Cutting, grinding and drilling concrete, masonry, stone and engineered stone releases crystalline silica dust, which causes silicosis and other lung disease. OSHA's construction silica standard (29 CFR 1926.1153) lets employers follow Table 1, which pairs common tasks with dust controls such as water or vacuum extraction and, for some tasks, a respirator with an assigned protection factor of at least 10. Respirators must be NIOSH-approved and, when required, fit tested.
Silica dust is invisible at harmful levels. Controls at the source come first, then respirators.
Where silica comes from
Concrete, brick, block, mortar, stone, tile, engineered stone and some sands. Cutting, grinding, drilling, chipping and sweeping release it.
OSHA Table 1
Table 1 in 29 CFR 1926.1153 lists tasks such as handheld saws, grinders, jackhammers and drills with:
- An engineering control, usually water delivery or a shroud with a dust collector.
- Work practices, such as keeping equipment maintained.
- Respiratory protection, where required, with an assigned protection factor (APF).
Employers who follow Table 1 fully do not need to measure exposures for those tasks.
Respirators
| Type | APF | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| N95 filtering facepiece | 10 | Disposable; fit testing needed when required |
| Half-face elastomeric with P100 filters | 10 | Reusable, better seal for many users |
| Full-face with P100 filters | 50 | Higher protection, eye protection built in |
| PAPR (loose-fitting) | 25 | Powered air, no fit test for loose-fitting hoods |
All must be NIOSH-approved. Facial hair under the seal prevents a proper fit on tight-fitting respirators.
Dust control equipment
- Saws with water feeds.
- Shrouds connected to dust extractors with HEPA filters and filter-cleaning systems.
- HEPA vacuums instead of dry sweeping or compressed air.
See dust control for extractors. Protect the rest of the body with hard hats and boots.
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Common questions
Is an N95 enough for silica dust?
An N95 filtering facepiece has an assigned protection factor of 10, which meets the minimum for many Table 1 tasks when used with the required controls. Some tasks or longer durations require more.
What is Table 1 in the silica standard?
A table in OSHA's construction silica standard listing common tasks with the engineering controls and respiratory protection that satisfy the rule.
Do I need a fit test?
When a respirator is required, OSHA's respiratory protection standard requires a fit test before use and annually, plus a medical evaluation.
Do dust extractors replace respirators?
They reduce dust at the source and are required for many Table 1 tasks. Whether a respirator is also needed depends on the task and duration.