Silica Hazards in Construction

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1. Slide 1

   Silica Hazards in Construction

   • Construction Safety Council
2. Slide 2

   OSHA Disclaimer

   • This material was produced under grant number SH-05009-SH8 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
3. Slide 3

   Learning Objectives

   • The health hazards associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica.
   • Specific tasks in the workplace that could result in exposure to respirable crystalline silica.
   • Specific measures employers can implement to protect employees from exposure to respirable crystalline silica, including engineering controls, work practices, and respirators to be used.
   • The contents of OSHA’s Respirable Crystalline Silica standard.
4. Slide 4

   Pre-test

5. Slide 5

   What is Silica?

   • Silicon Dioxide
   • Quartz
   • Soil
   • Sand
   • Concrete
   • Masonry
   • Rock
   • Granite
   • Landscaping Materials
6. Slide 6

   What is Silicosis?

   • Very small (respirable) particles are inhaled.
   • Disabling, non-reversible and sometimes fatal lung disease
   • Chronic bronchitis
   • Kidney disease
   • Lung cancer
7. Slide 7

   Examples of Silicotic and Healthy Lungs

   • Silicotic Lungs
   • Normal Healthy Lungs
8. Slide 8

   Symptoms of Silicosis

   • Chronic/classic silicosis (15 – 20 years)
   • Accelerated Silicosis (5 – 10 years)
   • Acute Silicosis (few months – 2 years)
9. Slide 9

   Respirable Particles

   • Respirable dust is less than 10 microns
   • (µm) in diameter!
   • Human hair is between 80 – 120 microns (µm) in diameter.
10. Slide 10

    How Silicosis Develops

11. Slide 11

    Effects of Smoking

    • Smoking paralyses the body’s natural defense – cilia.
    • Smoking adds to the damage.
12. Slide 12

    Diagnosing & Treating Silicosis

    • No Cure!
    • Only prevention and treating symptoms
    • Special doctors referred to as "B" Readers are trained to identify diseases of the lungs caused by dust exposure.
13. Slide 13

    Silica Related Complications

    • Lung Cancer
    • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
    • Disease (COPD)
    • Kidney Disease
14. Slide 14

    Where are Workers Exposed?

    • Abrasive blasting with sand to remove paint and rust from bridges, tanks, concrete structures, and other surfaces
    • Jack hammering
    • Rock/well drilling
    • Concrete mixing
    • Concrete drilling
    • Brick and concrete block cutting and sawing
    • Tuck pointing
    • Tunneling operations
15. Slide 15

    DANGER! Workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica.

16. Slide 16

    Introduction to OSHA

    • OSHA’s purpose and employer duty to provide a safe place of employment
    • Employer/employee rights & responsibilities under the OSHAct
    • Refusing to work because conditions are dangerous
    • OSHA’s multi-employer worksite citation policy
    • Rights as a whistleblower
    • OSHA policy on providing and paying for personal protective equipment
    • Reporting of fatalities and catastrophes
    • Employee exposure and medical records
17. Slide 17

    General Duty Clause

    • (a)
    • (b)
    • Each employer
    • Shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.
    • Shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act.
    • Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions and conduct.
18. Slide 18

    OSHA Job-site Poster

19. Slide 19

    Refusing to Work because Conditions are Dangerous!

    • When all of these conditions are met, you take the following steps:
    • Ask your employer to correct the hazard;
    • Ask your employer for other work;
    • Tell your employer that you won’t perform the work unless and until the hazard is corrected; and
    • Remain at the worksite until ordered to leave by your employer.
20. Slide 20

    OSHA’s Multi-Employer Worksite Citation Policy

    • The Creating Employer
    • The Exposing Employer
    • The Correcting Employer
    • The Controlling Employer
21. Slide 21

    Employers must Provide and Pay for most PPE

22. Slide 22

    Reporting of Fatalities and Catastrophes

    • Employers must report all work related fatalities within eight (8) hours.
    • All work-related inpatient hospitalizations, all amputations and all losses of an eye within 24 hours.
23. Slide 23

    Employee Exposure & Medical Records

    • Retention of Medical Records…
    • Employee medical records – duration of the employee’s employment plus 30 years.
    • Employee exposure records for at least 30 years (personal air monitoring results).
    • Background data – 1 year
24. Slide 24

    Compliance Guide for Silica

    • Specific exposure controls methods
    • Alternative exposure control methods
    • Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)
    • Exposure Assessment
    • Methods of Compliance
25. Slide 25

    OSHA Standards for Silica

    • Construction – 29 CFR 1926.1153
    • General Industry & Maritime – 29 CFR 1910.1053
26. Slide 26

