View-Only Access To edit and download this template as a Word document, please click here. The Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry provides the following Respirable Crystalline Silica Control Program template for members of the association. The template is composed from a variety of sources including documents found on the OSHA Silica information website, https://www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/silicacrystalline/. The objective data included in the template were provided by contractor and manufacturer members of the association. AWCI continues to accept tests from members to add to the national database of objective data. If your company would like to contribute data, please forward the laboratory test results to silica.data@awci.org. The following template is provided as a guide for companies to create their own Silica Exposure Control Plan. The template, by itself, is not intended to be a complete Silica Exposure Control Plan. It is intended to serve as a guideline by which a company can develop their own plan. Sections are highlighted in yellow with [ ]. The highlighted brackets provide suggestions regarding company-specific modifications to the template.
Respirable Crystalline Silica Control Plan Template [Insert Company Name] [Insert Company Address] [Insert Company Contact Person] [Insert Contact Person Contact Information] Revision Number: [Insert Revision Number Identifier Here] Revision Date: [Insert Date of Revision] Original Date: [Insert Date the Program Was created]
Respirable Crystalline Silica Control Plan Template Table of Contents Page Purpose... 3 Scope... 3 Responsibilities... 3 Management Project Managers Safety Directors Competent Person, Foreman or Other Supervisory Personnel Employees Requirements... 5 Table 1 Specified Exposure Control Methods 2a Handheld power saws (any blade diameter) when used outdoors 2b Handheld power saws (any blade diameter) when used indoors or in an enclosed area 3 Handheld power saws for cutting fiber-cement board (with blade diameter of 8 inches or less) for tasks performed outdoors only 7 Handheld and stand-mounted drills (including impact and rotary hammer drills) 10a Jackhammers and handheld powered chipping tools when used outdoors 10b Jackhammers and handheld powered chipping tools when used indoors or in an enclosed area 10c Jackhammers and handheld powered chipping tools when used outdoors 10d Jackhammers and handheld powered chipping tools when used indoors or in an enclosed area 12a Handheld grinders for uses other than mortar removal for tasks performed outdoors only 12b Handheld grinders for uses other than mortar removal when used outdoors 12c Handheld grinders for uses other than mortar removal when used indoors or in an enclosed area... Table 2 Alternative Exposure Control Methods... 8 DI.1-DI.2 Cutting Drywall DI.3 Attaching Drywall to Framing DF.1-DF.5 Sanding/Finishing Drywall Joints DF.6 Mixing Bagged Joint Compound DF.7 Applying Joint Compound Page 1 of 23
IP.1 Interior Mixing Bagged Plaster IP.2-IP.3 Interior Applying Plaster EP.1-EP.3 Exterior Mixing Bagged Plaster EP.4 Exterior Mixing Pre-mixed Plaster EP.5 Exterior Applying Plaster IA.1 Interior Drilling into Concrete IA.2 Interior Shooting Floor Penetration EA.1 Exterior Drilling AC.1 Cutting Acoustical Ceiling Tile GF.1-GF.2 Cutting GFRC GF.3 Attaching GFRC EI.1-EI.2 Mixing EIFS Base Coat EI.3 Applying EIFS Base Coat EI.4-EI.5 Mixing EIFS Finish Coat EI.6 Applying EIFS Finish Coat FP.1 Mixing Bagged Fireproofing Materials FP.2 Applying Fireproofing Material DW.1 Demolishing Drywall DW.2-D.2 Demolishing Tile Respiratory Protection... 16 Housekeeping... 16 Medical Surveillance... 16 Hazard Communication... 17 Recordkeeping... 17 Training... 18 APPENDIX Definitions... 20 Page 2 of 23
Respirable Crystalline Silica Control Plan PURPOSE This Respirable Crystalline Silica Control Plan minimizes employee exposure to hazardous levels of respirable crystalline silica that could result through construction activities or nearby construction activities occurring on worksites. SCOPE This Respirable Crystalline Silica Control Plan applies to employees who have the potential to be exposed to respirable crystalline silica when covered by the OSHA Standard. The OSHA Respirable Crystalline Silica Construction Standard applies to all occupational exposures to respirable crystalline silica in construction work, except where employee exposure will remain below 25 micrograms of respirable crystalline silica