Silica dust exposure doesn’t have to be a given. Smart jobsite design and the right tools can drastically cut the risk before dust ever reaches the air.
Why It Matters:
Chronic exposure to respirable crystalline silica can lead to silicosis, lung cancer, and other fatal diseases. Engineering controls—solutions built into tools or workflows—are the first and best line of defense.
Key Points:
- Wet cutting keeps dust down at the source. Using water-fed saws or spraying water during demolition reduces airborne silica significantly.
- Vacuum systems with HEPA filters capture dust directly from cutting or grinding tools. These are required by OSHA in many situations.
- Enclosed cabs with filtered air protect equipment operators on dusty sites—windows and doors should stay closed to stay effective.
- Isolation barriers or temporary walls help separate dusty tasks from other work areas to prevent spread.
- Designated cutting zones allow you to control containment, ventilation, and signage for high-dust operations.
✅ Build safety into the setup. Don’t rely only on PPE.
Ask the Crew:
- Are we using wet methods or vacuums where needed?
- Is anyone working without engineering controls right now?
- Do we have clean air cabs or barriers in place for dusty zones?
