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Silica exposure control plan template

A written exposure control plan for respirable crystalline silica on a US construction job, kept on a phone and used on site. List each task that makes silica dust with its equipment, then either the Table 1 entry you follow (copy its controls and respirator from the standard) or your exposure assessment result against the action level and PEL. Add the housekeeping measures, how you restrict access, the competent person and a dated log of their inspections, the medical surveillance trigger and training. The form counts tasks, results above the PEL and problems found.

For concrete, masonry and restoration contractors, superintendents and safety managers who need the plan that OSHA 1926.1153(g) asks for, and a record that it is being followed.

Written for US OSHA rules. In Great Britain, use the COSHH assessment for construction dust.

  • Each task with its equipment, where it is done and time per shift
  • Table 1 entry used, or the exposure assessment result against 25 and 50 micrograms per cubic meter
  • Housekeeping, dry sweeping and compressed air checks, and access restriction
  • Competent person and a dated inspection log with photos
  • Medical surveillance trigger, respirator program, training topics, actions and two signatures
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What must a silica exposure control plan include?

A silica exposure control plan is useful when each task on the job has its own controls and respirator written down, and the competent person checks on site that the crew is actually using them. The dated inspection entries are what show the plan is followed, not just written.

Last updated . Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 27 October 2026 against OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153, respirable crystalline silica in construction (eCFR), OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, respiratory protection (eCFR) and HSE: Construction dust.

How to write a silica exposure control plan

Write it before the work starts, keep it on site and review it at least once a year.

  1. Name the competent person

    Enter the employer, the work the plan covers and the competent person who will inspect the job sites, materials and equipment. Note where the plan is kept and when it is next reviewed.

  2. List the tasks

    Add each task that involves silica exposure, with the equipment, whether it is indoors or outdoors, and the time per shift on Table 1 tasks.

  3. Set the controls

    For a Table 1 task, pick the entry and copy its controls and respirator from the standard. Otherwise record the exposure assessment option, the 8-hour TWA result and the controls you chose.

  4. Add housekeeping and access

    Record how dust and slurry are cleaned up, whether dry sweeping or compressed air are used and why, and how access to the work area is restricted, including other employers' crews.

  5. Log inspections

    Each time the competent person checks the work, add a dated entry: controls set up, tools and dust collection, respirators, housekeeping and access, with photos of anything wrong.

  6. Cover people and sign

    Record whether anyone will wear a respirator 30 or more days a year, the respirator program, hazard communication and training. Add actions with owners and dates, then sign.

What makes a silica exposure control plan useful

Each task: equipment, Table 1 entry or assessment result, controls, respirator

Parking garage deck repairs in Pittsburgh, 6 October: top deck, saw cutting with a 14 in handheld saw, Table 1 entry (ii), outdoors, under 4 hours a shift. Inspection found saw S-2 cutting with its water feed hose disconnected. Cut stopped, hose connected and flow checked, and a water feed check added to the saw pre-start.

Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.

A common recording mistake

Writing "wet methods" for every task and never checking the saws, so the plan says water but the operator on the deck is cutting dry.

What happens next

Have the competent person log an inspection on each active task, and update the plan when a new task, tool or material comes on the job.

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Every question in the silica exposure control plan template

A US written exposure control plan for respirable crystalline silica under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153(g): each task with its equipment and either the Table 1 entry used or the exposure assessment result against the action level and PEL, the controls and respirators for each task, housekeeping, access restriction, the competent person with a dated inspection log, the medical surveillance trigger, training and the annual review. 6 sections and 107 questions. Follow-up questions and guidance appear only when an answer calls for them, so the person on site never sees the ones that do not apply.

Make it your own: every question is editable

This is a starting point, not a fixed form. Once it is in your SiteSurvey account you can reword any question, add or remove questions, sections and answer options, and add your own logo, so it fits the way your team works and the jobs you do.

Details you only enter once

Add this form to a project in SiteSurvey and it fills in what the project already knows, so nobody on site retypes it and every form on the job uses the same names. Anything filled in can still be changed.