per cubic meter of air (25 μg/m 3 ) as an 8- hour time-weighted average (TWA) under any foreseeable conditions. RESPONSIBILITIES [Companies vary how they organize management oversite, supervision, safety and project management responsibilities. The responsibilities and positions listed below should reflect the way that matches your company s organization.] [Insert Company Name] firmly believes protecting the health and safety of our employees is everyone s responsibility. Management This responsibility begins with upper management providing the necessary support to implement this program properly. However, all levels of the organization assume some level of responsibility for this program, including the following positions: Project Managers Supply safety directors with all Safety Data Sheets of a materials being used on projects to help identify products with crystalline silica. Provide scope of work to safety director to help identify potential exposures from existing structure materials not installed by [Insert Company Name] in which task may create exposures. Safety Directors Conduct jobsite assessments for silica containing materials and perform employee respirable crystalline silica hazard assessments in order to determine if an employee s exposure will be above 25 μg/m 3 as an 8-hour TWA under any foreseeable conditions. Page 3 of 23
Ensure that the materials, tools, equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE) and other resources (such as worker training) required to fully implement and maintain this Respirable Crystalline Silica Program are in place and readily available if needed. Ensure that project managers, supervisors, competent persons and employees are educated in the hazards of Silica exposure and trained to work safely with Silica in accordance with OSHA s Respirable Crystalline Silica Construction Standard and OSHA s Hazard Communication Standard. Supervisory personnel and competent persons may receive more advanced training than other employees may receive. Maintain written records of training (for example, proper use of respirators), exposure control plan (ECP), inspections (for equipment, PPE and work methods/practices), medical surveillance (secured under lock and key), respirator medical clearances (secured under lock and key) and fit-test results. Conduct an annual review (or more often if conditions change) of the effectiveness of this program and any active project ECPs that extend beyond a year. This includes a review of available dust control technologies to ensure these are selected and used when practical. Coordinate work with other employers and contractors to ensure a safe work environment relative to Silica exposure. Competent Person, Foreman or Other Supervisory Personnel Ensure that work is conducted in a manner that minimizes and adequately controls the risk to workers and others. This includes ensuring that workers use appropriate engineering controls, work practices and wear the necessary PPE. Where there is risk of exposure to silica dust, verify employees are properly trained on the applicable contents of this program, the project-specific ECP, and the applicable OSHA Standards (such as Hazard Communication). Ensure employees are provided appropriate PPE when conducting such work. Identify existing and foreseeable Respirable Crystalline Silica hazards in the workplace and take prompt corrective measures to eliminate or minimize them. Notify management, project manager and/or safety department of any deficiencies identified during inspections in order to coordinate and facilitate prompt corrective action. Employees Follow recognized work procedures as established in the project s ECP and this program. Page 4 of 23
Use the assigned PPE in an effective and safe manner. Report any unsafe conditions or acts to supervisory personnel and/or competent person. Report any exposure incidents or any signs or symptoms of silica illness to supervisory personnel and/or competent person. Do not engage in any task that requires dry cutting, grinding, drilling or demolition of concrete, masonry and or other silica containing products unless you have been trained and approved to do so by a safety director. REQUIREMENTS Table 1. Specified Exposure Control Methods [Below, Table 1 shows a subset of the full Table 1 appearing in the OSHA Silica Rule. The tasks included below are those that may be done by wall and ceiling specialty contractors. You can delete tasks from Table 1 that your company does not include in their