Crystalline Silica Hazards in Construction

Terms (65)

1. 01

   What is respirable crystalline silica in the context of construction hazards?

   Respirable crystalline silica is a basic component of soil, sand, granite, and many other minerals that, when inhaled, can cause lung disease. (29 CFR 1926.1153)

2. 02

   Under 29 CFR 1926.1153, what must employers do to protect workers from silica exposure?

   Employers must limit worker access to areas with high silica exposure and use engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection to control exposure. (29 CFR 1926.1153(c))

3. 03

   How must employers control employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica?

   Employers must use engineering and work practice controls as specified in Table 1 of the standard to control exposure, unless the employer can demonstrate these are not feasible. (29 CFR 1926.1153(c)(1))

4. 04

   What is required in a written exposure control plan for silica?

   The plan must describe tasks involving silica exposure, engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection for each task, and designate a competent person. (29 CFR 1926.1153(g)(1))

5. 05

   Who is responsible for implementing the silica exposure control plan?

   A competent person must implement the written exposure control plan, including inspecting for and correcting exposure hazards. (29 CFR 1926.1153(g)(3))

6. 06

   What training must employees receive regarding crystalline silica?

   Employees must receive information and training on the health hazards of silica, specific tasks that could result in exposure, and the contents of the standard. (29 CFR 1926.1153(i)(1))

7. 07

   Under 29 CFR 1926.1153, when is respiratory protection required for silica?

   Respiratory protection is required when engineering and work practice controls cannot reduce exposure to or below the PEL, or during certain tasks as specified. (29 CFR 1926.1153(f)(1))

8. 08

   What medical surveillance is required for workers exposed to silica?

   Employers must make medical surveillance available at no cost to employees exposed at or above the action level for 30 or more days per year. (29 CFR 1926.1153(h)(1))

9. 09

   How often must medical examinations be provided for silica-exposed workers?

   At least every three years for employees who continue to be exposed at or above the action level for 30 or more days per year. (29 CFR 1926.1153(h)(3)(iii))

10. 10

    What does Table 1 in 29 CFR 1926.1153 specify?

    Table 1 specifies exposure control methods for various construction tasks that could expose workers to respirable crystalline silica. (29 CFR 1926.1153(c)(1))

11. 11

    What housekeeping practices are required to minimize silica dust?

    Employers must use methods that minimize dust generation, such as wet methods or HEPA-filtered vacuuming, and prohibit dry sweeping or brushing where feasible. (29 CFR 1926.1153(f)(2))

12. 12

    When must employers conduct an exposure assessment for silica?

    Employers must assess the exposure of each employee who is or may reasonably be expected to be exposed at or above the action level. (29 CFR 1926.1153(d)(2))

13. 13

    What is the role of a competent person in silica safety?

    A competent person must be responsible for implementing the written exposure control plan and ensuring that controls are effective. (29 CFR 1926.1153(g)(3))

14. 14

    Under 29 CFR 1926.1153, what records must employers maintain for silica exposure?

    Employers must maintain records of exposure measurements, medical surveillance, and objective data used to exempt tasks from monitoring. (29 CFR 1926.1153(k))

15. 15

    What signs and symptoms should workers report if exposed to silica?

    Workers should report any signs or symptoms of respiratory illness, such as shortness of breath or coughing, to their employer for evaluation. (29 CFR 1926.1153(i)(2)(iii))

16. 16

    How should employers communicate silica hazards to employees?

    Employers must provide information and training in a language and vocabulary the employee understands, covering the hazards and safe work practices. (29 CFR 1926.1153(i)(1))

17. 17

    What engineering controls are typically used for silica-generating tasks?

    Engineering controls such as water delivery systems or ventilation to minimize dust must be used as specified in Table 1. (29 CFR 1926.1153(c)(1))

18. 18

    In a scenario where a worker is using a jackhammer on concrete, what control is required?

    The employer must use a water spray or ventilated shroud as specified in Table 1 to control silica dust exposure. (29 CFR 1926.1153 Table 1)

19. 19

    What must be done if silica exposure monitoring shows levels above the PEL?

    Employers must implement engineering controls and work practices to reduce exposure and provide respiratory protection if necessary. (29 CFR 1926.1153(d)(3))

20. 20

    Before beginning work that may expose workers to silica, what plan must be in place?

