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Personal protective equipment (PPE) options for work with silica in construction
download our e-Book (PDF, 6.6 MB)What is US Federal OSHA's crystalline silica regulation?
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On March 25, 2016 the US Federal OSHA published its Respirable Crystalline Silica in Construction regulations - 29 CFR 1926.1153.
The regulation, preamble, US OSHA Fact Sheet on Construction, FAQs, and compliance guidance are available on the OSHA silica website and it`s strongly encouraged to review and understand the entire regulation and preamble prior to work with silica.
The regulation applies to all US construction related occupational silica exposure unless the contractor can show worker exposures will remain below 25 micrograms per cubic meter of air (ug/m3) as an 8 hour time-weighted average (TWA) under all foreseeable conditions. Amorphous silica is not considered under this regulation.
Some resources from 3M that could help you:
Helpful tips to comply with the 2016 US OSHA Construction Silica Regulation and help to avoid common citations
Step 1: Conduct an exposure assessment.
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US Federal OSHA has published several support documents that should be reviewed along with the complete regulation. Many citations for the 29 CFR 1926.1153 are due to the lack of a proper exposure assessment. Complete an exposure assessment to help ensure that workers' exposures are less than the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 50 micrograms per cubic meter averaged over an 8 hour period. The current standard lowered the PEL by 80% from what it used to be.
OSHA has identified three methods to conduct an exposure assessment:
- Table 1: Identifies common construction tasks and specifies appropriate and effective engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection for each task.
- Performance Option: Assess the 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) exposure based on air monitoring data and other objective data.
- Schedule Monitoring Option: Initial monitoring is used to assess the 8-hour TWA exposure based on a personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples.
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Specified Exposure Control Methods: Table 1
To use Table 1 in place of performance or scheduled monitoring options, the employer must fully and properly implement the engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection specified for the task on Table 1.
29 CFR 1926.1153, Table 1 lists 18 equipment/tasks that may produce worker exposure to silica. US OSHA does not specify the type of respirator to be used, only the minimum assigned protection factor (APF) the respirator must have per 29 CFR 1910.134(d)(3)(i)(A). In addition to inhalation of silica, work with the equipment/tasks listed may simultaneously expose the worker to other hazards such as eye, head, fall and noise hazards.
3M created a technical bulletin with suggested examples of 3M respirators and particulate filters based on the current US OSHA Table 1 requirements, also included are additional examples of personal protective equipment (PPE) for other hazards that may be present.
For tasks not on Table 1, Performance or Scheduled monitoring options will need to be completed. Whether using Table 1 or another method of exposure assessment, steps 2-6 are required. If respirators are required, a written respiratory protection program will also be required. Go to 3M Center for Respiratory Protection for more information on respiratory protection programs.
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Step 2: Written Exposure Control Plan
Establish and implement a plan that identifies tasks that involve exposure and methods used to protect workers to silica.
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Step 3: Designate a Competent Person
The competent person should regularly inspect the job site, call in a qualified person for complex situations, and adjust the exposure control plan as needed.
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Step 4: Housekeeping
Document housekeeping procedures that limit employee exposure to silica in your written exposure control plan.
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Step 5: Medical Surveillance
Offer medical exams, (including chest x-rays and lung functions tests) every three years for workers who are required by the standard to wear a respirator for 30 or more days per year. Keep records of workers’ silica exposure and their medical exams.
Step 6: Training
Workers should be trained on the health hazards associated with silica, work operations that result in silica exposure and ways to limit exposure.
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Learn More - Watch our 3M Silica Webcast!
Since the 2016 Federal OSHA construction silica standards went into effect, four key requirements comprised 84% of OSHA's citations. This webinar will provide information on how to help you review your program requirements to help you understand the requirements related to the Federal OSHA standards for the construction industry related to:
- Table 1
- Exposure assessment and written exposure control plan
- Hazard communications and training.
See potential PPE options based on the OSHA construction silica regulation revision
Assigned Protection Factor (APF) and Maximum Use Concentration (MUC). If you are referring to US OSHA 29 1926.1153 Table 1, find your APF. If you are doing an objective or scheduled assessment, find your MUC.