    29 CFR 1926.1153 Respirable Crystalline Silica

    • Scope and application. This section applies to all occupational exposures to respirable crystalline silica in construction work, except where employee exposure will remain below 25 micrograms per cubic meter of air (25 μg/m³ ) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) under any foreseeable conditions.
27. Slide 27

    OSHA PEL for Silica

    • The employer shall ensure that no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of respirable crystalline silica in excess of 50 µg/m³ , calculated as an 8-hour TWA.
    • Permissible Exposure Limit
    • 50 micro grams per cubic meter of air (50 µg/m³ )
    • Action Level
    • 25 micro grams per cubic meter of air (25 µg/m³ )
28. Slide 28

    Micrograms per Cubic Meter of Air (µg/m³)

29. Slide 29

    Exposure Limit Comparison Chart

30. Slide 30

    Silica Competent Person

    • Competent person means an individual who is
    • capable of identifying existing and foreseeable respirable crystalline silica hazards in the workplace and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate or minimize them. The competent person must have the knowledge and ability necessary to fulfill the responsibilities set forth in [OSHA’s Silica Standard].
31. Slide 31

    Compliance Options for Silica

    • Specified exposure control methods; or
    • Alternative exposure control methods.
32. Slide 32

    Option 1 – Specified Exposure Control Methods

    • Must FULLY and PROPERLY implement protection for the tasks or equipment listed in Table 1.
    • Do Not have to assess exposure levels.
33. Slide 33

    Option 2 – Alternative Exposure Control Methods

    • Determine the levels of respirable crystalline silica that employees are exposed to.
    • Limit employee exposures to a PEL of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air (50 μg/m³) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA).
    • Use engineering and work practice controls, to the extent feasible, to limit employee exposures to the PEL, and supplement the controls with respiratory protection when necessary.
    • Keep records of employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica.
34. Slide 34

    All Employers Must:

    • Provide respiratory protection when required;
    • Restrict housekeeping practices that expose employees to respirable crystalline silica where feasible alternatives are available;
    • Establish and implement a written exposure control plan, including designating a competent person;
    • Offer medical exams to employees who will be required to wear a respirator under the standard for 30 or more days a year; and
    • Communicate hazards, train employees and keep records of medical examinations.
35. Slide 35

    Meeting the Requirements

    • Determine if the silica standard applies to your employees.
    • Determine what additional requirements you must meet under the standard, based on the compliance method you are following…
36. Slide 36

    T ABLE 1:

    • SPECIFIED EXPOSURE CONTROL METHODS*
37. Slide 37

    Employees Engaged in the Task

    • An employee operating a walk-behind saw and another employee helping the operator guide the saw are both engaged in the task.
    • An employee operating a jackhammer would be engaged in the task, but another employee directing traffic near the employee jackhammering would not be engaged in the task.
    • When Table 1 requires respiratory protection or additional protection, employers must provide that level of protection to all employees engaged in the task.
38. Slide 38
    • Table 1 – Entry (xvii) heavy equipment used during demolition activities.
    • When employees outside the cab are engaged in the task, then water must be applied to minimize dust.
39. Slide 39

    “Fully and Properly Implemented”

    • Controls are in place, are properly operated and maintained, and employees understand how to use them.
    • Refer to equipment operators manuals for information on proper use of dust controls.
40. Slide 40

    “Fully and Properly Implemented” Bad

    • The presence of large amounts of visible dust generally indicates that controls are not fully and properly implemented.
41. Slide 41

    “Fully and Properly Implemented” Good

    • A small amount of dust can be expected from equipment that is operating as intended by the manufacturer.
    • A noticeable increase in dust generation during the task is a sign that the dust controls are not operating correctly.
42. Slide 42

    Manufacturer’s Instructions

    • Water flow rates,
    • Vacuum equipment air flow rate and capacity,
    • Rotation of the blade (speed, direction),
    • Maintaining and changing blades, and
    • Frequency for changing water.
43. Slide 43

    Water Delivery Systems

    • Integrated water systems must be developed specifically for the type of tool .
    • Not interfere with safety devices.
44. Slide 44

    Water Delivery Systems – Stationary Masonry Saw

    • The water must be applied at flow rates sufficient to minimize release of visible dust.
45. Slide 45

    Water Delivery Systems – Good Housekeeping

    • Any slurry generated when using water to suppress dust should be cleaned up to limit secondary exposure to silica dust.
46. Slide 46

    Water Delivery Systems – Integrated Water Delivery System

    • When working in cold temperatures, where there is a risk of water freezing, additional work practices such as insulating drums, wrapping drums with gutter heat tape or adding environmentally-friendly antifreeze additives to water may be needed.
47. Slide 47

    Water Delivery Systems - Bad

    • Water delivery systems that are not integrated from the manufacturer are not allowed!
48. Slide 48