    A written exposure control plan must be established and implemented for the tasks. (29 CFR 1926.1153(g)(1))

21. 21

    What is the first step for a worker who feels ill from possible silica exposure?

    The worker should notify their employer immediately and seek medical attention as required under the standard. (29 CFR 1926.1153(h)(1))

22. 22

    Under 29 CFR 1926.1153, how must respirators be selected for silica protection?

    Respirators must be selected based on the level of exposure and in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134. (29 CFR 1926.1153(f)(2))

23. 23

    What documentation is needed for tasks not listed in Table 1?

    Employers must demonstrate that employee exposures are at or below the PEL using objective data for unlisted tasks. (29 CFR 1926.1153(c)(2))

24. 24

    In a construction site with ongoing silica work, how often should the competent person inspect?

    The competent person must regularly inspect the operation to ensure the effectiveness of the exposure control plan. (29 CFR 1926.1153(g)(3))

25. 25

    What should a supervisor do if a worker is not using required respiratory protection?

    The supervisor must ensure the worker uses the required protection and correct any deficiencies immediately. (29 CFR 1926.1153(f)(1))

26. 26

    What is required when using heavy equipment that generates silica dust?

    Employers must implement controls from Table 1, such as water suppression, to limit dust exposure. (29 CFR 1926.1153(c)(1))

27. 27

    How must employers handle silica-containing materials in demolition?

    Employers must use wet methods or other controls as per Table 1 for tasks like concrete cutting or demolition. (29 CFR 1926.1153 Table 1)

28. 28

    What medical tests are included in silica surveillance?

    The examination must include a medical and work history, physical exam, chest X-ray, and pulmonary function test. (29 CFR 1926.1153(h)(2)(ii))

29. 29

    Under 29 CFR 1926.1153, what information must be on warning labels for silica?

    Containers of silica must be labeled with warnings about the health hazards, as required by the Hazard Communication standard. (29 CFR 1926.1153(j))

30. 30

    What actions are needed if a worker's silica exposure monitoring is above the action level?

    Repeat monitoring within three months and implement controls to reduce exposure. (29 CFR 1926.1153(d)(4))

31. 31

    In a scenario where silica dust is visible in the air, what should the worker do?

    The worker should leave the area if possible and notify the competent person to assess and control the hazard. (29 CFR 1926.1153(g)(3))

32. 32

    What is the employer's responsibility for providing respirators?

    Employers must provide respirators at no cost and ensure they are properly fitted and maintained. (29 CFR 1926.1153(f)(3))

33. 33

    How often must employees be retrained on silica hazards?

    Employees must be retrained when there are changes in tasks or when the employer has reason to believe that new hazards are present. (29 CFR 1926.1153(i)(3))

34. 34

    What must be included in the silica exposure control plan for high-risk tasks?

    The plan must describe procedures to restrict access, provide hygiene areas, and specify respiratory protection. (29 CFR 1926.1153(g)(1))

35. 35

    Under 29 CFR 1926.1153, when can dry sweeping be used for silica dust?

    Dry sweeping is prohibited unless other methods are not feasible. (29 CFR 1926.1153(f)(2)(i))

36. 36

    What should a worker do if their respirator does not fit properly?

    The worker should report it to the employer for adjustment or replacement. (29 CFR 1926.1153(f)(3))

37. 37

    How must silica hazards be addressed in confined spaces?

    If silica is present, follow both the silica standard and confined space requirements, using appropriate controls. (29 CFR 1926.1153 and 29 CFR 1926.21)

38. 38

    What is required for washing facilities near silica work areas?

    Employers must provide washing facilities for workers to remove silica dust from their skin. (29 CFR 1926.1153(g)(2))

39. 39

    In a construction project involving sandblasting, what controls are needed?

    Use engineering controls like abrasive blasting cabinets or respiratory protection as per Table 1. (29 CFR 1926.1153 Table 1)

40. 40

    What records must be kept for silica medical exams?

    Employers must maintain records of medical examinations for the duration of employment plus 30 years. (29 CFR 1926.1153(k)(2))

41. 41

    Under 29 CFR 1926.1153, what defines the action level for silica exposure?

