Silica Exposure Control Plan Template & Generator
Generate a sample silica exposure control plan for your blasting operation. Customized with your company info. Free PDF download.
Quick answer
This tool generates guidance documents only. Not a substitute for professional safety consultation. Review with a qualified professional before use.
What's included in the plan
- Competent person designation
- Task descriptions (abrasive blasting operations)
- Engineering controls (Type CE supplied-air hoods, wet methods, ventilation)
- Respiratory protection program
- Housekeeping procedures (HEPA vacuuming, wet sweeping)
- Regulated area procedures
- Medical surveillance program
- Employee training requirements
Regulatory references
- Written ECP requirement: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153(g)
- Alternative Exposure Control: 1926.1153(d)(2), required when task is not on Table 1
- Respiratory protection program: 29 CFR 1910.134(c)
- Type CE abrasive-blast respirator: 42 CFR Part 84, Subpart K
- Grade D breathing air: CGA G-7.1, referenced in 1910.134(i)(7)
- Medical surveillance: 1926.1153(i), exams within 30 days of assignment
This tool is for guidance only. BlastBid is not a safety consultant, law firm, or OSHA-authorized trainer. The output is a starting template. Have it reviewed by a qualified safety professional before relying on it for compliance.
Common questions
What is a silica exposure control plan?+
A written plan required by OSHA standard 1926.1153(g) for construction employers whose workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica above the action level (25 µg/m³). It describes the tasks that involve silica exposure, engineering controls, respiratory protection, housekeeping, and medical surveillance procedures.
Do I need a silica exposure control plan for sandblasting?+
Yes. OSHA 1926.1153(g) requires a written exposure control plan when employees can be exposed to respirable crystalline silica. Abrasive blasting is not one of the listed Table 1 tasks, so blasting contractors normally use the Alternative Exposure Control method in 1926.1153(d), backed by objective data or air monitoring.
What goes in a silica exposure control plan?+
OSHA requires: a description of tasks involving silica, engineering and work practice controls for each task, respiratory protection procedures, housekeeping measures to limit silica dust, a procedure for restricting access to high-exposure areas, and a description of the medical surveillance program offered to workers.
What is the Alternative Exposure Control method?+
Under 1926.1153(d), employers assess exposure using objective data, the performance option, or scheduled personal air monitoring. For abrasive blasting, that exposure assessment is the compliance path when Table 1 does not apply or is not fully implemented.
Is this template OSHA-approved?+
No. OSHA does not approve or endorse third-party templates. This generator produces a starting-point document based on the requirements of 1926.1153(g). You should review the plan with a qualified safety professional and customize it for your specific operations before relying on it for compliance.
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