    Dust Collection Systems

    • Must be “commercially available”.
    • Designed to effectively capture dust generated by the tool.
    • Does not interfere with safety mechanisms.
49. Slide 49

    Aftermarket Manufacturers

    • Designed to work effectively with the equipment and not introduce new hazards such as obstructing or interfering with safety mechanisms.
50. Slide 50

    Filter Cleaning Mechanism - Vacuums

    • Cyclonic pre-separators and filter cleaning mechanisms to prevent buildup of debris on filters that result in less dust capture.
51. Slide 51

    Indoors or Enclosed Areas

    • Areas where airborne dust can build up unless additional exhaust is used.
    • Provide a means of exhaust as needed to minimize the accumulation of visible airborne dust for tasks performed indoors or in enclosed areas.
    • Portable fans (box fans, floor fans, axial fans);
    • Portable ventilation systems; or
    • Other systems that increase air movement and assist in the removal and dispersion of airborne dust.
52. Slide 52

    Indoors or Enclosed Areas – Means of Exhaust

    • Work performed indoors or in enclosed spaces requires a means of exhaust, such as a portable fan, to minimize the accumulation of visible airborne dust.
53. Slide 53

    Enclosed Cabs

    • Specified for rock drilling, crushers, and heavy equipment (Table 1).
    • Maintained as free as practicable from settled dust;
    • Has door seals and closing mechanisms that work properly;
    • Has gaskets and seals that are in good condition and work properly;
    • Is under positive pressure maintained through continuous delivery of filtered air;
    • Has intake air that is filtered through a pre-filter that is 95% efficient in the 0.3-10.0 µm range (e.g., MERV-16 or better); and
    • Has heating and cooling capabilities.
54. Slide 54

    Task Duration & Respirator Use

    • A standard 8-hour work period;
    • A day with a break between work periods (e.g., four hours on, two hours off, four hours on);
    • Work periods longer than eight hours;
    • Double shifts within a single day;
    • A work period spanning two calendar days (e.g., 8 p.m. until 4 a.m.)
55. Slide 55

    Alternative Exposure Control Methods

    • Tasks not covered under Table 1; or
    • Do not fully and properly implement the engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection described in Table 1.
    • The PEL
    • Exposure Assessment
    • Methods of Compliance
56. Slide 56

    Exposure Assessment

    • Must assess the 8-hour TWA exposure for each employee who is or may reasonably be expected to be exposed to respirable crystalline silica at or above the action level of 25 µg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA.
    • 1. Performance Option
    • 2. Scheduled Air Monitoring
57. Slide 57

    Exposure Assessment – Silica Sample Pump

    • Silica sampling equipment
    • Air pump
    • Hose
    • Cassette assembly
    • Near breathing zone
    • In hemisphere forward of the shoulders
    • 6 to 9 inches
58. Slide 58

    Performance Option

    • Objective Data
    • Combination of air monitoring and objective data
    • Air monitoring data from industry-wide surveys;
    • Calculations based on the composition of a substance;
    • Area sampling results and exposure mapping profile approaches; and
    • Historical air monitoring data collected by the employer.
59. Slide 59

    Scheduled Monitoring Option

60. Slide 60

    Methods of Compliance

61. Slide 61

    Engineering Controls

62. Slide 62

    Image Source: CPWR Silica Safe

63. Slide 63

    Poor vs. Good Work Practice

64. Slide 64

    Poor Work Practice vs. Good Work Practice

65. Slide 65

    Work Practice Controls

    • Housekeeping
    • No dry sweeping
    • No use of compressed air
    • Written Exposure Control Plan
    • Medical Surveillance
    • Hazard Communication & Employee Training
    • Recordkeeping
66. Slide 66

    Drill Bits

67. Slide 67

    Limitations & Use of Respirators

    • All respirators leak!
    • Must be properly fitted and worn.
    • Respirators protect only the employees who are wearing them.
    • Respirators are uncomfortable to wear.
68. Slide 68

    Approved Filtering Facepieces (Disposable)

    • Least protection (rated the same as elastomeric half-face).
    • Not allowed for use in atmospheres with less than 19.5% oxygen.
    • Should only use in voluntary situations. Must read and understand Appendix D of OSHA respiratory protection standard.
69. Slide 69

    NIOSH Approved Respirator Identification

70. Slide 70

    Half-Face Respirators (Elastomeric)

    • Can be used with a variety of cartridges/filters.
    • Requires regular cleaning & maintenance.
    • Not allowed for use in atmospheres with less than 19.5% oxygen.
71. Slide 71

    Full-Face Respirators (Elastomeric)

