Toolbox talk · Health hazards
Silica dust
This week we are cutting, grinding, and drilling concrete and block, and that makes silica dust. The dust you can't see is the dangerous part, because it gets deep in your lungs and stays there. Lung damage from silica can't be undone, so we control the dust from the start.
Published 2026-10-23
Key points
- 1Use water on saws and grinders whenever the tool is set up for it. Check that the water is flowing before you start the cut, and keep it flowing the whole time.
- 2When a tool has a shroud and vacuum, hook it up and turn it on. Check the hose, filter, and bag before you start, and empty the vacuum carefully.
- 3Never dry sweep or use compressed air to clean up silica dust. Use a HEPA vacuum or wet it down first.
- 4Wear the respirator you were assigned when the task calls for it, and make sure it seals on your face. Facial hair under the seal means it won't protect you.
- 5Stay upwind and keep other workers away from the cutting area. If you see a dust cloud, stop and fix the controls before going on.
- 6Cut outdoors or in well-ventilated areas when you can, and don't eat, drink, or smoke where you're cutting.
- 7Shake off or vacuum your clothes before breaks and going home, and wash your hands and face. Don't bring the dust to your truck or family.
Talk it over
- Which tasks on this site make the most dust, and what control are we using for each one?
- Is any of our water or vacuum equipment not working right that we need to fix or replace?
- Where could other trades walk into our dust, and how do we keep them out?
Remember
If you see dust, you're breathing it: wet it, vacuum it, or mask up before you cut.
Also in the other language: Polvo de sílice
Official sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1153 — Respirable crystalline silica
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