Silica Management Program
Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a common mineral found in many naturally occurring and human-caused materials used in building and hardscape construction. Respirable-sized particles are generated during high-energy operations like sawing,cutting, grinding, drilling, excavating, and crushing silica-containing materials or when abrasive blasting with silica-containing materials or on substrates that contain silica. RCS exposure at elevated levels can lead to health effects such as silicosis, lung cancer, and kidney disease.
About the Program
- The Respirable Crystalline Silica Program (Program) and exposure control plan havebeen developed to protect the health and safety of Dartmouth College employees, building occupants, visitors, and contractors from potential exposure to crystalline silica. This Program and exposure control plan were developed in accordance with OSHA's regulations governing respirable crystalline silica in construction work, 29 CFR 1926.1153, and OSHA's general regulations governing exposure to respirable silica, 29 CFR 1910.1053
- This Program applies to all faculty, staff, student employees, and contractors of Dartmouth College who may be exposed to RCS. This program covers employees who work with silica, establishes the minimum requirements for working with silica, and applies to those who are exposed over the action level.
Silica Management Program