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Worker exposure
Silica & Dust Control
Data centers are concrete buildings, and every cut, core and grind puts silica in the air. AAAT3 writes exposure control plans, sets up Table 1 controls and monitors dust so your crews, neighbors and live data halls stay protected.
- Exposure control plans
- Table 1 controls
- Air monitoring
- Respirator programs
- Housekeeping rules
By the numbers
Why silica control is required
Construction workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica
OSHA silica ruleLives OSHA estimates its silica rule saves each year
OSHA silica ruleNew silicosis cases OSHA estimates the rule prevents each year
OSHA silica ruleWhat’s included
Silica controls that protect people and gear
Silica is a lung hazard for workers and a dust hazard for live equipment.
Exposure control plans
OSHA requires a written plan for silica work.
- Tasks that create silica dust
- Controls for each task
- Housekeeping rules
- Restricted access to dusty work
Table 1 controls
Follow Table 1 and you may not need air sampling.
- Water and vacuum controls
- Tool and shroud selection
- Respirator needs by task and time
- Control checks in the field
Monitoring and medical
Tasks outside Table 1 need exposure checks.
- Personal air sampling
- Results and notices to workers
- Respirator program support
- Medical exam tracking
Project management and consulting
Project management and consulting for silica
AAAT3 can write your silica plan, run monitoring or oversee concrete trades.
Silica program consulting
Written exposure control plan and competent person training.
Best for: Contractors doing concrete workExposure monitoring
Personal air sampling and reports for tasks outside Table 1.
Best for: Tasks without a Table 1 matchConcrete trade oversight
Daily checks that cutting, coring and grinding controls are used.
Best for: Sites with heavy concrete workRespirator program support
Fit testing coordination, medical clearance and records.
Best for: Crews needing respiratorsDust control near live systems
Barriers and monitoring when concrete work is near running gear.
Best for: Expansions in live facilitiesCitation response
Corrective action plans after a silica citation.
Best for: Companies with an OSHA noticeHow it works
From task list to controlled dust
List
Tasks that create silica dust.
Plan
Controls for each task.
Equip
Tools, shrouds, water and vacuums.
Check
Field checks every shift.
Monitor
Air sampling where needed.
Record
Results and training filed.
Rule of thumb: dry sweeping and compressed air on silica dust are not allowed when better methods exist. Use vacuums and water.
Ways to work with us
Pick the level of support you need
Start small with a review, put a qualified person on site, or hand us the whole program. Every option is priced to your scope.
Quick start
Silica plan review
A review of your exposure control plan and field controls.
- Plan review
- Field check
- Fix list
- Report in days
Most popular
Monitoring service
Personal air sampling with written results.
- Sampling plan
- Air sampling
- Lab results
- Worker notices
Full program
Silica program management
We manage silica compliance for the whole project.
- Plan and training
- Field oversight
- Monitoring
- Owner reporting
What you get
Deliverables
Exposure control plan
Written plan for each silica task.
Task control sheets
One page per task for crews.
Air sampling reports
Results with notices to workers.
Training records
Who was trained and when.
Field check logs
Controls checked every shift.
Weekly report
Findings and fixes.
Standards
Codes and standards we work to
Silica
3- 29 CFR 1926.1153
Respirable crystalline silica in constructionFederal
- 29 CFR 1910.134
Respiratory protectionFederal
- 29 CFR 1926.1153 Table 1
Specified exposure control methodsFederal
Supporting
2- 29 CFR 1926.59
Hazard communicationFederal
- EM 385-1-1
USACE safety and health requirementsFederal
Related data center services
Every phase of the build, one partner
Where we do this work
Cutting, coring or grinding concrete? Get your silica plan checked before OSHA does.
Get a Silica Control QuoteFAQ
Common questions
What does OSHA require for silica?
A written exposure control plan, Table 1 controls or exposure monitoring, respirators where needed, housekeeping rules, training and medical exams for workers who wear respirators 30 or more days a year.
What is Table 1?
A list of common construction tasks with set controls. Following it fully lets you skip exposure monitoring for those tasks.
When is air sampling needed?
When a task is not on Table 1 or the Table 1 controls are not fully used.
Can silica dust hurt data center equipment?
Yes. Fine dust can clog filters and set off smoke detection, so dust control also protects live rooms.
Can AAAT3 do air sampling?
Yes. We plan and run personal air sampling and provide written results.
Get a quote for Silica & Dust Control
Tell us about your project, location and start date. We reply with a plan and pricing.
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