Silica Dust Risk Assessment Toolbox Talk

Before any task that may generate respirable crystalline silica begins, a risk assessment should be completed to identify potential exposure hazards and determine the controls needed to protect workers. Activities such as cutting, grinding, drilling, coring, chipping, crushing, and demolishing concrete, masonry, brick, stone, and similar materials can generate hazardous levels of airborne silica dust. A thorough risk assessment helps ensure the proper engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) are in place before work starts.

This toolbox talk reviews the key elements of a silica dust risk assessment and the responsibilities of workers and supervisors in reducing silica exposure.

Why This Matters

• Respirable crystalline silica can cause silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease.
• Exposure levels vary depending on the task, material, tools, and work environment.
• A risk assessment helps identify hazards before workers are exposed.
• Selecting effective engineering controls significantly reduces airborne dust.
• Planning work in advance improves safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Common Silica Exposure Hazards

• Cutting or sawing concrete, brick, block, stone, or tile.
• Grinding, sanding, or polishing masonry and concrete surfaces.
• Drilling or coring concrete and masonry.
• Jackhammering, chipping, or demolition activities.
• Dry sweeping or using compressed air where it creates airborne silica dust.
• Working in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.
• Exposure to dust generated by nearby workers or subcontractors.
• Failure or improper use of engineering controls.

Safety Checklist

Before Work Begins

• Identify all tasks that may generate respirable crystalline silica.
• Evaluate the type of material, work methods, duration of the task, and work location.
• Select appropriate engineering controls such as water suppression or local exhaust ventilation.
• Inspect dust control equipment to verify it is functioning properly.
• Determine whether respiratory protection is required based on the company's exposure assessment and applicable procedures.
• Establish controlled access zones where necessary to limit unnecessary worker exposure.

During the Workday

• Use engineering controls continuously throughout silica-generating operations.
• Monitor changing work conditions that may increase airborne dust.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away from silica exposure areas.
• Use approved housekeeping methods such as HEPA-filtered vacuuming or wet cleaning.
• Report damaged dust control equipment or excessive airborne dust immediately.
• Review the risk assessment if work methods, equipment, materials, or site conditions change.

Crew Talking Points

• Which tasks today have the greatest potential for silica exposure?
• What engineering controls will be used to reduce airborne dust?
• Could weather, ventilation, or nearby work activities increase exposure risks?
• When should the silica risk assessment be updated?
• How should workers respond if dust control equipment stops working?
• Speak up immediately if you notice excessive dust, changing conditions, or ineffective exposure controls.

Stop Work If

• Required engineering controls are missing, damaged, or not functioning properly.
• Airborne silica dust cannot be effectively controlled.
• Required respiratory protection is unavailable or cannot be used correctly.
• The work changes significantly and the existing risk assessment no longer reflects actual conditions.
• Unauthorized workers are exposed to uncontrolled silica dust.
• You are unsure how to safely perform a silica-generating task.

Final Reminder

A silica dust risk assessment is the first step in preventing harmful exposure. Identify the hazards, evaluate the risks, implement effective engineering controls, use required PPE, and reassess conditions whenever the work changes. Careful planning and continuous monitoring help protect workers from the long-term health effects of respirable crystalline silica.