Determining How Much Silica Is Present

If workers or employers determine that silica is a potential hazard in the workplace, it must then be determined exactly how much silica is present. In order to find out the silica concentration level, the employer must collect a sample of the item that contains silica and send the sample to a laboratory for analysis.

Air Sampling

Silica dust may be in the air in a workplace. One way to collect an air sample is with a cyclone filter assembly. A trained specialist, such as a certified industrial hygienist, uses a combination device called a cyclone assembly and a sampling pump to trap tiny respirable silica particles from the air in the work environment. The cyclone assembly and sampling pump are placed on an employee, who will wear the device throughout the work shift for up to 8 hours. All employees may be fitted with the sampling device, or just a select few who are closest to the silica source may be fitted. The industrial hygienist can help determine what will be most appropriate.

The hygienist will return at the end of the sampling period to de-activate the sampling pump and remove the filters, which are then sent for analysis.

To learn more about Silica Safety visit our General & Maritime Silica Safety Online Training web page.