scope of work or add tasks from OSHA s unabridged Table 1.] When possible and applicable, [Insert Company Name] employees will conduct activities with potential Silica exposure to be consistent with OSHA s Construction Standard Table 1. The task(s) that may be performed by [Insert Company Name] employees identified on OSHA s Construction Standard Table 1 may include: 2a Handheld power saws (any blade diameter) when used outdoors 2b Handheld power saws (any blade diameter) when used indoors or in an enclosed area 3 Handheld power saws for cutting fiber-cement board (with blade diameter of 8 inches or less) for tasks performed outdoors only 7 Handheld and stand-mounted drills (including impact and rotary hammer drills) 10a Jackhammers and handheld powered chipping tools when used outdoors 10b Jackhammers and handheld powered chipping tools when used indoors or in an enclosed area 10c Jackhammers and handheld powered chipping tools when used outdoors 10d Jackhammers and handheld powered chipping tools when used indoors or in an enclosed area 12a Handheld grinders for uses other than mortar removal for tasks performed outdoors only 12b Handheld grinders for uses other than mortar removal when used outdoors 12c Handheld grinders for uses other than mortar removal when used indoors or in an enclosed area Page 5 of 23
Table 1: Specified Exposure Control Methods When Working With Materials Containing Crystalline Silica Construction Task or Equipment Operation 2a 2b 3 7 10a 10b Handheld power saws (any blade diameter) when used outdoors Handheld power saws (any blade diameter) when used indoors or in an enclosed area Handheld power saws for cutting fiber-cement board (with blade diameter of 8 inches or less) for tasks performed outdoors only Handheld and standmounted drills (including impact and rotary hammer drills) Jackhammers and handheld powered chipping tools when used outdoors Jackhammers and handheld powered chipping tools when used indoors or in an enclosed area Engineering and Work Practice Control Methods Use saw equipped with integrated water delivery system that continuously feeds water to the blade. Operate and maintain tool in accordance with manufacturer s instructions to minimize dust emissions. Use saw equipped with integrated water delivery system that continuously feeds water to the blade. Operate and maintain tool in accordance with manufacturer s instructions to minimize dust emissions. Use saw equipped with commercially available dust collection system. Operate and maintain tool in accordance with manufacturer s instructions to minimize dust emissions. Dust collector must provide the air flow recommended by the tool manufacturer, or greater, and have a filter with 99% or greater efficiency. Use drill equipped with commercially available shroud or cowling with dust collection system. Operate and maintain tool in accordance with manufacturer s instructions to minimize dust emissions. Dust collector must provide the air flow recommended by the tool manufacturer, or greater, and have a filter with 99% or greater efficiency and a filter-cleaning mechanism. Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum when cleaning holes. Use tool with water delivery system that supplies a continuous stream or spray of water at the point of impact. Use tool with water delivery system that supplies a continuous stream or spray of water at the point of impact. Required Respiratory Protection 4 >4 hours/shift hours/shift N95 (or Greater Efficiency) Filtering Facepiece or Half Mask N95 (or Greater Efficiency) Filtering Facepiece or Half Mask N95 (or Greater Efficiency) Filtering Facepiece or Half Mask N95 (or Greater Efficiency) Filtering Facepiece or Half Mask N95 (or Greater Efficiency) Filtering Facepiece or Half Mask N95 (or Greater Efficiency) Filtering Facepiece or Half Mask Page 6 of 23
