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851 Silica Dust Safety in Construction
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Administrative Controls

The following are more examples of administrative controls for using different types of systems to control silica dust.

Operation and Maintenance. Operate and maintain all equipment in accordance with manufacturer's instructions to minimize dust emissions.

Water Flow Rate: For tasks performed using wet methods, apply water at flow rates sufficient to minimize the release of visible dust.

Dust Collection Systems: When using commercially available shrouds and dust collection systems with any equipment, the following should be met:

  • Dust collectors should provide at least 25 cubic feet per minute (cfm) of airflow per inch of wheel diameter, and
  • have filters with 99% or greater efficiency and cyclonic pre-separators or filter-cleaning mechanisms.

Exhaust Systems: For tasks performed indoors or in enclosed areas, provide a means of exhaust as needed to minimize the accumulation of visible airborne dust.

Work While in Enclosed Cabs or Booths: For measures implemented that include an enclosed cab or booth, ensure that the enclosed cab or booth:

  • is maintained as free as practicable from settled dust;
  • has door seals and closing mechanisms that work properly;
  • has gaskets and seals that are in good condition and working properly;
  • is under positive pressure maintained through continuous delivery of fresh air;
  • has intake air that is filtered through a filter that is 95% efficient in the 0.3-10.0 micro meter range (e.g., MERV-16 or better); and
  • has heating and cooling capabilities.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

4-2. The statement, "Operate equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions to minimize dust," is an example of _____.