Are You a Victim of
Silica Exposure?

Occupational Safety: Silicosis

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is a government agency designed to ensure the safety of workers and laborers throughout the U.S. Based on extensive research, the NIOSH has made several recommendations that would limit workers' exposure to crystalline silica.

In order to limit exposure to silica and prevent silicosis, employers and workers should:

• Plan ahead to control dust at a work site.
  
  
• Eliminate the use of abrasive blasting materials that contain more than 1% crystalline silica.
  
  
• Use dust control methods such as blast cabinets and wet drilling or sawing.
  
  
• Maintain dust control systems to make sure they are working properly.
  
  
• Wear disposable or washable protective clothing.
  
  
• If possible, shower and change clothes before leaving the worksite.
  
  
• Conduct regular air monitoring to ensure that control systems are working.
  
  
• Use respirators approved for protection against crystalline silica-containing dust when levels cannot be kept below the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL).
  
  
• Provide medical checkups for workers who are exposed to crystalline silica.
  
  
• Post warning signs around areas contaminated with silica dust.
  
  
• Provide workers with training materials about the health effects of silica exposure and the protective equipment that is available to prevent exposure.
  
  
• Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in areas where silica dust is present.
  
  
• Report all cases of silicosis to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).