Construction Task or Equipment Operation Engineering and Work Practice Control Methods Required Respiratory Protection 4 >4 hours/shift hours/shift 10c 10d 12a Jackhammers and handheld powered chipping tools when used outdoors Jackhammers and handheld powered chipping tools when used indoors or in an enclosed area Handheld grinders for uses other than mortar removal for tasks performed outdoors only Use tool equipped with commercially available shroud and dust collection system. Operate and maintain tool in accordance with manufacturer s instructions to minimize dust emissions. Dust collector must provide the air flow recommended by the tool manufacturer, or greater, and have a filter with 99% or greater efficiency and a filter-cleaning mechanism. Use tool equipped with commercially available shroud and dust collection system. Operate and maintain tool in accordance with manufacturer s instructions to minimize dust emissions. Dust collector must provide the air flow recommended by the tool manufacturer, or greater, and have a filter with 99% or greater efficiency and a filter-cleaning mechanism. Use grinder equipped with integrated water delivery system that continuously feeds water to the grinding surface. Operate and maintain tool in accordance with manufacturer s instructions to minimize dust emissions. N95 (or Greater Efficiency) Filtering Facepiece or Half Mask N95 (or Greater Efficiency) Filtering Facepiece or Half Mask N95 (or Greater Efficiency) Filtering Facepiece or Half Mask 12b Handheld grinders for uses other than mortar removal when used outdoors Use grinder equipped with commercially available shroud and dust collection system. Operate and maintain tool in accordance with manufacturer s instructions to minimize dust emissions. Dust collector must provide 25 cubic feet per minute (cfm) or greater of airflow per inch of wheel diameter and have a filter with 99% or greater efficiency and a cyclonic pre-separator or filter-cleaning mechanism. 12c Handheld grinders for uses other than mortar removal when used indoors or in an enclosed area Use grinder equipped with commercially available shroud and dust collection system. Operate and maintain tool in accordance with manufacturer s instructions to minimize dust emissions. Dust collector must provide 25 cubic feet per minute (cfm) or greater of airflow per inch of wheel diameter and have a filter with 99% or greater efficiency and a cyclonic pre-separator or filter-cleaning mechanism. N95 (or Greater Efficiency) Filtering Facepiece or Half Mask Page 7 of 23
Table 2. Alternative Exposure Control Methods The Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry, along with its contractor and manufacturing members, has conducted selected task and air monitoring sampling for the activities shown in Table 2 as permissible data as allowed by OSHA Objective Data as defined in the Definitions Section and by the OSHA Rule 1926.1153. [Insert additional data that you company may have for the listed tasks or for tasks on shown in Table 2.] Drywall Installation Cutting Drywall Attaching Drywall to Framing Drywall Finishing Sanding/Finishing Drywall Joints Mixing Bagged Joint Compound Applying Joint Compound Interior Plastering Mixing Bagged Plaster Applying Plaster Exterior Plastering Mixing Bagged Plaster Mixing Pre-mixed Plaster Applying Plaster Interior Attaching Fasteners, Anchors or Clips to Concrete Drilling Shooting Floor Penetration Acoustical Ceiling Tile Installation Cutting Acoustical Ceiling Tile Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete Installation Cutting GFRC Attaching GFRC EIFS Installation Mixing Bagged Base Coat Mixing Pre-mixed Base Coat Applying Base Coat Mixing Bagged Finish Coat Mixing Pre-mixed Finish Coat Applying Finish Coat Fireproofing Mixing Bagged Fireproofing Materials Applying Fireproofing Material Demolition of Existing Work Demolishing Drywall Demolishing Tile Exterior Attaching Fasteners, Anchors or Clips to Concrete Drilling Page 8 of 23
Table 2: Exposure Control Methods When Working With Materials Containing Crystalline Silica Not Shown in Table 1 Tasks Engineering and Work Practice Control Methods Required Respiratory Protection Respirable Silica μg/m 3 Drywall Installation DI.1 DI.2 Cutting Drywall Scoring with a knife Snapping score line Rasping snapped edge Cutting with a hand saw Cutting Drywall Using a power router without dust collection Mean of Test Results= 15 μg/m 3 Number of Tests= 28 Standard Deviation= 5.5 DI.3 Attaching Drywall to Framing Using of screw gun Drywall Finishing DF.1 Sanding/Finishing Drywall Joints Using a pole sander Mean of Test Results= 22 μg/m 3 Number of Tests= 4 Standard Deviation= 20.2 Page 9 of 23
