Silica dust control checklist

Site: ______________________ Date: ____________ Checked by: ______________________

01Plan the task

Dusty tasks on this job listed in the risk assessment, with the control for each.
Cutting, chasing or drilling reduced by design, pre-cut materials or other methods where possible.
Lower-energy tools chosen where they will do the job, such as a block splitter.
Work area screened off and other trades kept away from the dust.

02Controls at the tool

Water suppression connected, tank full, and flow reaching the cutting point for the whole cut. GP Regs reg 39(2)(e)
On-tool extraction fitted, with a hood that matches the tool and an H or M class unit. GP Regs reg 39(2)(d)
Extractor filter clean and hoses undamaged.
Ventilation in place for work indoors or in enclosed spaces. GP Regs reg 39(2)(c)

03Respirators

Respirator suited to the task issued to each worker doing or near the dusty work.
Each wearer fit-tested on the model they are using, with a record kept.
Wearers clean-shaven where a tight-fitting mask seals.
Spare masks and filters on site; used disposables thrown away, not reused.

04Clean-up

Dust cleaned by vacuum or wet methods; no dry sweeping. GP Regs reg 39(4)
No compressed air used to blow dust off surfaces or clothes.
Slurry from wet cutting cleared before it dries and turns back into dust.

05Monitoring and health

Air tested by a competent person, with results kept for at least 5 years. GP Regs reg 39(6), (8)
Results below the PEL: 0.1 mg/m3 for respirable quartz over 8 hours. GP Regs reg 40, First Schedule
Exposed workers on the designated workplace doctor's list. MOM medical monitoring
Pre-placement exam done within 3 months of starting, and periodic exams every 3 years. MOM medical monitoring
Crew trained on silica harm, using the controls and wearing respirators.

Legal requirement

Singapore's General Provisions Regulations require all reasonably practicable steps to protect workers from toxic dust, including wet methods, local exhaust ventilation and isolation of the work. Dust must be cleaned up without making it airborne, and the air tested by a competent person, with records kept for 5 years. The long-term exposure limit for respirable quartz is 0.1 mg/m3. MOM requires pre-placement and 3-yearly medical exams by a designated workplace doctor for silica-exposed workers.

This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Laws and codes of practice change; always check the current official text and your site's own procedures.

Silica dust control checklist

01Plan the task

02Controls at the tool

03Respirators

04Clean-up

05Monitoring and health

Sources and further reading

Related reading

Silica and construction dust: what supervisors need to know

Toolbox talk: silica dust

How to report a workplace accident in Bangladesh