Silica Dust Management Plan
Introduction
Crystalline Silica Substance (CSS) refers to materials containing at least 1% crystalline silica by weight. Common examples include engineered stone, natural stone (such as granite and sandstone), concrete, bricks, cement, and fibre cement products. Activities like cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling, polishing, scabbling, and crushing these materials can generate respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust, posing significant health risks. Even routine tasks like dry sweeping or using compressed air can disturb settled dust, making RCS airborne.
RCS particles are microscopic and can remain suspended in the air for extended periods, making them easily inhaled by workers. Prolonged exposure to RCS can lead to serious lung diseases, including silicosis and lung cancer, which may result in permanent disability or death. Silicosis manifests in three forms, varying in severity based on exposure duration and concentration:
Acute Silicosis: Develops after exposure to extremely high concentrations of RCS over a short period (less than one year).
5 more job steps, from Cutting, grinding, or drilling concrete, masonry, or stone materials (Examples only) to Maintenance, cleaning, and housekeeping activities in areas with potential RCS exposure (Examples only)
- Review procedure
- References and applicable documents
- Terminology
- Document control
- Respirable crystalline silica policy
- and 5 more
Each with its hazards, risk ratings and controls, plus your crew's sign-on.




