Readiness check

Is your silica dust controlled or just hoped away?

Cutting, grinding, and breaking concrete and masonry releases respirable crystalline silica, a dust you cannot see that permanently scars the lungs, and OSHA's silica standard makes controlling it the law. Answer for how the dust is actually controlled on your jobs. This is general guidance; confirm with OSHA 1926.1153 and a competent person. The score stays on your device; enter an email only if you want the silica control checklist sent over.

1. Do you control the dust at the source with water or vacuum, rather than relying on a respirator?Yes, water or HEPA vacuum on the toolsSome tools, respirators for the restMostly just respirators or nothing

2. Do you follow OSHA Table 1 exactly (the specified control for each task)?Yes, Table 1 tasks with the full controlPartly, not the full specified setupWe do not use Table 1

3. If you do not follow Table 1, do you run an exposure assessment and stay below the PEL?Yes, air monitoring and the PEL metWe assume we are fineNeither Table 1 nor monitoring

4. Is there a written exposure control plan with a competent person?Yes, a written plan and a competent personInformal, nothing writtenNo plan

5. Do you avoid dry sweeping and compressed air for cleanup (they re-aerosolize the dust)?Yes, wet methods or HEPA vac onlySometimes we sweep or blow itWe dry sweep and blow it off

6. Where respirators are used, are they fit-tested with medical clearance and a program?Yes, fit test, medical, and programRespirators handed out, no programNo real respirator program

7. Is medical surveillance offered to workers over the exposure trigger?Yes, surveillance for the exposedWe have not set it upNo medical surveillance

8. Is the crew trained on the hazard, the controls, and the housekeeping rules?Yes, trained and currentSome awarenessNo training