#Crystalline silica dust how to#
#Crystalline silica dust full#

The Respirable Crystalline Silica standard, WAC 296-840, describes the requirements in place to keep workers safe from silica. See the Requirements & Policies section for more information on the Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard. These exams are paid for by employers and can include x-rays, lung function tests, tuberculosis tests, or other tests. The aim of these exams is to identify and prevent the progression of any silica related diseases. Some workers may be offered silica medical exams due their exposure to crystalline silica dust.

#Crystalline silica dust full#

Be sure to have a full respiratory protection program if you are using respirators.

Respirators require planning and oversight due to how complicated their use is. However, respirators are often not used correctly. Workers with exposures to respirable crystalline silica over regulated limits will need to wear respirators. Respirators Filter Dust from Entering the Lungs However, even with these tools, you may still need to require the use of respirators. Feasible engineering controls, like tools with vacuum attachments, are required if worker exposures to silica dust are over regulated limits. Decrease Silica Dust with Water or VacuumsĮquipment and tools with water delivery systems or attached vacuums are common ways of protecting workers from silica dust.

#Crystalline silica dust how to#

Train employees on silica safety so they know the danger of silica dust and know how to protect themselves from it. Educate Your Employees on the Danger of Silica Dust A written exposure control plan describes tasks at your workplace that involve silica dust, what controls are used to limit that dust, and how the silica is safely cleaned up. Written Silica Exposure Control PlanĬreating a silica exposure control plan will help you manage silica dust on your worksite. These measures must be in place when employees are exposed to silica dust over certain regulated limits. The topics listed below are measures used to protect workers.

Respirable dust means the dust particles are small enough to reach the bottom parts of your lungs if you breathe them in. If there are workers with exposures to respirable crystalline silica over the regulated limits, you must take measures to protect your workers’ health. L&I’s safety and health consultants can help you make this assessment. Once you identify that you have crystalline silica, you must evaluate if dust is generated and if the amount of dust in the air is over regulated limits. If you are not sure, look at the safety data sheets, or SDSs, of the products you use. First, identify if you have crystalline silica on your worksite.