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- NIOSH approved
- Adjustable nose clip options help provide a custom seal
- 3M proprietary filter media designed for ease of breathing
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- NIOSH approved
- 3M™ Cool Flow™ Exhalation Valve to help release warm and moist exhaled breath from inside the respirator
- Adjustable noseclip options help provide a custom seal
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- Unique three-panel design fits a wide range of face shapes/sizes and accommodates facial movements while talking. Sculpted top panel helps conform to nose and eye contours, allowing more room for eyewear
- Embossed top panel directs exhaled air away from the nose panel, helping reduce eyewear fogging
- Flat fold design offers convenient storage and portability
- Innovative chin tab designed for ease of positioning, donning & adjustment
- Soft nose foam and smooth inner materials feel comfortable against skin
- Adjustable nose clip helps provide a custom and secure seal
- 3M proprietary filter media designed for easy breathing
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- Economical and low maintenance half facepiece
- Lightweight elastomeric material for comfort
- Low-profile design minimizes interference with field of view
- Cradle head harness and adjustable straps
- When used with the correct 3M bayonet-style filters or cartridges it can protect against a broad range of gases, vapors and/or particulate hazards
- Compatible with 3M™ 2000, 5000, 7000 Series filters and 6000 Series cartridges to suit individual needs
- Can be used with 3M™ Powered and Supplied Air Systems for increased convenience and flexibility including TR-600, TR-800, and Dual Airline
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- Quick latch drop-down mechanism allows for easy on and off for moving in and out of contaminated areas without needing to remove a hard hat or faceshield
- When used with the correct 3M bayonet-style filters and/or cartridges it can protect against gases, vapors and/or particulate hazards
- Resilient silicone faceseal helps provide comfort, durability, and stability with a soft but firm seal
- 3M™ Cool Flow™ Valve allows for easy breathing and helps reduce warm and moist exhaled breath from inside the respirator and adjustable head cradle and straps offer a personalized fit.
- Low-profile, half-facepiece design offers a wide field of view
- Compatible with 3M™ 2000, 5000, 7000 and 6000 Series filters and cartridges to suit individual needs
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- Say It: Speaking Diaphragm is designed to help provide easy communication
- Hear It: Secure Click connection helps provide confidence that filters/cartridges are installed properly. Simply align the connections and push until you hear a click
- Check It: Easy, one-touch seal check helps increase worker confidence that the respirator is being worn properly
- Feel it: Experience the breathability and comfort provided by the world’s first quad-flow cartridge system
- Low profile design offers a wide field of view and compatibility with certain welding and grinding shields
- Faceseal designed to sit lower on the nose bridge to help improve eyewear compatibility
- Easy-adjust head cradle buckles provide two-way adjustability
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- Use with NIOSH approved 3M™ Half and Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6000, 6500, 7500, 7800S or FF-400 Series; or the 3M™ Scott™ AV-3000 SureSeal or AV-3000 HT
- Bayonet-style connection fits a wide range of compatible half and full facepiece 3M™ Reusable Respirators
- Advanced Electret Media (AEM) is designed to provide lightweight, easy breathing comfort
- Quarter turn twist for a quick and easy installation
- Flame resistant
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- Use with NIOSH approved 3M™ Half and Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6000, 6500, 7500, 7800S or FF-400 Series; or the 3M™ Scott™ AV-3000 SureSeal or AV-3000 HT
- Bayonet-style connection fits a wide range of compatible half and full facepiece 3M™ Reusable Respirators
- Advanced Electret Media (AEM) is designed to provide lightweight, easy breathing comfort
- Quarter turn twist for a quick and easy installation
- Flame resistant
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- NIOSH approved for environments containing certain oil and non-oil based particles
- Hear it: Quick, simple cartridge connection. Simply align the connections and push until you hear a click. Use with NIOSH approved 3M™ Secure Click™ Facepieces
- Feel it: Dual-flow filters allow for easy breathing
- Swept back filter design for compatibility with certain welding and grinding shields
- Use for protection in hazardous environments. For workplace/occupational use only
- Swept-back design for enhanced field of view and comfort
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- Respiratory protection against dusts, mists, fumes and other particulate hazards, and a variety of gas and vapor hazards, including organic vapor and acid gas
- Three user selectable airflows with loose-fitting and tight-fitting options, enable the user to control flow settings to allow the user to find the setting they find most comfortable
- Blowers automatically adjust airflow to compensate for filter loading to deliver consistent filtered air during use
- Audible, visual, and vibratory alerts for low airflow and low battery charge-level to keep you prepared and informed
- High capacity battery option available for longer run time and reduced downtime
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- Slim, lightweight unit is well-balanced and comfortable to wear for long work shifts
- Two user selectable airflows enable the user to control flow settings to allow the user to find the setting they find most comfortable
- Blowers automatically adjust airflow to compensate for filter loading to deliver consistent filtered air during use
- Audible and visual alerts for low airflow and low battery charge-level to keep you prepared and informed
- Able to be worn in a belt or backpack
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- Recommended applications include assembly, chemical cleanup/handling, chemical splash, chiseling, cleaning, furnace operations, grinding, laboratories, machining, masonry, painting, sanding, sawing, and more
- Meets the requirements of the ANSI Z87.1-2010 standard, high impact level for eye and face protection
- Use with 3M™ Particle Filters 2000, 2200, 7000, or 5000 Series to filter certain particulates
- Use with 3M 6000 Series Gas/Vapor Cartridges to help filter a broad range of gases and vapors
