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<td><a href="https://misportal.jlab.org/ll/index.jsf?function=view&lessonId=826">Recurring Worker Exposure to Silica prompts Distribution of Memorandum from DOE</a></td>
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<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">Statement of Lessons Learned</h2>
<pre>For a copy of the original report, see Attachments on Lessons Learned page.
An “Operating Experience Level 3 – Dangers of Respirable Silica” was widely distributed throughout DOE organizations. This document (attached) provides information on the safety concern related to recurring worker exposure to crystalline silica dust. Common construction materials contain silica including asphalt, brick, cement, concrete, drywall, grout, mortar, stone, sand, and tile. Materials that contain silica become hazardous when disturbed. Activities such as grinding, cutting, jack hammering, abrasive blasting, and using mobile excavation equipment such as drills, loaders, and graders are activities that generate crystalline silica particles that are able to enter the lungs and expose workers to respirable silica. Breathing silica can lead to silicosis, for which there is no effective treatment.
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<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">Discussion of Activities</h2>
<pre>Below are DOE events that demonstrate the importance of good work planning and controls, along with Industrial Hygiene (IH) support.
March 2012 - Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility reported a subcontractor’s recurring failure to recognize silica as a hazard. Two incidents occurred where workers were exposed to respirable silica above acceptable limits, and two actual events occurred which required further review.
May 2012 - Los Alamos National Laboratory received sample results that indicated two subcontractors had been exposed to silica dust above accepted limits while cutting and jack-hammering concrete.
July, 2012 - Pantex issued a management concern after laboratory results indicated possible silica contaminants in a breathing zone filter after grinding operations had been performed. No over-exposure had incurred; however, weaknesses in sampling strategies and work planning were identified.
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<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">Analysis</h2>
<pre>Proper work planning, controls, and involvement of Industrial Hygiene could have prevented these exposures. Work that includes construction, deactivation, and decommissioning, drilling, abrasive blasting, and the use of mobile excavation equipment, should recognize the potential occupational exposure to respirable silica hazard.
Hazard communication and training is required by 10CFR851 for workers who could become exposed.
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<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">Recommended Actions</h2>
<pre>The below are provided for information and discussion purposes.
Implement the following as appropriate:
• Engineering controls: blasting cabinets, local exhaust ventilation, water sprays or other wet methods when cutting, drilling, and sawing.
• Work controls: address all dust that could be generated.
• Respiratory protection: address a selection of respirators approved for protection against silica.
• Training: addresses all potential hazards, including likely sources of silica exposures and health consequences of potential exposures.
• Good work habits: wash hands and face before eating, drinking, or smoking. Do these activities away from the exposed area.
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<h2>Comments</h2>
<h5 style="white-space:nowrap">6/6/2014 2:12:50 PM by Bailey, Mary Jo</h5>
<pre>Submitted to those current in:
•SAF138: Silica Safety</pre>
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<legend>Summary</legend>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Lesson ID:</td>
<td class="dataval">826</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Status:</td>
<td class="dataval">OK</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Doc ID:</td>
<td class="dataval">2014-JLAB-826</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Priority:</td>
<td class="dataval">Info</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Safety Related:</td>
<td class="dataval">YES</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Originator:</td>
<td class="dataval">Bailey, Mary Jo</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Issued:</td>
<td class="dataval">6/6/2014 2:09:18 PM</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Approved By:</td>
<td class="dataval">Bailey, Mary Jo</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Approved On:</td>
<td class="dataval">6/6/2014 2:12:50 PM</td>
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<td class="label">Source:</td>
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DOECRD
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<td class="label" nowrap>Location:</td>
<td class="dataval">OTHER</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Cost Savings:</td>
<td class="dataval"></td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Contact:</td>
<td class="dataval">Matthew B. Moury, Acting Associate Under Secretary for EHS&S via Ashley Ruocco 301-903-7010</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Queued Emails:</td>
<td class="dataval">0</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Sent Emails:</td>
<td class="dataval">0</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Viewings:</td>
<td class="dataval">3 times</td>
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<legend>Attachments</legend>
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<li><a target="_blank" href="https://misportal.jlab.org/ll/downloadAttachment?attachmentId=3080">M:\wcd\LessonsLearned\Silica\DOE-Blue-Silica Report 1.pdf</a></li>
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<legend>Hazard Issues</legend>
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<li>Silica</li>
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<legend>Skills</legend>
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<li>SAF138: Silica Safety</li>
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<legend>Distribution/Notification</legend>
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<li>*Division Safety Officers (DSOs)</li>
<li>*Safety Wardens</li>
<li>*DOE Notification</li>
<li>*ESH&Q Liaisons</li>
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