Tasks DF.2 Engineering and Work Practice Control Methods Sanding/Finishing Drywall Joints Using a pole sander Using a wet Sponge Required Respiratory Protection Respirable Silica μg/m 3 Mean of Test Results= 27 μg/m 3 Number of Tests= 10 Standard Deviation= 17.0 DF.3 Sanding/Finishing Drywall Joints Using a hand sander Mean of Test Results= 5 μg/m 3 Number of Tests= 2 Standard Deviation= 0.1 DF.4 Sanding/Finishing Drywall Joints Using a vacuum equipped sander Mean of Test Results= 10 μg/m 3 Number of Tests= 4 Standard Deviation= 4.7 DF.5 Sanding/Finishing Drywall Joints Using a vacuum equipped sander Using pole sander Vacuum equipped sander, ventilation and/or negative air Mean of Test Results= 19 μg/m 3 Number of Tests= 13 Standard Deviation= 10.3 DF.6 Mixing Bagged Joint Compound Using a bucket Using a power drill with paddle DF.7 Applying Joint Compound Using a hawk and trowel Using a taping knife and mud pan Using a bazooka Using a mechanical pump and sprayer Mean of Test Results= 12 μg/m 3 Number of Tests= 3 Standard Deviation= 2.9 Page 10 of 23
Tasks Engineering and Work Practice Control Methods Required Respiratory Protection Respirable Silica μg/m 3 Interior Plastering IP.1 Mixing Bagged Plaster Using a bucket Using a power drill with paddle Mean of Test Results= 28 μg/m 3 Number of Tests= 4 Standard Deviation= 6.8 IP.2 Applying Plaster Using a hawk and trowel IP.3 Applying Plaster Using a sprayer Mean of Test Results= 16 μg/m 3 Number of Tests= 4 Standard Deviation= 7.6 Exterior Plastering EP.1 Mixing Bagged Plaster Using a bucket Using a power drill with paddle EP.2 EP.3 Mixing Bagged Plaster Using a silo Mixing Pre-mixed Plaster Using a bucket Using a power drill with paddle Page 11 of 23
Tasks EP.4 Applying Plaster Using a hawk and trowel Engineering and Work Practice Control Methods Required Respiratory Protection Respirable Silica μg/m 3 EP.5 Applying Plaster Using a sprayer Mean of Test Results= 16 μg/m 3 Number of Tests= 8 Standard Deviation= 5.0 Interior Attaching Fasteners, Anchors or Clips to Concrete IA.1 IA.2 Drilling Using a rotary hammer drill Shooting Floor Penetration Using a powder actuated fastening tool Follow Table 1 controls Mean of Test Results= 10 μg/m 3 Number of Tests= 5 Standard Deviation= 6.4 Exterior Attaching Fasteners, Anchors or Clips to Concrete EA.1 Drilling Using a rotary hammer drill Page 12 of 23
Tasks Engineering and Work Practice Control Methods Required Respiratory Protection Respirable Silica μg/m 3 Acoustical Ceiling Tile Installation AC.1 Cutting Acoustical Ceiling Tile Hand knife Hand saw Mean of Test Results= 5 μg/m 3 Number of Tests= 2 Standard Deviation= -- Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete Installation GF.1 GF.2 Cutting GFRC Using power saw Cutting GFRC Using power saw with dust collector with 25 CFM or greater per inch of wheel diameter and a filter with 99% or greater efficiency Power saw with water with mechanical sprayer Mean of Test Results= 8 μg/m 3 Number of Tests= 3 Standard Deviation= 5.9 GF.3 GF.4 Cutting GFRC Cutting with nipper Cutting penetrations with a hand hole saw or jab saw Attaching GFRC Using of screw gun Page 13 of 23
Tasks Engineering and Work Practice Control Methods Required Respiratory Protection Respirable Silica μg/m 3 EIFS Installation EI.1 Mixing Bagged Base Coat Using a bucket Using a power drill with paddle Mean of Test Results= 12 μg/m 3 Number of Tests= 2 Standard Deviation= 7.8 EI.2 Mixing Pre-mixed Base Coat Using a bucket Using a power drill with paddle EI.3 Applying Base Coat Using a hawk and trowel EI.4 EI.5 Mixing Bagged Finish Coat Using a bucket Using a power drill with paddle Mixing Pre-mixed Finish Coat Using a bucket Using a power drill with paddle EI.6 Applying Finish Coat Using a hawk and trowel Page 14 of 23
Tasks Engineering and Work Practice Control Methods Required Respiratory Protection Respirable Silica μg/m 3 Fireproofing FP.1 Mixing Bagged Fireproofing Materials Using a bucket Using a power drill with paddle Mean of Test Results= 4 μg/m 3 Number of Tests= 2 Standard Deviation= 1.4 FP.2 Applying Fireproofing Material Using a sprayer Mean of Test Results= 11 μg/m 3 Number of Tests= 2 Standard Deviation= 8.5 Demolition of Existing Work DW.1 Demolishing Drywall Using a sledge hammer Using metal cutting snipers DW.2 DW.3 Demolishing Tile with a Hand Tool Using a hand chipper Demolishing Tile with a Power Tool Using a power chipper Mean of Test Results= 470 μg/m 3 Number of Tests= 1 Standard Deviation= -- Page 15 of 23