- Use with 3M 6000 Series Combination Cartridges to help filter particulates in addition to gases and vapors
- Compatible with 3M™ TR-600 and TR-800 powered air and Dual Airline supplied air systems against a variety of gases, vapors, and particulate hazards
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- Recommended applications include assembly, chemical cleanup/handling, furnace operations, grinding, laboratories, machining, masonry, painting, sanding, sawing, and more
- Meets the requirements of ANSI Z87.1-2003 standard for eye and face protection
- Use with 3M™ Particle Filters 2000, 2200, 7000, or 5000 Series to help filter certain particulates
- Use with 3M 6000 Series Gas/Vapor Cartridges to help filter a broad range of gases and vapors
- Use with 3M 6000 Series Combination Cartridges to help filter particulates in addition to gases and vapors
- Compatible with 3M™ TR-600 and TR-800 powered air and Dual Airline supplied air systems against a variety of gases, vapors, and particulate hazards
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- The quick, easy, one-touch positive pressure push button seal check helps provide improved confidence in respirator fit
- Two dual-flow cartridges on each respirator combine to create the world’s first quad flow cartridge systems with four airflow paths providing easy breathing and comfort
- Six-strap harness helps provide a secure comfortable fit
- Speaking diaphragm is designed to help provide easy communication
- The FF-800 Series meets the requirements of ANSI Z87.1-2015 standard for eye and face protection
- NIOSH, a Federal government regulatory agency, has tested and approved the FF-800 with 3M Secure Click cartridges and filters
- Recommended applications include assembly, chemical clean-up, chemical handling, chipping, chiseling, cleaning, furnace operations, grinding, machining, masonry, painting, pouring/casting, sanding and sawing
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- Use with NIOSH approved 3M™ Half and Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6000, 6500, 7500, 7800S or FF-400 Series; or the 3M™ Scott™ AV-3000 SureSeal or AV-3000 HT
- Bayonet-style connection fits a wide range of compatible half and full facepiece 3M™ Reusable Respirators
- Advanced Electret Media (AEM) is designed to provide lightweight, easy breathing comfort
- Quarter turn twist for a quick and easy installation
- Flame resistant
-
- Use with NIOSH approved 3M™ Half and Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6000, 6500, 7500, 7800S or FF-400 Series; or the 3M™ Scott™ AV-3000 SureSeal or AV-3000 HT
- Bayonet-style connection fits a wide range of compatible half and full facepiece 3M™ Reusable Respirators
- Advanced Electret Media (AEM) is designed to provide lightweight, easy breathing comfort
- Quarter turn twist for a quick and easy installation
- Flame resistant
-
- NIOSH approved for environments containing certain oil and non-oil based particles
- Hear it: Quick, simple cartridge connection. Simply align the connections and push until you hear a click. Use with NIOSH approved 3M™ Secure Click™ Facepieces
- Feel it: Dual-flow filters allow for easy breathing
- Swept back filter design for compatibility with certain welding and grinding shields
- Use for protection in hazardous environments. For workplace/occupational use only
- Swept-back design for enhanced field of view and comfort
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- M-Series are specifically designed to work together with your 3M™ Versaflo™ and 3M™ Supplied Air Respiratory Systems
- Deflector allows users to direct the airflow inside the headtop to increase comfort
- Fully-adjustable suspension for customized fit and weight distribution
- Accessory options availalble for protection to help handle the environments you encounter
- Visor combines good peripheral and downward vision
- Can be used with a range of 3M™ Peltor™ hearing protection as well as an attachable microphone for ease of communication
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- Respiratory protection against dusts, mists, fumes and other particulate hazards, and a variety of gas and vapor hazards, including organic vapor and acid gas
- Three user selectable airflows with loose-fitting and tight-fitting options, enable the user to control flow settings to allow the user to find the setting they find most comfortable
- Blowers automatically adjust airflow to compensate for filter loading to deliver consistent filtered air during use
- Audible, visual, and vibratory alerts for low airflow and low battery charge-level to keep you prepared and informed
- High capacity battery option available for longer run time and reduced downtime
-
- Slim, lightweight unit is well-balanced and comfortable to wear for long work shifts
- Two user selectable airflows enable the user to control flow settings to allow the user to find the setting they find most comfortable
- Blowers automatically adjust airflow to compensate for filter loading to deliver consistent filtered air during use
- Audible and visual alerts for low airflow and low battery charge-level to keep you prepared and informed
- Able to be worn in a belt or backpack
Resources for additional PPE for silica and other construction hazards.
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Wear time is the percentage of time workers actually wear their required PPE vs. the amount of time they should wear it to achieve the desired protection.
You can help to encourage workers to wear all their required PPE by paying careful attention to PPE comfort, communication and performance from the start, and using fit testing to help validate that PPE works together. -
Eye, head, fall and noise hazards often exist during tasks where respirable silica is generated, such as grinding, finishing, etc. Combine multiple PPE categories can help to address hazards and worker needs such as comfort and communication.
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Construction sites have many different hazards, such as working at height, respiratory hazards, noise, lack of effective communication, and the potential for being struck-by or crushed by objects.
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Thank you for subscribing - Watch our 3M Silica Webcast!
Since the 2016 Federal OSHA construction silica standards went into effect, four key requirements comprised 84% of OSHA's citations. This webinar will provide information on how to help you review your program requirements to help you understand the requirements related to the Federal OSHA standards for the construction industry related to:
- Table 1
- Exposure assessment and written exposure control plan
- Hazard communications and training.
