Silica in Construction Silica in Construction Company Harlan McPhee North McPhee South Powerhawke Ravex Richards Company Using the Form Job Name * Job Name and/or Number Date * Silica in Construction What is Silica? Silica is a natural composite of the earth’s crust and a basic component of concrete. When inhaled, silica particles expose workers to the risk of silicosis which is a fatal lung disease. How are we exposed to Silica? In the construction industry, we perform many tasks that may cause exposure to silica, such as: •Drilling into concrete •Working near other trades that are not controlling silica dust •Sweeping •Chipping Concrete •Core Drilling into Concrete •Hoe Ramming •Crushing Concrete What are the health hazards associated with Silica? There are many health hazards associated with silica, including silicosis. Silicosis is a disease of the lungs due to excessive or prolonged breathing of dust containing silica particles. When performing tasks that create exposure to silica, it is important that we implement the appropriate controls to reduce our exposure. How will we control silica dust during construction operations? When implementing silica controls, we must consider the hierarchy of controls. The hierarchy of controls in order of most effective to least effective are engineering controls, administrative controls, and the last line of defense is always PPE. McPhee’s written Silica Exposure Control Plan uses OSHA’s Table 1 to help select the most appropriate work practice control methods based on the task being performed and the equipment used. When required, a Written Silica Exposure Control Plan will be included in the project specific Health and Safety Plan. Typical engineering controls for silica include shrouded tools that hook up to HEPA vacuums or to hoses that provide a constant flow of water. Remember to review Table 1 because some tools are required by OSHA to have integrated water delivery systems, while others allow a constant flow of water at the point of impact. In the event a respirator is required to be worn, medical approval is required, and you must be clean shaven and fit tested. OSHA’s Table 1 shall be used as a reference to identify the appropriate engineering and administrative controls for tasks that create an exposure to silica. Remember, just because you are using water, or a HEPA vacuum the use of a respirator may still be required. In the event a respirator is required to be worn, medical approval is required, and you must be clean shaven and fit tested. Additional Comments Foreman Name * Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Picture Upload Drop a file here or click to upload Choose File Maximum upload size: 52.43MB reCAPTCHA If you are human, leave this field blank. Submit Δ
