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Injury Prevention Resources for Construction - Hazardous Materials
Asbestos | Dust | Lead | Paints & Coatings | Silica
The following links list tools, publications, and other resources to help prevent the most common injuries and illnesses in the construction industry. These resources may not meet all the requirements for health and safety in British Columbia. Please check the Workers Compensation Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, and related materials for specific WorkSafeBC requirements.
Silica
Employers are required under Section 5.54 (Exposure control plan) of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) to develop an exposure control plan (ECP) when workers are or may be exposed to airborne silica dust in excess of 50% of the exposure limit.
To assist occupational health and safety professionals with this task, WorkSafeBC has posted the following sample documents (in editable Microsoft Word format), which can be used to help create an employer’s ECP. Note that these sample documents are not sufficient to constitute an ECP; a WorkSafeBC occupational hygiene officer would have to make a determination as to whether or not a completed ECP meets the requirements of the OHSR.
| Title: | Developing a silica exposure control plan (Word 476kb) | ||
| Description: | This guidance document provides information on each of the required elements of an ECP, as follows:
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| Title: | Exposure control plan for cutting fibrous cement board (Word 95kb) | ||
| Description: | The cutting of fibrous cement board without proper dust controls can generate high levels of silica-containing dust. Breathing in this fine dust can cause a serious lung disease called silicosis, which is characterized by scarring and thickening of the lung and can result in death. This information will help contractors develop an Exposure Control Plan (ECP) for work involving the cutting of fibrous cement board. | ||
Silica Exposure (video)
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Silica is a common substance found in sand, rock, and building materials such as concrete and brick. Cutting, grinding, or drilling these materials releases dangerous crystalline silica dust into the air. This video shows how breathing in silica dust can cause permanent damage to the lungs. (2 min 01s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC |
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The dangers of breathing silica dust
This WorkSafe bulletin defines silica, silicosis, and how employers and workers can protect themselves from exposure to silica dust.
Source: WorkSafeBC
Cloud control (PDF 209 KB)
"It's time to clear the air about silica dust. More common than asbestos---but just as deadly---regular exposure to this substance requires thorough prevention measures." WorkSafe Magazine July/August 2009.
Source: WorkSafeBC
Crystalline Silica Dust Exposure in Construction (PDF 176 KB)
"Worker exposure to crystalline silica and other air contaminants often goes unchecked because some businesses lack organized respiratory protection programs or employee training."
Source: Yukon Worker's Compensation Health and Safety Board
eLCOSH Silica/Construction Dust Links
Various resources on silica.
Source: eLCOSH (Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety and Health)
New Shroud Design Controls Silica Dust from Surface Mine and Construction Blast Hole Drills
(NIOSH Hazard Control)
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
Nationwide Alert on Silicosis
"A nationwide Alert to warn workers involved in rock drilling that they may be at risk for developing silicosis -- a chronic, irreversible, sometimes fatal, respiratory disease which is completely preventable."
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
NIOSH Warns of Silicosis Risks in Construction, Suggests Measures to Reduce Exposure
"Exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust during construction activities can cause silicosis -- a serious and potentially fatal respiratory disease -- but employers and workers can take practical steps to reduce risks, according to an Alert released by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)."
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
NIOSH Silica Topic Page
Provides links to various documents.
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
Preventing Silicosis and Deaths from Sandblasting
This Alert describes 99 cases of silicosis from exposure to crystalline silica during sandblasting. It recommends measures to reduce such exposures in the workplace.
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
OSHA Technical Links: Silica, Crystalline
List of "technical links" to internal and external online resources.
Source: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
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