Silica Exposure Control Plan
Task-specific controls per Table 1, medical surveillance, respirator requirements.
What this document is
This document is a ready-to-use written plan that meets OSHA requirements for controlling employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica. It outlines task-specific controls, exposure assessments, medical surveillance, and respirator use so contractors stay compliant and keep workers safe.
The regulation that requires it
OSHA's respirable crystalline silica standard for construction is found at 29 CFR 1926.1153. The general industry standard appears at 29 CFR 1910.1053. Both rules require employers to implement a written exposure control plan when employee exposure may reach or exceed the action level. The regulation specifically directs employers to list all tasks that involve silica, describe the engineering controls and work practices that will be used, and include procedures for housekeeping, medical surveillance, and respirator requirements.
Who needs it
Construction employers whose workers perform tasks that generate respirable crystalline silica dust need this plan. Affected trades include concrete finishers, masons, drywall installers, tile setters, roofers, and heavy-equipment operators. The requirement applies on every federal OSHA job site and in every state-plan state. California contractors must also satisfy the parallel Title 8 CCR 1532.3 requirements enforced by Cal/OSHA.
What happens without it
OSHA and Cal/OSHA routinely cite employers for failing to maintain a written exposure control plan. A serious violation currently carries a maximum penalty of $16,131 per violation while a willful or repeated violation can reach $161,323. Inspectors frequently issue multi-employer citations when subcontractors on the same site lack the required plan. The absence of a plan also increases the likelihood of stop-work orders and higher insurance premiums.
What's included in the generated document
- Scope and responsibility section
- List of silica-generating tasks with Table 1 controls
- Exposure assessment and monitoring procedures
- Medical surveillance program requirements
- Respirator and housekeeping procedures
How to implement it at your company
- Talk to Guy first. Describe your operation, trade, and location — Guy draws from 300,000+ verified OSHA and state regulatory citations to build a compliance plan specific to your company. Your answers shape every section of the document you receive. Takes about 10 minutes.
- Download the PDF and edit the company name, site-specific information, and responsible person fields.
- Review the task list and mark which activities your crews actually perform.
- Train supervisors and field crews on the selected control methods and work practices.
- Distribute the plan to all subcontractors and keep a copy accessible on every job site.
- Schedule annual reviews and update the document when new tasks or equipment are introduced.