Respirable crystalline silica can be generated when employees cut, drill, grind, crush, demolish, or disturb concrete, masonry, stone, tile, mortar, soil, or other silica-containing material. The smallest particles can reach deep into the lungs and are associated with serious health effects.

California construction employers are covered by Title 8 section 1532.3 for occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Contractors should review current Cal/OSHA updates because silica requirements and related reporting duties can evolve.

Identify silica-generating tasks
The exposure-control process begins with the scope and method. Identify the material, tool, duration, location, ventilation, crew proximity, and whether other trades may be exposed. Common sources include concrete saws, grinders, jackhammers, drills, crushing equipment, earthwork, and cleanup activities.

Safety data sheets may help identify silica-containing products, but the contractor should also consider naturally occurring materials such as sand, soil, rock, granite, and clay.

Use specified controls or assess exposure
The construction standard includes specified control methods for listed equipment and tasks. When an employer fully and properly implements the applicable method, the standard may allow reliance on those controls instead of separate exposure assessment for that task.

When the task or control method does not fit the specified table, exposure assessment and additional controls may be required. Equipment should be operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the conditions of the selected method.

Develop a written exposure-control plan
The written plan should describe tasks involving exposure, engineering controls, work practices, respiratory protection, housekeeping measures, and procedures for restricting access when necessary. It should be reviewed and updated as work changes.

A competent person should be capable of identifying existing and foreseeable silica hazards and have authority to take prompt corrective measures.

Control housekeeping and nearby exposure
Dry sweeping, dry brushing, and compressed air can spread fine dust. Use compliant wet cleanup or HEPA-filtered vacuum methods where feasible and required.

Barriers, scheduling, ventilation, and work-zone control may be needed to protect employees who are not operating the tool but are working nearby.

Train employees and verify implementation
Employees should understand the health hazard, affected tasks, controls, respirator use, housekeeping rules, medical-surveillance provisions, and the identity of the competent person. Supervisors should observe the work to confirm water flow, vacuum function, shroud placement, and proper respirator use.

How EA Safety Services can help
EA Safety Services, LLC can develop exposure-control plans, audit Table 1 implementation, train crews and competent persons, and coordinate industrial-hygiene support when monitoring is needed.