- Have all silica-generating tasks been documented (e.g., cutting, grinding, drilling)?
OSHA’s Silica Standard (29 CFR 1910.1053) requires employers to limit workers’ exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Use this checklist to assess your facility’s current silica dust control efforts and identify key improvements.
1. Silica Dust Hazard Identification
- Have all work areas been assessed for respirable crystalline silica levels?
- Do you conduct regular exposure monitoring in high-risk zones?
- Are records of exposure data maintained and accessible?
2. Engineering Controls
- Are wet methods or ventilation used to suppress dust at the source?
- Do you use HEPA-filtered vacuums as part of your dust collection system?
- Is your vacuum fully grounded and OSHA compliant?
- Are tools connected to integrated dust collection systems?
Consider the PowerLift Silica Dust Vacuum—engineered for high-volume silica control, HEPA filtration, and built-in safety.
3. Equipment Specifications
- Does your current vacuum meet HEPA specs (99.97% efficiency at 0.3 microns)?
- Does it support continuous-duty operation (10–20 HP motor options)?
- Is the system mobile (forklift pockets, lifting eyes)?
- Is your system compatible with multi-zone or scalable setups?
4. Administrative Controls
- Have employees received silica-specific training on dust hazards?
- Is a written silica exposure control plan (ECP) in place and updated annually?
- Do you have a routine maintenance and inspection protocol for vacuums?
- Are HEPA filters replaced at recommended intervals?
5. PPE & Monitoring
- Are workers equipped with NIOSH-approved respirators when needed?
- Is real-time air monitoring or spot testing used during high-exposure tasks?
- Do you keep documentation of all PPE and monitoring activities?
Recommended Action:
If any item is unchecked, schedule a safety audit or equipment review.
Speak to a DuroVac Specialist for a free consultation
Learn how the PowerLift Series: OSHA-Approved HEPA Vacuums can help your team stay compliant, audit-ready, and confidently in control of silica dust hazards.
