Frequently Asked Questions

Exposure to respirable silica can be prevented with multiple levels of control. Ideally, processes that create respirable silica would be excluded or replaced if possible. Physical barriers can be very effective as well as wetting of materials, local exhaust ventilation, dust-collecting systems, and finally personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators.

The Silica Control Tool can assist employers in establishing appropriate controls.

The occupational exposure limit has been established for respirable silica at 0.025 mg/m3. But what does that mean and how can you judge if the dust generated during a given work task will exceed the limit without elaborate and lengthy testing? The Silica Control Tool can help.

• Input the task details, such as material, process, duration, and the tool will predict the amount of respirable silica being released.
• Add control options and see how the exposure to respirable silica, and thereby the risk to the worker, reduces.
• The tool will generate an Exposure Control Plan describing the anticipated exposure, chosen control options, and resulting level of respiratory protection required (if any).

The Silica Control Tool will generate an Exposure Control Plan describing the anticipated exposure, chosen control options, and resulting level of respiratory protection required (if any). This plan can be used to communicate the controls and requirements to the workers performing the task, train workers and raise awareness. The Exposure Control Plan can be used by employers to demonstrate compliance to WorkSafeNB Health and Safety Officers. The Officers can use the plan to verify that they are followed as  described in the plan, the selected control options are in place and effective, and the level of respiratory protection (if any) used by workers is adequate.

New Brunswick’s occupational exposure limit for Silica is 0.025 mg/m³. Employers must ensure that the exposure of an employee at no time exceeds the occupational exposure limit and must implement and maintain appropriate controls for this purpose. Furthermore, employers must determine the level of exposure to respirable silica when the concentration may reach 50% of the occupational exposure limit.

The Silica Control Tool can assist employers in determining the level of exposure, and in the selection and implementation of appropriate controls.

 Currently, the Silica Control Tool is available in English only, but a French translation is in progress.