    • Can be used with a variety of cartridges/filters.
    • Requires regular cleaning & maintenance.
    • Built in safety eye protection (ANSI Z87).
    • Not allowed for use in atmospheres with less than 19.5% oxygen.
72. Slide 72

    Powered-Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR)

    • Battery powered fan pulls air through filters and blows air into the facepiece or hood.
    • Can be used with a variety of cartridges/filters.
    • Requires regular cleaning & maintenance.
    • Built in safety eye protection (ANSI Z87).
    • Easier to fit, easier on heart and lungs.
    • Not allowed for use in atmospheres with less than 19.5% oxygen.
73. Slide 73

    Assigned Protection Factors

    • Type of respirator
    • Air-Purifying Respirator
    • Powered Air-Purifying Respirator
    • (PAPR)
    • Supplied-Air Respirator (SAR) or Airline
    • Respirator
    • Demand mode
    • Continuous flow mode
    • Pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
    • Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
    • Demand mode
    • Pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode (e.g., open/closed circuit)
    • Half mask
    • Full facepiece
    • Helmet hood
    • Loose
    • Fitting facepiece
    • 1,000
    • 25/1,000
    • 10 50 50
    • 1,000
    • 1,000
    • 25/1,000
    • 10,000
    • 10,000
    • Quarter mask
74. Slide 74

    Facial Hair

75. Slide 75

    Medical Surveillance

    • The employer shall make medical surveillance available at no cost to the employee, and at a reasonable time and place, for each employee who will be required under this section to use a respirator for 30 or more days per year.
76. Slide 76

    Initial Examination

    • The employer shall make available an initial (baseline) medical examination within 30 days after initial assignment, unless the employee has received a medical examination that meets the requirements of this section within the last three years.
    • A medical and work history, with emphasis on: past, present, and anticipated exposure to respirable crystalline silica, dust, and other agents affecting the respiratory system;
    • A physical examination with special emphasis on the respiratory system;
    • A chest X-ray interpreted by a NIOSH-certified B Reader;
    • A pulmonary function test (PFT);
    • Testing for latent tuberculosis infection; and
    • Any other test deemed necessary.
77. Slide 77

    Periodic Examinations

    • The employer shall make available medical examinations at least every three years, or more frequently if recommended by the PLHCP.
    • Physician or other licensed health care professional [PLHCP]
78. Slide 78

    Communication of respirable crystalline silica hazards to employees—(1) Hazard communication.

    • The employer shall include respirable crystalline silica in the program established to comply with the hazard communication standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200).
    • The employer shall ensure that each employee has access to labels on containers of crystalline silica and safety data sheets, and is trained in accordance with the provisions of HCS.
    • The employer shall ensure that at least the following hazards are addressed: Cancer, lung effects, immune system effects, and kidney effects.
79. Slide 79

    Employer Responsibilities for Silica

    • The employer shall establish and implement a written exposure control plan:
    • A description of the tasks in the workplace that involve exposure to respirable crystalline silica.
    • A description of the engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection used to limit employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica for each task.
    • A description of the housekeeping measures used to limit employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica.
    • A description of the procedures used to restrict access to work areas.
80. Slide 80

    Paragraph (g) Written exposure control plan.

    • A description of the tasks in the workplace that involve exposure to respirable crystalline silica.
    • A description of the engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection used to limit employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica for each task.
    • A description of the housekeeping measures used to limit employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica.
    • A description of the procedures used to restrict access to work areas.
81. Slide 81

    Written Exposure Plan…

    • The employer shall review and evaluate the effectiveness of the written exposure control plan at least annually and update it as necessary.
    • The employer shall make the written exposure control plan readily available for examination and copying, upon request, to each employee covered by this section, their designated representatives, the Assistant Secretary and the Director.
    • The employer shall designate a competent person to make frequent and regular inspections of job sites, materials, and equipment to implement the written exposure control plan.
82. Slide 82

    Employee Information & Training

    • The employer shall ensure that each employee covered by this section can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of at least the following:
    • The health hazards associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica;
    • Specific tasks in the workplace that could result in exposure to respirable crystalline silica;
    • Specific measures the employer has implemented to protect employees from exposure to respirable crystalline silica, including engineering controls, work practices, and respirators to be used;
    • The contents of the standard;
    • The identity of the competent person designated by the employer;
    • The purpose and a description of the medical surveillance program required by this standard.
83. Slide 83

    Now you Know!

    • Several health hazards associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica.
    • Specific tasks in the workplace that could result in exposure to respirable crystalline silica.
    • Specific measures employers can implement to protect employees from exposure to respirable crystalline silica, including engineering controls, work practices, and respirators to be used.
    • The contents of OSHA’s Respirable Crystalline Silica standard, including Table 1.
84. Slide 84

    Post-test

85. Slide 85

    Questions?