-fitting respirator with a beard or mustache that prevents a good seal between the respirator and the face.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
9-5. When silica dust is in the work environment and employees can't avoid dry sweeping and using compressed air what personal protective equipment must be used?
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