  • Project: the project name
  • Site address: the site address, from the space or the project
  • General contractor or owner: the project's customer

Plan, site and competent person

  • ProjectShort answer

    Filled in from the project in SiteSurvey.

    Fills in from the project name
  • Site addressShort answer
    Fills in from the site address, from the space or the project
  • General contractor or ownerShort answer
    Fills in from the project's customer
  • Location (GPS)Short answer
  • Plan date*Date
  • Prepared by*Short answer
  • Employer*Short answer
  • Work covered by this planShort answer

    For example: deck repairs, levels 2 to 4, saw cutting, coring and grinding of concrete.

  • Competent person*Short answer

    Able to identify existing and foreseeable silica hazards, with authority to correct them at once (1926.1153(b)).

  • Role and how to reach themShort answer
  • Where the plan is kept on siteShort answer

    The plan is readily available, on request, to each covered employee and their representatives (1926.1153(g)(3)).

  • Last review of this planDate
  • Next review dueDate

    At least once a year (1926.1153(g)(2)).

  • GuidanceWhat the written plan contains (29 CFR 1926.1153(g)). At least: the tasks that involve exposure to respirable crystalline silica; the engineering controls, work practices and respiratory protection for each task; the housekeeping measures; and the procedures to restrict access to work areas when necessary, including exposure created by other employers or sole proprietors. The employer reviews it at least once a year, makes it available on request, and names a competent person to make frequent and regular inspections of job sites, materials and equipment.
  • GuidanceThe standard applies to all exposure to respirable crystalline silica in construction work, except where exposure will stay below 25 micrograms per cubic meter as an 8-hour time-weighted average under any foreseeable conditions (1926.1153(a)).
  • GuidanceWorking in Great Britain? Use the COSHH assessment for construction dust: this form follows US OSHA rules.

Tasks, controls and respiratory protection

  • GuidanceFor each task on Table 1 of 1926.1153, the employer fully and properly uses the engineering controls, work practices and respiratory protection Table 1 gives for it, or assesses and limits exposure instead. Read the entry in the standard and copy its controls and respirator into the task. For tasks not on Table 1, or where Table 1 is not fully followed, the exposure of each employee who may be at or above the action level of 25 micrograms per cubic meter is assessed, and nobody is exposed above the PEL of 50 micrograms per cubic meter, both as 8-hour TWAs (1926.1153(c), (d)).
  • GuidanceWet methods: apply water at flow rates enough to minimize the release of visible dust (1926.1153(c)(2)(ii)).
  • Tasks that involve exposure to respirable crystalline silica
    Repeat for each entry. Each one asks:
    • Task*Short answer

      For example: Saw cutting slab for patch repairs.

    • MaterialShort answer

      For example: concrete, block, brick, stone.

    • Equipment or tool*Short answer
    • Where the task is done*Choose one
      • Outdoors
      • Indoors or in an enclosed area
      • Both
    • Time on this and other Table 1 tasks per shiftChoose one
      • 4 hours or less per shift
      • More than 4 hours per shift
    • Who does it (trade or crew)Short answer
    • How exposure is controlled*Choose one
      • Table 1: controls fully and properly implemented
      • Exposure assessment (task not on Table 1, or Table 1 not fully followed)
    • Table 1 entry used*Choose one
      • (i) Stationary masonry saws
      • (ii) Handheld power saws (any blade diameter)
      • (iii) Handheld power saws for cutting fiber-cement board (blade diameter 8 inches or less)
      • (iv) Walk-behind saws
      • (v) Drivable saws
      • (vi) Rig-mounted core saws or drills
      • (vii) Handheld and stand-mounted drills (including impact and rotary hammer drills)
      • (viii) Dowel drilling rigs for concrete
      • (ix) Vehicle-mounted drilling rigs for rock and concrete
      • (x) Jackhammers and handheld powered chipping tools
      • (xi) Handheld grinders for mortar removal (tuckpointing)
      • (xii) Handheld grinders for uses other than mortar removal
      • (xiii) Walk-behind milling machines and floor grinders
      • (xiv) Small drivable milling machines (less than half-lane)
      • (xv) Large drivable milling machines (half-lane and larger)
      • (xvi) Crushing machines
      • (xvii) Heavy equipment and utility vehicles used to abrade or fracture silica-containing materials or in demolition
      • (xviii) Heavy equipment and utility vehicles for grading and excavating (not demolishing, abrading or fracturing)
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Engineering controls and work practices for this task*Notes

      From Table 1 for the entry used, or the controls chosen after the exposure assessment.

