| General | Use engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation or water when dust containing silica is produced from a power tool. Check with your supervisor on the appropriate controls that need to be used. Reference OSHA’s table 1 in Appendix A. All controls must be fully implemented and working properly. Use respiratory protection when engineering controls cannot control dust exposure or when required in table 1. Users shall be medically evaluated, fit tested, and trained prior to use. Practice good housekeeping and personal hygiene. Do not eat, drink, or use tobacco products in dusty areas. Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Do not utilize dry sweeping or dry brushing techniques when cleaning surfaces that may contain respirable crystalline silica. Control access to areas where respirable silica dust is being produced. Control access utilizing a hard barricade, danger tape, snow fence or another equally effective method. Signage must also be posted. Prior to reopening an area, remove any silica dust using HEPA vacuuming or wet sweeping techniques. |