Know the Hazard
Take Action
Workers can:
- Use all equipment and follow work practices provided to them by their employer to control the dust. The controls won’t work if they’re not used.
- Be aware of the operations and the job tasks that can create crystalline silica exposures and know the steps that should be taken to prevent exposures.
- Participate in training, exposure monitoring, and health screening and surveillance programs to monitor any adverse health effects caused by crystalline silica exposures.
- Wear disposable or washable work clothes and shower if facilities are available. Vacuum the dust from your clothes and change into clean clothing before leaving the work site. Do not brush or blow the dust off! Do not bring dust home!
- Be aware of the health hazards related to exposures to crystalline silica. Smoking adds to the lung damage caused by silica exposures.
- Avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or applying cosmetics in areas where crystalline silica dust is present. Wash your hands and face outside of dusty areas before performing any of these activities.
- Provide your doctor with a copy of the Physician’s Alert for Silicosis and Silica-related Illnesses (also available in Spanish) to ensure that you are properly diagnosed and treated. Many cases of silicosis and silica-related illnesses are misdiagnosed because physicians are unaware of their patient’s work history and unfamiliar with the signs associated with this occupational illness. Without proper diagnosis and reporting, workers cannot receive suitable medical treatment and advice.
To learn more ….
- Don’t Let Silica Dust You! (video)
- Silica Hazard Alert in English
- Silica Hazard Alert in Spanish
- Silica Toolbox Talk