    • Respiratory protection for this task*Short answer

      From Table 1 for the time per shift (enter "None" if Table 1 requires none), or from the exposure assessment.

    • GuidanceIndoors or in an enclosed area: provide a means of exhaust as needed to minimize the build-up of visible airborne dust (1926.1153(c)(2)(i)).
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • GuidanceIf one employee does more than one Table 1 task in a shift and the total is more than four hours, use the respirator Table 1 gives for more than four hours per shift for each task (1926.1153(c)(3)).
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Assessment option*Choose one
      • Performance option (air monitoring or objective data)
      • Scheduled monitoring option (personal breathing zone samples)
      Shown when “How exposure is controlled” is “Exposure assessment (task not on Table 1, or Table 1 not fully followed)”
    • Assessment completedDate
      Shown when “How exposure is controlled” is “Exposure assessment (task not on Table 1, or Table 1 not fully followed)”
    • Result: 8-hour TWA (micrograms per cubic meter)Number

      Exposure without a respirator, from air monitoring or objective data.

      Shown when “How exposure is controlled” is “Exposure assessment (task not on Table 1, or Table 1 not fully followed)”
    • Result against the limitsWorked out by the form
      Shown when “How exposure is controlled” is “Exposure assessment (task not on Table 1, or Table 1 not fully followed)” and “Result: 8-hour TWA (micrograms per cubic meter)” is answered
    • WarningAbove the PEL: reduce exposure with engineering and work practice controls where feasible, supplemented by respirators, and describe the corrective action in the notice to employees (1926.1153(d)(3)(i), (d)(2)(vi)(B), (e)(1)).
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • GuidanceScheduled monitoring: repeat within six months while results are at or above the action level and at or below the PEL, and within three months while above the PEL (1926.1153(d)(2)(iii)(C), (D)).
      Shown when “How exposure is controlled” is “Exposure assessment (task not on Table 1, or Table 1 not fully followed)” and “Assessment option” is “Scheduled monitoring option (personal breathing zone samples)”
    • Results given to affected employees in writing or posted within five working days?Yes or No

      1926.1153(d)(2)(vi)(A).

      Shown when “How exposure is controlled” is “Exposure assessment (task not on Table 1, or Table 1 not fully followed)”
    • Will anyone wear a respirator for this task?*Yes or No
    • Photos of the set-up (tool, water feed or dust collection)Photos
    • t_is_t1Worked out by the form
    • t_is_assessedWorked out by the form
    • t_overWorked out by the form
    • t_not_toldWorked out by the form
    • t_resp_flagWorked out by the form
  • Tasks in the planWorked out by the form
  • Controlled by Table 1Worked out by the form
  • Controlled by exposure assessmentWorked out by the form
  • Tasks assessed above the PELWorked out by the form
  • Results not yet given to employeesWorked out by the form
  • Tasks where respirators are wornWorked out by the form

