851 Silica Dust Safety in Construction

Administrative and Work Practice Controls

If engineering controls are not sufficient to reduce exposure limits below OSHA's PEL, it may be necessary to use administrative and work practice controls that focus on controlling worker behaviors rather than physical hazards of silica dust.

Administrative Controls

It's always important to include administrative controls no matter what your control strategies are. Policies, program, plans, processes, and procedures all play an important part in making sure the exposure control program functions as intended. Here are some basic guidelines for an effective program:

• First, develop a written silica dust exposure control program and a respiratory protection plan.
• Write policies, processes, procedures and safe work practices to control worker behaviors and reduce exposure to silica dust.
• Develop policies that require the use of respirators if engineering controls are not sufficient to lower exposure levels adequately.
• Ensure exposed employees are taught how to properly use and maintain respirators.
• Provide medical examinations for employees who may be exposed to respirable crystalline silica, as recommended by NIOSH, and have X-rays read by a specialist in dust diseases. Develop a plan for reducing exposures of employees whose X-rays show changes consistent with silicosis.
• Report all cases of silicosis to state health departments and to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), and record cases on OSHA logs, as required.
• Post warning signs to identify work areas where respirable silica is present.
• Develop effective corrective and preventive equipment maintenance programs to reduce silica exposures and ensures optimal operation of the equipment.
• Inspect equipment regularly during the workshift. Equipment and dust control devices should be on a routine maintenance schedule.

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