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION Where respiratory protection is required by this program, [Insert Company Name] will provide each employee an appropriate respirator that complies with the requirements of the company s Respiratory Protection Program and the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134). Respiratory protection is required where specified by the OSHA Construction Standard Table 1 or for tasks listed in Table 2. HOUSEKEEPING [Insert Company Name] does not allow dry sweeping or dry brushing where such activity could contribute to employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica unless wet sweeping, HEPAfiltered vacuuming or other methods that minimize the likelihood of exposure are not feasible. In OSHA s interim enforcement guidelines, the use of sweeping compound (i.e., non-grit or waxed-based) is an acceptable dust suppression housekeeping method. [Insert Company Name] does not allow compressed air to be used to clean clothing or surfaces where such activity could contribute to employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica unless: The compressed air is used in conjunction with a ventilation system that effectively captures the dust cloud created by the compressed air; or No alternative method is feasible. MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE Medical surveillance will be made available for each employee if the employee is required to use a respirator for 30 or more days per year. Medical surveillance (i.e., medical examinations and procedures) will be performed by a physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP) and provided at no cost to the employee at a reasonable time and place. [Insert Company Name] will 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 the OSHA Respirable Crystalline Silica Construction Standard within the last three years. The examination shall consist of the following: A medical and work history. A physical examination with special emphasis on the respiratory system. A chest X-ray by a NIOSH-certified B Reader. A pulmonary function test. Page 16 of 23
Testing for latent tuberculosis infection. Any other tests deemed appropriate by the PLHCP. HAZARD COMMUNICATION [Insert Company Name] will include respirable crystalline silica in the company s Hazard Communication Program established to comply with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). [Insert Company Name] will ensure that each employee has access to labels on containers of crystalline silica and those containers respective Safety Data Sheets. All employees will be trained in accordance with the provisions of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and the Training Section of this program. This training will cover concerns relating to cancer, lung effects, immune system effects and kidney effects. [Insert Company Name] will ensure that each employee with the potential to be exposed at or above the Action Level for respirable crystalline silica 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 [Insert Company Name] 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 OSHA Respirable Crystalline Silica Construction Standard. The identity of the Competent Person designated by [Insert Company Name]. [Insert Company Name] will make a copy of the OSHA Respirable Crystalline Silica Construction Standard readily available without cost to any employee who requests it. RECORDKEEPING [Insert Company Name] will make and maintain an accurate record of all exposure measurements taken [Insert Company Name] to assess employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica. This record will include at least the following information: The date of measurement for each sample taken. The task monitored. Sampling and analytical methods used. Number, duration, and results of samples taken. Identity of the laboratory that performed the analysis. Type of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators, worn by the employees monitored. Page 17 of 23
Name, Social Security number and job classification of all employees represented by the monitoring, indicating which employees were actually monitored. [Insert Company Name] will ensure that exposure records are maintained and made available in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020. Exposure records will be kept for at least 30 years. The [Insert Company Name] will make and maintain an accurate record of all objective data relied upon to comply with the requirements of the OSHA Respirable Crystalline Silica Construction Standard. This record shall include at least the following information: The crystalline silica containing material in question. The source of the objective data. The testing protocol and results of testing. A description of the process, task or activity on which the objective data were based. Other data relevant to the process, task, activity, material or exposures on which the objective data were based. [Insert Company Name] will ensure that objective