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Silica Resource Links

 

Controlling Silica Exposure Using Table 1 (LHSFNA)

Summary of Proposed Silica Standard for Construction (LHSFNA)

OSHA's Silica Page

OSHA's Respirable Crystalline Silica Rule Page

OSHA Fact Sheet on the Silica Rule for Construction

Controlling Silica in Construction (OSHA)

NIOSH Silicosis Update

Silica and Fracking (NIOSH)

NIOSH Silica Page controls:

  • Jackhammers
  • Cut-off Saws
  • Tuckpointing
  • Concrete grinders

Work Safely with Silica (CPWR)

AIHA Recommended Skills and Capabilities for Silica Competent Persons

University of Washington

Washington State Silica Training Kit

British Health and Safety Executive: COSHH Essentials on Silica

British Health and Safety Executive: On-tool Controls to Reduce Exposure to Respirable Dust in the Construction Industry

New Jersey Prohibits Dry Cutting and Grinding of Masory Materials

CAL/OSHA Silica in Construction standard

Gauley Bridge Tunnel Disaster (video)

Francis Perkins (video)

Stop Silicosis (2016 video)


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Silica

Alternate description

Silica is crystalline quartz. It is commonly used in building materials, particularly concrete and masonry products. It is toxic to the skin in materials such as cement, and is particularly dangerous when inhaled, which can happen when concrete is sawed, chipped, hammered or blasted in building, maintenance or demolition operations. The resulting dust contains microscopic silica fibers that lodge in the lungs and eventually cause silicosis, a deadly and irreversible lung disease. Silica exposure also increases risk for lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), kidney disease and tuberculosis.

Exposure to silica is a significant danger for Laborers. Limiting Laborers' exposures to the hazards of silica, especially silica dust, is an important goal of the LHSFNA. Our understanding of the dangers of silica goes back more than a half century, and many of the worst practices have been eliminated. But the risks of even slight exposure are serious, and the Fund continues its efforts to get all silica dust out of the air that Laborers breathe.

OSHA's new silica standard went into effect on June 23, 2016, and enforcement begins September 23, 2017. The Fund’s OSH Division is already working to help LIUNA signatory contractors understand their compliance options and the rule's mandatory actions and requirements. The Fund offers several publications related to preventing silica exposure, including Preventing Silica Exposure in Construction and Face It: a Laborers’ Guide to Respiratory Protection. 

To find out more about silica and the new standard, see the individual topics pages below:

Controlling Exposures with Table 1

Sampling Requirements

Respirator and Medical Surveillance Requirements

 

Silica

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Silica

 

Silica Resource Links

 

Controlling Silica Exposure Using Table 1 (LHSFNA)

Summary of Proposed Silica Standard for Construction (LHSFNA)

OSHA's Silica Page

OSHA's Respirable Crystalline Silica Rule Page

OSHA Fact Sheet on the Silica Rule for Construction

Controlling Silica in Construction (OSHA)

NIOSH Silicosis Update

Silica and Fracking (NIOSH)

NIOSH Silica Page controls:

  • Jackhammers
  • Cut-off Saws
  • Tuckpointing
  • Concrete grinders

Work Safely with Silica (CPWR)

AIHA Recommended Skills and Capabilities for Silica Competent Persons

University of Washington

Washington State Silica Training Kit

British Health and Safety Executive: COSHH Essentials on Silica

British Health and Safety Executive: On-tool Controls to Reduce Exposure to Respirable Dust in the Construction Industry

New Jersey Prohibits Dry Cutting and Grinding of Masory Materials

CAL/OSHA Silica in Construction standard

Gauley Bridge Tunnel Disaster (video)

Francis Perkins (video)

Stop Silicosis (2016 video)

Silica

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Silica

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Laborers' Health & Safety Fund of North America   905 16th St., NW   Washington, DC 20006   Phone: (202) 628-5465   E-Mail Us