Silica dust is a silent but deadly hazard on construction sites. Workers cutting, grinding, drilling, or demolishing materials like concrete, brick, and stone are exposed to respirable crystalline silica—tiny particles that can cause severe and irreversible lung diseases.
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), exposure to silica dust can lead to silicosis, lung cancer, and other respiratory issues. For construction safety managers, business owners, and project supervisors, understanding silica risks and implementing effective control measures is crucial for worker health and regulatory compliance.
What is Silica and Why is Silica Exposure it Dangerous?
Silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in materials common in construction. When these materials are disturbed, fine silica dust becomes airborne and, when inhaled, can penetrate deep into the lungs. Over time, prolonged exposure can cause:
- Silicosis – An incurable lung disease that leads to scarring and breathing difficulties.
- Lung Cancer – Silica is classified as a human carcinogen by CCOHS and other health organizations.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – Long-term exposure can result in serious respiratory issues.
Who is at Risk?
Silica exposure affects workers in numerous construction tasks, including:
- Concrete cutting and jackhammering
- Masonry and stonework
- Sandblasting and tunneling
- Tile and drywall finishing
- Demolition work
Understanding exposure risks is the first step in protecting workers. Safety professionals must evaluate job sites for silica-generating activities and implement appropriate controls.
Silica Exposure Regulations in Canada
To reduce worker exposure, Canada’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations mandate:
- A Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) that varies by province but is generally set at 0.025 mg/m³ over an 8-hour shift.
- Engineering controls, such as wet cutting methods and dust collection systems.
- A written exposure control plan to identify high-risk tasks and mitigation strategies.
- Medical surveillance for workers exposed above action levels.
- Training on silica hazards and proper protective measures.
Each province and territory enforce their own silica regulations, so it’s essential to consult local OHS guidelines for specific requirements.
How to Protect Workers from Silica Exposure
Implementing the right safety controls is essential to preventing silica-related illnesses. The following strategies can significantly reduce exposure:
- Engineering Controls: Reducing Silica at the Source
- Wet Methods – Using water during cutting and grinding minimizes airborne dust.
- Vacuum Dust Collection Systems – HEPA-filtered vacuums can capture silica before it becomes airborne.
- Isolation and Ventilation – Limiting worker access to high-exposure areas and using proper ventilation reduces dust accumulation.
- Administrative Controls: Changing Work Practices
- Minimize Dry Cutting – Encourage the use of wet cutting tools whenever possible.
- Limit Exposure Time – Rotate workers in high-risk tasks to reduce prolonged exposure.
- Signage and Barriers – Clearly mark areas where silica dust is present.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Last Line of Defense
- Respirators – When engineering controls aren’t enough, NIOSH- or CSA-approved N95 or P100 respirators should be provided.
- Protective Clothing – Workers should wear disposable or washable work clothing to avoid carrying dust home.
The Importance of Training and Compliance
Training workers on silica hazards, proper equipment use, and safety procedures is vital. Employers must ensure compliance with provincial and federal OHS standards to avoid fines and, more importantly, to protect their workforce. Regular air monitoring and health surveillance programs can help identify risks early and prevent long-term health consequences.
The Importance of Training and Compliance
Silica dust exposure is preventable with the right controls and a strong safety culture. By following Canadian OHS guidelines, implementing dust suppression techniques, and providing proper PPE, safety managers and employers can create safer work environments and protect their teams from deadly diseases.
If your construction site needs a silica exposure assessment or compliance guidance, contact our industrial hygiene experts today.
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How Can We Help You?
Contact us at JADA Solutions (HSE) Inc. to speak with one of our professionals!
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