Silica in Construction and Manufacturing: Writing Exposure Control Plans that Stand Up to Scrutiny

Build task-based silica exposure control plans and verify effectiveness.

WorkSafeBC warns crystalline silica inhalation can cause serious illness, including silicosis and lung cancer, reinforcing the importance of exposure reduction. BCCSA provides silica exposure control plan templates and task-based examples. The ECPs should be tailored to site-specific tasks and controls.

A defensible ECP is task-based: identify dust-generating tasks; assign engineered dust controls (wet methods, local exhaust ventilation, shrouds with HEPA vacuums); implement administrative controls (sequencing, housekeeping); and use respirators as residual risk controls within a complete respiratory program. CCOHS describes respirator programs as needing hazard identification, exposure assessment, selection, fit testing, training, and evaluation. WorkSafeBC notes that workers needing an N95-equivalent must pass a fit test on the respirator used, reinforcing that “mask type” alone is not protection.

Verification is the difference between a template and a control system: review tool control maintenance, audit housekeeping, and monitor exposure where appropriate; update the ECP when tasks/materials change.

• Actionable takeaways

  Build ECPs by task and engineered dust controls; require fit-tested respirators where needed; verify with maintenance checks, housekeeping audits, and monitoring when appropriate.