Exposure Control Plan for Silica Template

The exposure to silica dust in the form of Respirable Crystalline Silica has shown to be the cause for several diseases contracted from construction sites. In order to protect the long-term health of workers, industry regulatory bodies like OSHA have implemented guidelines that are strictly implemented and complied with. OSHA lists their standards and regulations on written exposure control plans in their Safety & Health Regulations for Construction notice on Toxic and Hazardous Substances 29 CFR 1926.1153 (Construction) & 29 CFR 1910.1053 (General Industry and Maritime).

It is mandated that, when performing work tasks that potentially expose their workers or other parties to respirable crystalline silica, all employers must create and implement a written exposure control plan that contains the following information:

• Description of tasks that involve exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica
• Engineering control methods, work practices & respiratory protection to limit exposure for each task
• Procedures on housekeeping to limit the level of exposure of employees or other parties
• Procedures to restrict access to work areas to limit the number of employees or other parties exposed and their level of exposure, including exposure due to works of other employers or sole proprietors

For construction sites, employers are also required to designate a competent person to evaluate and implement the exposure control plan, and to inspect the job site for compliance. This responsibility normally falls to the project management & supervisory team. Further, OSHA also requires medical surveillance and check-ups for employees who are regularly exposed to silica dust, as well as proper record keeping and employee training.