data are maintained and made available in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020. Objective data records will be kept for at least 30 years. [Insert Company Name] will make and maintain an accurate record for each employee enrolled in the Medical Surveillance portion of this program. The record shall include the following information about the employee: Name and Social Security number. A copy of the PLHCPs and/or specialists written medical opinions. A copy of the information provided to the PLHCPs and specialists. [Insert Company Name] will ensure that medical records are maintained and made available in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020. Medical records will be kept under lock and key for at least the duration of employment plus 30 years. It is necessary to keep these records for extended periods because Silica-related diseases such as cancer often cannot be detected until several decades after exposure. However, if an employee works for an employer for less than one year, the employer does not have to keep the medical records after employment ends as long as the employer gives those records to the employee. TRAINING All employees will be provided silica awareness and the [Insert Company Name] Written Silica Exposure Control methods to control and reduce exposure to the silica hazard below the action level of 25 μg/m 3. Training shall consist of but not be limited to tailgate meetings and awareness classes. Training will be issued at the time of employment or when there is a new process or new materials introduced to the work process. Training topics include the following: Page 18 of 23
Health hazards of silica. Operations that can contribute to exposure. Engineering controls and safe work practices used to protect against exposure. The importance of proper equipment control and maintenance. Housekeeping procedures. Proper use and care of personal protective equipment. Hazard assessment procedures. Medical surveillance. Page 19 of 23
APPENDICES DEFINITIONS If a definition is not listed in this section, please contact your supervisor. If your supervisor is unaware of what the term means, please contact the competent person or your safety personnel. Action Level means a concentration of airborne respirable crystalline silica of 25 μg/m 3, calculated as an 8-hour TWA. 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. Employee Exposure means the exposure to airborne respirable crystalline silica that would occur if the employee were not using a respirator. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter means a filter that is at least 99.97 percent efficient in removing monodispersed particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter. Objective Data means information, such as air monitoring data from industry-wide surveys or calculations based on the composition of a substance, demonstrating employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica associated with a particular product or material or a specific process, task, or activity. The data must reflect workplace conditions closely resembling or with a higher exposure potential than the processes, types of material, control methods, work practices, and environmental conditions in the employer's current operations. Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) means the employer shall ensure that no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of respirable crystalline silica in excess of 50 μg/m 3, calculated as an 8-hour TWA. Physician or Other Licensed Health Care Professional (PLHCP) means an individual whose legally permitted scope of practice (i.e., license, registration or certification) allows him or her to independently provide or be delegated the responsibility to provide some or all of the particular health care services required by the Medical Surveillance Section of the OSHA Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard. Respirable crystalline silica means quartz, cristobalite and/or tridymite contained in airborne particles that are determined to be respirable by a sampling device designed to meet the characteristics for respirable-particle size- selective samplers specified in the Page 20 of 23
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 7708:1995: Air Quality-Particle Size Fraction Definitions for Health-Related Sampling. Specialist means an American Board Certified Specialist in pulmonary disease or an American Board Certified Specialist in occupational medicine. Page 21 of 23