Silica Dust Exposure

Why it matters

Breathing crystalline silica dust from cutting concrete, brick, or stone causes silicosis and lung cancer.

Key points

• Wet cutting or vacuum dust collection whenever cutting masonry or concrete.
• Respirators (N95 minimum, often half-face P100) where controls cannot keep dust down.
• Never dry-sweep silica dust - use HEPA vacuums or wet methods.
• Change out of dusty clothing before breaks and going home.
• Exposure control plans are required for silica work in most jurisdictions.

Discussion

What cutting or grinding is happening this week, and what dust control is set up for it?