Housekeeping and restricted access

  • Housekeeping methods used*Tick all that apply
    • Wet sweeping
    • HEPA-filtered vacuuming
    • Slurry picked up wet and contained
    • Other
  • Other methodShort answer
    Shown when “Housekeeping methods used” includes “Other”
  • Housekeeping measures (who, when, how)*Notes
  • Is dry sweeping or dry brushing used where it could add to exposure?*Yes or No
  • Why wet sweeping, HEPA vacuuming or another low-dust method is not feasible*Notes
    Shown when “Is dry sweeping or dry brushing used where it could add to exposure?” is Yes
  • CheckDry sweeping or brushing that could add to exposure is allowed only where wet sweeping, HEPA-filtered vacuuming or other methods that minimize exposure are not feasible (1926.1153(f)(1)).
    Shown when “Is dry sweeping or dry brushing used where it could add to exposure?” is Yes
  • Is compressed air used to clean clothing or surfaces where it could add to exposure?*Yes or No
  • Compressed air is used*Choose one
    • With a ventilation system that effectively captures the dust cloud
    • Only because no alternative method is feasible
    • Neither of these
    Shown when “Is compressed air used to clean clothing or surfaces where it could add to exposure?” is Yes
  • WarningCompressed air that could add to exposure is used only with a ventilation system that captures the dust cloud, or where no alternative method is feasible (1926.1153(f)(2)). Add an action.
    Shown when “Compressed air is used” is “Neither of these”
  • How access to work areas is restricted when necessary*Tick all that apply
    • Barriers or tape around the work
    • Signs at the work area
    • Dusty work scheduled when fewer people are nearby
    • Other trades kept out or moved
    • Work area enclosed or screened
    • Other
  • Access procedures*Notes

    Keep the number of people exposed, and their exposure, as low as possible (1926.1153(g)(1)(iv)).

  • Dust from other employers or sole proprietors on site covered?*Yes or No

    The access procedures include exposure created by other employers or sole proprietors.

  • How it is coordinatedNotes
    Shown when “Dust from other employers or sole proprietors on site covered?” is Yes
  • Photos (barriers, signs, vacuum, wet clean-up)Photos
  • hk_air_flagWorked out by the form
  • ac_others_flagWorked out by the form

Competent person inspections

  • GuidanceThe competent person makes frequent and regular inspections of job sites, materials and equipment to put the plan into effect (1926.1153(g)(4)). Add a dated entry for each one.
  • Inspection log
    Repeat for each entry. Each one asks:
    • Area or task seen*Short answer
    • Inspection date*Date
    • Inspected by*Short answer
    • Controls set up as the plan says for each task seenChoose one

      For example: water feed connected and flowing, shroud and vacuum fitted and running.

      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Tools and dust collection maintained and workingChoose one

      Hoses, filters, water supply, vacuum and shroud condition.

      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Respirators worn where the plan saysChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Housekeeping done as the plan saysChoose one

      No dry sweeping or compressed air unless the plan allows it.

      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Access restricted as the plan saysChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Materials checked against the planChoose one

      New materials or tasks that are not in the plan yet.

      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • What was found and what was done on the spotNotes
    • PhotosPhotos
    • i_failsWorked out by the form
    • i_ncWorked out by the form
    • ResultWorked out by the form
  • Inspections loggedWorked out by the form
  • Problems foundWorked out by the form

Medical surveillance, respirators and training

  • Will any employee be required to wear a respirator under this plan for 30 or more days a year?*Yes or No
  • How many employeesNumber
    Shown when “Will any employee be required to wear a respirator under this plan for 30 or more days a year?” is Yes
  • Medical surveillance provider (PLHCP or clinic)Short answer
    Shown when “Will any employee be required to wear a respirator under this plan for 30 or more days a year?” is Yes
  • Medical surveillance offered at no cost, at a reasonable time and place?*Yes or No
    Shown when “Will any employee be required to wear a respirator under this plan for 30 or more days a year?” is Yes
  • GuidanceMedical surveillance is made available at no cost, at a reasonable time and place, to each employee who will be required to use a respirator for 30 or more days a year, with periodic exams at least every three years or more often if the PLHCP recommends (1926.1153(h)(1)(i), (h)(3)).
    Shown when “Will any employee be required to wear a respirator under this plan for 30 or more days a year?” is Yes
  • Written respiratory protection program in place (29 CFR 1910.134)?*Yes or No

    Required where this section requires respirators (1926.1153(e)(2)).

    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Silica included in the hazard communication program, with labels and safety data sheets available?*Yes or No

    1926.1153(i)(1), 29 CFR 1910.1200.

