I’m a foreman for a large construction crew and I’ve just been asked to help review the final draft of our written silica exposure control plan. There’s a lot of information on what silica dust can do to you, but I’m not sure what this plan is all about or what needs to be put in it.

Educating on Silica Exposure

The dangerous effects of silica exposure have been known for more than 40 years, but the standards have only recently updated for the first time since 1971. Lung disease is the primary concern, but workers who inhale silica dust can also develop kidney disease and cancer.

OSHA has worked closely with other agencies to identify effective ways to limit exposure and protect workers over the long term. Companies have major roles to play in this process, including developing silica exposure control plans and training their teams.

Taking Control

By developing and implementing a written silica exposure control plan, your company will not only be complying with regulations, you will also be committing to the health and welfare of your employees.

Your plan should begin with an assessment of the worksite(s) to determine where there is potential for exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Once a complete assessment is done, the plan should identify specific aspects of the job that could lead to exposure and guidelines on how to protect workers.

Your plan should also detail individual responsibilities based on the employee’s role in the company and appoint a main point (or points) of contact in case of questions, concerns, or emergency situations.

The Nitty Gritty

Written silica exposure control plans should be comprehensive and accessible. While companies have room to customize their plans based on their business needs, certain components are required.

  • Responsibilities. Management would be expected to carry more responsibilities with regard to any plans of this scope. The specifics of all responsibilities should be simple and straightforward, with guidance on where to direct any questions or concerns.
  • Descriptions of tasks and description of equipment that could lead to exposure silica dust. Each task and tool should have a suggested method of control listed along with an indication if there is need for a respirator when performing a specific task. OSHA provided a chart, Table 1: Specified Exposure Control Methods When Working with Materials Containing Crystalline Silica to provide guidance based on the most common equipment and tasks.
  • Description of housekeeping methods to minimize exposure, and procedures for restricting access to certain areas when necessary.
  • In the event of exposure directive. Each plan should provide information on who to contact and what steps to take in the event of suspected exposure.

There are templates available to aid in the development of plans, including the option to customize a plan via a user-friendly program at Silica-Safe.org.

The final written plan should be made available to all employees to review and receive copies of if requested. Further, a competent person should be designated to follow up with inspections to ensure that the plan remains effective and that teams are compliant.

Conclusion

Written silica exposure control plans are meant to help companies protect their workers and limit the effects of silica. Remember to do a complete assessment of all tasks, build a comprehensive plan with suggested methods of control included, and make the final plan accessible to all employees.