At a glance
Assessing worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) helps determine needs for exposure controls and personal protective equipment. Prior to exposure monitoring, review analytical methods and consult an accredited laboratory for analysis.
Assessment methods
The NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) is a collection of methods for sampling and analyzing contaminants in workplace air. These methods have been developed or adapted by NIOSH or its partners.
They have also been evaluated according to established experimental protocols and performance criteria. NMAM includes chapters on quality assurance, sampling, and portable instrumentation.
- NIOSH Method 7500 - Silica, Crystalline, by XRD (filter redeposition) is the preferred method for most sampling where crystalline silica is in a mineral matrix such as concrete or asphalt.
- NIOSH Method 7602 – Silica, Crystalline, by IR is recommended if there are minimal amounts of amorphous silica and silicates in the sample.
- NIOSH Method 7603 – Silica in Coal Mine Dust is for using when analyzing for silica in coal dust.
Other Methods
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Method ID-142. This OSHA method is similar to NIOSH Method 7500 and can be used in most sampling situations where silica is in a mineral matrix (i.e., in concrete or asphalt).
- Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Method P7. Method for sampling coal dust.
Health Hazard Evaluation Program
The NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) program is a free service that assesses or evaluates U.S. workplaces for health hazards. Reports of onsite visits which describe findings and recommendations are published online without company or employee names. Go to CDC - NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluations (HHEs) - Search to search for and view these reports.
Resources
- The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards is a source of general industrial hygiene information on several hundred chemicals found in the work environment.
- Hardware and Software Requirements for Field-based Respirable Crystalline Silica Monitoring is used for end-of-shift silica monitoring.