  • Training covers*Tick all that apply

    Each covered employee can show they know and understand these (1926.1153(i)(2)(i)).

    • Health hazards of respirable crystalline silica
    • Tasks that could result in exposure
    • Controls, work practices and respirators used
    • Contents of 1926.1153
    • Who the competent person is
    • Purpose and description of medical surveillance
  • Training given onDate
  • Trained byShort answer
  • Copy of 1926.1153 available to employees without cost?Yes or No

    1926.1153(i)(2)(ii).

  • Training topics not yet coveredWorked out by the form
  • ms_flagWorked out by the form
  • rp_flagWorked out by the form
  • hc_flagWorked out by the form

Result, actions and sign-off

  • Items needing actionWorked out by the form
  • ResultWorked out by the form
  • Actions
    Repeat for each action. Each one asks:
    • Action*Notes
    • PriorityChoose one
      • Now: stop the task
      • Before the task restarts
      • This week
      • Before the next review
    • Who will do it*Short answer
    • Due byDate
    • Status*Choose one
      • Open
      • In progress
      • Done, checked
    • Photo when donePhotos
      Shown when “Status” is “Done, checked”
  • Actions still openWorked out by the form
  • Decision*Choose one
    • Plan in place and in use
    • In use: actions to finish
    • Stop the affected task until controls are in place
  • Next check or re-inspection dateDate
  • Summary for the clientNotes
  • Competent person nameShort answer
  • Competent person signature*Signature
  • Employer representative nameShort answer
  • Employer representative signatureSignature

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Silica exposure control plan FAQs

Who needs a written exposure control plan for silica?

The construction silica standard applies to all occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica in construction work, except where exposure will remain below 25 micrograms per cubic meter as an 8-hour time-weighted average under any foreseeable conditions. Where it applies, the employer establishes and implements a written exposure control plan (1926.1153(a), (g)(1)).

Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153, respirable crystalline silica in construction (eCFR).

What is Table 1 and how does the form use it?

Table 1 in 1926.1153(c) lists common tasks, such as handheld power saws, core drills, grinders and jackhammers, with the engineering controls, work practices and respirator for 4 hours or less and more than 4 hours per shift. If you fully and properly follow the entry for a task, you do not need to assess exposure for it. The form lists the entry names; you copy the controls and respirator from the standard. It records your plan; it does not make you compliant.

Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153, respirable crystalline silica in construction (eCFR).

What are the PEL and the action level for silica?

The permissible exposure limit is 50 micrograms per cubic meter and the action level is 25, both as 8-hour TWAs. For tasks not on Table 1, or where Table 1 is not fully followed, the employer assesses the exposure of each employee who may be at or above the action level, by the performance option or the scheduled monitoring option, and tells affected employees the results within five working days (1926.1153(b), (d)).

Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153, respirable crystalline silica in construction (eCFR).

When is medical surveillance required?

When an employee will be required under the standard to wear a respirator for 30 or more days a year. The employer makes medical surveillance available at no cost, at a reasonable time and place, with periodic exams at least every three years or more often if the examining PLHCP recommends (1926.1153(h)). Where respirators are required, there is a respiratory protection program under 29 CFR 1910.134.

Sources: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153, respirable crystalline silica in construction (eCFR) and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, respiratory protection (eCFR).

Can we dry sweep or use compressed air?

Not where it could add to exposure, with narrow exceptions. Dry sweeping or brushing is allowed only where wet sweeping, HEPA-filtered vacuuming or other low-exposure methods are not feasible. Compressed air for cleaning clothing or surfaces is allowed only with a ventilation system that effectively captures the dust cloud, or where no alternative is feasible (1926.1153(f)). The form asks both questions and flags compressed air used without either reason.

Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153, respirable crystalline silica in construction (eCFR).

Can I use this plan on a UK site?

No. This form follows the US OSHA standard. In Great Britain, HSE says the COSHH Regulations require you to protect against the risks from hazardous construction dusts, so use the COSHH assessment for dusty tasks instead.

Source: HSE: Construction dust.

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