Respirable Crystalline Silica Control Measures

Written by: Irvin Herman

Respirable crystalline silica, or RCS, is a microscopic hazard found naturally in soil & sand, stone, mortar, concrete, engineered stone, bricks, and ceramics. On the job site, these materials produce dust when those materials are cut, grinded, and crushed. These tiny fragments of silica are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they can cause lasting damage (Eurofins, 2026). But what can be done do to reduce staff exposure to RCS?

Elimination:

• Use Wet Methods: the use of water-integrated tools to apply water during the process of cutting, grinding and drilling helps reduce silica dust from becoming airborne (OSHA, 2016).

• Local Exhaust Ventilation: The immediate extraction of silica particles on cutting tools equipped with vacuums or dust collection systems (OSHA, 2016).

Engineering Controls

• Isolation and Exclusion: Activities which produce RCS dust should be isolated to prevent the spread of dust into other areas within the building (OSHA, 2016).

Administrative Control

• Staff Training: Workers should be informed on handling techniques to prevent excessive exposure (OSHA, 2016).

• Signage: The installation of safety signs and warning labels to provide staff with a constant reminder of the materials they are handling (OSHA, 2016).

• Cultural Practices: Avoidance of dry sweeping and the use compressed air for cleaning as these activities aerosolise dust (NIOSH, 2019).

Personal Protective Equipment

• Lung Protection:  When engineering measures aren’t enough to reduce individual exposure below permissible limits. NIOSH approved respirators should be worn. Respirators should be fit tested to ensure full effectiveness (OSHA, 2016).

• Protective Clothing and Doffing: The settling of dust on clothing can put exposed individuals at risk when respirators are removed. Disposable clothing or washable coveralls should be worn in high activity areas and doffed in a designated decontamination area. This will reduce secondary exposure to other workers and family members (OSHA, 2016)

If RCS dust is suspected to be in the air or employees are showing symptoms which aligns with RCS exposure, consider getting the air sampled (OSHA, 2016). Employees can significantly reduce RCS exposure by wetting down dust, using ventilation, practicing safe housekeeping, wearing respirators when needed, and following training programs. These measures, combined with employer implemented controls, create a safer work environment and protect long-term health.

References

Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction” United States Department of Labour, 2016, https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3902.pdf

Magalhaes, Leandro. “Respirable Crystalline Silica: Advanced Sampling & Analysis for OSHA/MSHA Compliance Confirmation”. Eurofins, 5 Feb. 2026. Webinar

National Institute for Safety and Health “Dust Control Handbook for Industrial Minerals Mining and Processing” United Sates Department of Health, 2019, pp. 62 https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/mining/UserFiles/works/pdfs/2019-124.pdf