SILICA:

Protection From Overexposure for Mechanical Construction Workers

As a mechanical construction worker, you may be exposed to respirable crystalline silica. You can protect yourself from

overexposure by following established safe work practices.

Silica-related Health Concerns

Inhaling large enough concentrations of respirable crystalline silica over a long enough period of time can result in:

• Silicosis
• Lung cancer
• Chronic bronchitis
• Kidney disease
• Autoimmune diseases

Primary Sources of Exposure in Mechanical Construction

• Drilling holes in concrete to install pipe and duct hangers
• Cutting or boring through concrete ceilings, floors, or walls to run piping systems or HVAC ducts
• Working near other trades that are pulverizing silica-containing building materials

To Avoid the More Complex Alternative Exposure Control Methods

Standard Drills, Including Impact and Rotary Hammer Drills:

• Use a shroud or cowling and adequate dust collection system
• When needed, use an exhaust ventilation system to minimize visible airborne dust
• Clean out the drilled holes with a HEPA vacuum system
• Follow the tool and equipment manufacturer’s instructions to limit dust emissions

Rig-mounted Core Drills or Saws:

• Use tools equipped with an integrated water delivery system
• Ensure that the flow rate is strong enough to minimize visible dust
• Follow the tool and equipment manufacturer’s instructions to limit dust emissions

Saws, Including Handheld or Walk-behind Saws:

• Wear a respirator
• Use tools equipped with an integrated water delivery system
• Ensure that the flow rate is strong enough to minimize visible dust
• Follow the tool and equipment manufacturer’s instructions to limit dust emissions

Jackhammers and Handheld Powered Chipping Tools:

• Wear a respirator
• Use either a water delivery system with continuous spray at point of impact, and ensure that the flow rate is strong enough to minimize visible dust; or use a shroud or cowling and adequate dust collection system
• When working with a shroud or cowling and dust collection system, use an exhaust ventilation system when needed to minimize visible airborne dust
• Follow the tool and equipment manufacturer’s instructions to limit dust emissions

When You Have to Follow the More Complex Alternative Exposure Control Methods

• Wear a respirator and use engineering controls and safe work practices until your company’s exposure assessment and written silica exposure control plans are completed
• Follow your company’s written silica exposure control plan

General Safe Work Practices

• Use only sharp masonry drill bits and saw blades
• Never eat, drink, smoke, or apply cosmetics in affected work areas
• Wash your hands and face before eating, drinking, smoking, or applying cosmetics
• Avoid dry sweeping, dry brushing, and using compressed air to clean clothes or surfaces