Silica Exposure Monitoring Toolbox Talk

Respirable crystalline silica is a serious occupational health hazard found during many construction activities such as cutting, grinding, drilling, crushing, and demolishing concrete, masonry, stone, and similar materials. Because silica dust particles are extremely small and often invisible, exposure cannot be judged by sight alone. Silica exposure monitoring helps determine workers' exposure levels, evaluate the effectiveness of engineering controls, and identify when additional protective measures may be necessary.

This toolbox talk reviews the purpose of silica exposure monitoring, how it is conducted, and the responsibilities of workers and supervisors during monitoring activities.

Why This Matters

• Respirable crystalline silica can cause silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease.
• Exposure monitoring helps determine whether existing controls are effectively reducing airborne silica.
• Monitoring results support decisions about engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection.
• Regular evaluations help identify changing conditions that may increase worker exposure.
• Monitoring contributes to a safer and healthier work environment.

Common Sources of Silica Exposure

• Cutting, sawing, or grinding concrete, brick, or masonry.
• Drilling or coring concrete and stone.
• Jackhammering, chipping, or demolition work.
• Crushing or handling silica-containing materials.
• Dry sweeping or cleaning dust without approved methods.
• Working near others performing silica-generating tasks.
• Failure or improper use of dust control equipment.
• Changes in work methods or environmental conditions that increase dust generation.

Safety Checklist

Before Work Begins

• Review the silica exposure control procedures for the assigned task.
• Identify activities that may require exposure monitoring.
• Inspect engineering controls such as water suppression systems and local exhaust ventilation.
• Verify dust collection equipment is functioning properly.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection when required by company procedures.
• Cooperate with exposure monitoring activities and follow supervisor instructions.

During the Workday

• Continue using engineering controls throughout silica-generating work.
• Do not interfere with or remove air monitoring equipment assigned for exposure measurements.
• Follow established work practices designed to minimize dust generation.
• Use approved cleanup methods such as HEPA-filtered vacuums or wet cleaning instead of dry sweeping, unless otherwise permitted.
• Report excessive dust, damaged controls, or changing work conditions immediately.
• Participate in additional monitoring if work activities or conditions change significantly.

Crew Talking Points

• Which tasks today may generate respirable crystalline silica?
• What engineering controls are being used to reduce airborne dust?
• Why can't silica exposure be determined simply by looking at the amount of visible dust?
• What should workers do if dust control equipment stops working?
• How does exposure monitoring help improve worker protection?
• Speak up immediately if you notice excessive dust, ineffective controls, or damaged monitoring equipment.

Stop Work If

• Required engineering controls are missing, damaged, or not functioning properly.
• Silica-generating work is producing excessive airborne dust that cannot be effectively controlled.
• Required respiratory protection is unavailable or cannot be used properly.
• Dust control equipment fails during silica-generating operations.
• Work conditions change significantly and existing controls are no longer adequate.
• You are unsure how to safely perform a silica-generating task.

Final Reminder

Respirable crystalline silica is a serious health hazard that cannot be evaluated by sight alone. Exposure monitoring helps determine whether workers are adequately protected and whether dust control measures are working effectively. Follow established control procedures, cooperate with monitoring activities, use required engineering controls and PPE, and report any concerns immediately to help reduce long-term health risks.