The Basics
Respirable crystalline silica is a serious occupational hazard on construction sites. To protect workers from the health dangers caused by exposure to silica dust, OSHA established the Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction found in 29 CFR 1926.1153. This standard sets mandatory requirements for controlling silica dust to reduce the risk of lung disease and other health problems.
Protecting Workers from Silica Hazards - OSHA
Silica Is More Than Just Dust
Silica dust can be generated at dangerous levels anytime materials such as ceramics, concrete, masonry, rock and sand are mixed, blasted, chipped, cut, crushed, drilled, dumped, ground, mixed or driven upon.
Employees at construction sites may be exposed to silica dust during general housekeeping activities such as sweeping, emptying vacuum cleaners, and using compressed air for cleaning.
Silica exposures may also occur whenever silica-containing dust is disturbed, such as during material handling. The small particles generated during these activities easily become suspended in the air and, when inhaled, penetrate deep into employees' lungs.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-1. Silica dust may be generated anytime masonry or rock are _____.
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