    The action level is half of the PEL, which triggers certain requirements like medical surveillance. (29 CFR 1926.1153(b))

42. 42

    What steps must be taken to minimize silica exposure during tunneling?

    Use ventilation and wet methods as specified in the standard for underground construction tasks. (29 CFR 1926.1153(c)(1))

43. 43

    How should employers ensure compliance with silica standards during shifts?

    By having a competent person monitor and enforce the exposure control plan throughout the work. (29 CFR 1926.1153(g)(3))

44. 44

    What is the appropriate response if a worker reports silicosis symptoms?

    Provide medical evaluation and remove the worker from exposure until cleared. (29 CFR 1926.1153(h)(4))

45. 45

    When must objective data be used for silica exposure assessment?

    When determining if monitoring is required for tasks not listed in Table 1. (29 CFR 1926.1153(d)(2)(ii))

46. 46

    What personal protective equipment is mandatory for silica tasks?

    Respiratory protection and possibly other PPE as determined by the exposure assessment. (29 CFR 1926.1153(f))

47. 47

    Under 29 CFR 1926.1153, how long must exposure monitoring records be kept?

    At least 30 years. (29 CFR 1926.1153(k)(1))

48. 48

    In a scenario with high silica dust from grinding, what control method is preferred?

    Wet grinding or local exhaust ventilation to suppress dust. (29 CFR 1926.1153(c)(1))

49. 49

    What must be done to protect bystanders from silica exposure?

    Restrict access to areas where silica-generating work is occurring. (29 CFR 1926.1153(g)(2))

50. 50

    How often should the written exposure plan be reviewed?

    It should be reviewed as necessary when tasks or conditions change. (29 CFR 1926.1153(g)(1))

51. 51

    What training topics must cover silica health effects?

    The health hazards associated with silica exposure, including silicosis and lung cancer. (29 CFR 1926.1153(i)(2))

52. 52

    Under 29 CFR 1926.1153, what is the PEL for respirable crystalline silica?

    The PEL is 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air as an 8-hour time-weighted average. (29 CFR 1926.1153(b))

53. 53

    What hygiene practices are required for silica-exposed workers?

    Workers must wash hands and face to remove silica dust before eating, drinking, or smoking. (29 CFR 1926.1153(e))

54. 54

    In a construction site, how must silica waste be handled?

    Use methods that prevent dust generation, such as wetting down waste before cleanup. (29 CFR 1926.1153(f)(2))

55. 55

    What is required if engineering controls fail to limit silica exposure?

    Supplement with respiratory protection and reassess the controls. (29 CFR 1926.1153(f)(1))

56. 56

    How should employers inform employees about silica in materials?

    Through labels on containers and during training sessions. (29 CFR 1926.1153(j))

57. 57

    What must be included in the competent person's inspection for silica?

    Checking that controls are in place and functioning, and that employees are using required protection. (29 CFR 1926.1153(g)(3))

58. 58

    Under 29 CFR 1926.1153, when is a full program of medical surveillance needed?

    For employees exposed at or above the action level for 30 or more days per year. (29 CFR 1926.1153(h)(1))

59. 59

    What is the first action for a supervisor noticing uncontrolled silica dust?

    Stop the work and implement immediate controls to reduce exposure. (29 CFR 1926.1153(g)(3))

60. 60

    How must respiratory protection programs be administered for silica?

    In accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134, including fit testing and training. (29 CFR 1926.1153(f)(3))

61. 61

    In a scenario where a worker has been exposed to silica over years, what follow-up is needed?

    Provide periodic medical exams as per the standard. (29 CFR 1926.1153(h)(3))

62. 62

    What communication is required between employers for multi-employer silica worksites?

    Coordinating to ensure all workers are protected under the exposure control plan. (29 CFR 1926.1153(g)(1))

63. 63

    Under 29 CFR 1926.1153, what exceptions exist for small employers?

    No specific exceptions; all employers must comply with the standard. (29 CFR 1926.1153)

64. 64

    What must be done to ensure silica controls are effective over time?

    Regular monitoring and maintenance by the competent person. (29 CFR 1926.1153(g)(3))

65. 65

    How should workers store personal items in silica areas?

    In a way that prevents contamination, such as using clean change areas. (29 CFR 1926.1153(e))