851 Silica Dust Safety in Construction

Best Practices When Abrading, Fracturing, or Demolition

Abrading or fracturing includes hoe-ramming and rock-ripping.

• Operate equipment from within an enclosed cab.
• When employees outside of the cab are engaged in the task, apply water and/or dust suppressants as necessary to minimize dust emissions.

Best Practices When Grading and Excavation

These best practices include equipment used for grading and excavation, but not including equipment used for abrading, demolishing, or fracturing silica-containing materials.

• Apply water and/or dust suppressants as necessary to minimize dust emissions, or
• When the equipment operator is the only employee engaged in the task, operate equipment from within an enclosed cab.

When the above requirements for grading and excavation are met, respiratory protection is not required.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.