Safety Meeting: Working with Silica in Construction

Construction employees are at risk for potentially fatal silica-related diseases due to common tasks they perform. Working with cement, cutting engineered or natural stone slabs, installing fiber cement siding, or handling gravel or sand can release dust containing respirable crystalline silica. These airborne silica particles are too small to see, yet they can enter the body through breathing and travel deep into the lungs—causing silicosis or lung cancer. However, if the dust is eliminated or controlled, the risk will be greatly reduced.

The first step to controlling silica hazards is to assess the risk factors. This must be done by a competent person and some of the questions this person will ask include:

What tools are being used (e.g. a concrete/masonry saw or jackhammer)?
What material is being used that contains silica dust (e.g. stone, concrete, etc.)?
Which control methods are most effective (e.g. wet method, vacuum)?
Are respirators needed?

What your employees need to know about working with crystalline silica

Silica is a natural substance frequently found in soil, concrete, stone, brick, fiber cement products, and other similar materials. It becomes airborne when these materials are cut, drilled, ground, milled, crushed, abraded, or fractured during demolition operations such as jackhammering on a sidewalk or street.

Construction workers or anyone cutting stone and other silica-containing materials are among those most at risk of breathing in the tiny particles. The good news is there are steps your employees can take to help minimize their risk.

What your employees need to do to control silica exposure

Engineering controls can be used to prevent your employees from being exposed to silica. Table 1 provides specific engineering controls that should be followed. One example is using a wet method. A concrete/masonry saw that provides water on the blade or uses a water hose essentially traps the dust and keeps it out of the air. Other engineering controls include:

Local exhaust ventilation such as a vacuum system with a HEPA filter positioned right next to the work being done.
Using isolation methods such as moving the operation downwind away from employees, moving employees away from the operation, or conducting the work at a time of day when fewer people are on the jobsite.
Using silica-free materials whenever possible. Silica-free stones, slabs, bricks, or concrete are available for purchase from stores and manufacturers.

Respirators are also mandated by Table 1 for many construction tasks. They may also be required for tasks not listed in Table 1. Before using a respirator that is required by an employer, employees must complete a medical evaluation form (and possibly an evaluation by a doctor), be trained in the use, maintenance, inspection, and care of the respirator, and be fit-tested with the correct respirator.

Respirators can also be used, even if not required. If an employee wishes to wear a filtering face piece respirator—also referred to as an N95 disposable dust mask—let them know you have them at the worksite for their use. Voluntary use of N95 respirators does not require medical evaluations, but any other respirator type does. Before using an N95 or any respirator voluntarily, provide employees with Cal/OSHA Appendix D and review how to use them properly.

Medical examinations must be offered to employees exposed to silica that are required to wear a respirator for 30 days or more.

Keep in mind that silica can remain on clothes and create exposure for other people, including family members, if not handled correctly. Employees should change into clean clothes and wash their hands and face before leaving the worksite. Do not use compressed air or shake out soiled clothes as this just releases more silica dust right by your nose! Employers may provide a laundry service for soiled work clothing and in all cases, the soiled clothing should be bagged to reduce dust release and then dampened before placing in the laundry so employees and their family members are not exposed to silica. When washing these clothes at home, always keep them separate from other family laundry.

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Cal/OSHA Table 1 contains 18 common tasks in construction with effective dust control and respirator requirements. It is the employer’s responsibility to refer to Table 1 and provide the correct respirator for the job.

What to cover at your safety meeting about crystalline silica

Remind your employees about the health hazards of silica, including silicosis, lung cancer, kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These are all serious, disabling, and at times fatal diseases. Discuss the importance of your control measures and why they are necessary.

Also, include training on:

Tasks at your jobsites with silica exposure
How to use controls for those tasks, including respirators, ventilation, and wet methods
How to use local exhaust systems on tools
Respirator use requirements and a reminder that employees may use N95 respirators voluntarily
Training on how to use and clean respirators
The existence of the Cal/OSHA Construction Silica Safety Regulation and offer to give each employee a copy if requested
Who is the competent person for your company for silica
Purpose and description of the silica medical surveillance program
An explanation on any silica-free materials that you have purchased and where to use them

The key to preventing silicosis is to minimize the amount of dust containing silica in the air and to avoid breathing that dust. There is no cure for the disease once it develops, but it can be prevented by working together to minimize exposure.

(Rev. 02/2025)

Safety Meeting: Working with Silica in Construction

What your employees need to know about working with crystalline silica

What your employees need to do to control silica exposure

Additional Resources

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What to cover at your safety meeting about crystalline silica

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