Sawcutting Concrete PDF
Sawcutting Concrete PDF
Sawcutting Concrete PDF
Employee Instructions:
1. Proper PPE must be worn at all times.
2. This JHA must be reviewed with all workers involved in the saw cutting operation, prior to start of the operation.
3. The attached Silica Hazard Tool Box Talk must be reviewed with all workers involved in the saw cutting operation, prior to the start of the operation.
All crew members must print/sign their name below to acknowledge their understanding of the JHA:
NOTE TO MANAGER, SUPERVISOR OR FOREMAN: WORK MUST NOT START UNTIL ALL HAZARDS ARE
DISCUSSED; CONTROLS ARE IN PLACE; AND ALL SIGNATURES ARE OBTAINED.
This ASCC publication should not be regarded as legal advice or a substitute for independent research, investigation, or consultation with qualified
professionals such as OSHA representatives. ASCC makes no warranty or representation as to this publications completeness, accuracy, or in the
correctness of its contents, and assumes no liability in connection therewith or any obligation to review or update this publication, or warn users in the
event errors are discovered. It is suggested that reference be made to your specific state and/or federal safety regulations.
TOOL BOX TALK - SILICA DUST
Many construction workers are exposed to silica dust in their work. Long-term exposure can
result in silicosis a lung disease that scars healthy lung tissue. A dry cough and shortness of
breath mark early stages of silicosis. Advanced silicosis may cause death due to the inability to
breathe or heart failure from the added strain of non-functioning lungs.
Silica dust is found in varying amounts of crushing, loading, hauling, and dumping of rock,
concrete products, sand, gravel and mortar. Working with the dry ingredients (i.e. concrete or
mortar powder) or using power equipment (i.e. drilling, coring, concrete saws, jack hammers,
chippers, grinders and sanders) can release clouds of dust containing silica. Silica dust is very
fine and may or may not be visible to the worker. The worker who is exposed to silica needs to
be constantly aware of what he is doing and the potential for exposure. Infrequent and brief
exposure to concrete dust usually is of little concern, but working regularly with equipment that
generates silica dust, such as a concrete saw or grinder (for example) can place a worker in a
high-risk category.
1. Pre-plan your work to reduce the producing, handling, cutting, grinding or stirring up of
silica containing materials whenever possible.
2. When required to handle, cut, grind or stir-up silica-containing materials, wear a dust
mask even if the dust being produced seems to be minimal.
3. Work in ways to decrease dust production. Use good housekeeping. For example, when
sweeping up these materials, use short strokes that dont disperse the dust into the air
(damp sweep when possible). When appropriate and safe, water can be and should be
applied to the work surface to reduce the formation of dust such as drilling, grinding, and
cutting.
4. Position power-tool operations downwind from the work area. Warn others who are
working nearby (that may not be aware) that you are producing silica-containing dusts.
Post signs where necessary to warn others to avoid the area.
5. Use adequate ventilation when working in enclosed areas to reduce generated dusts to
below the established Permissible Exposure Levels (PEL).
6. Be familiar with the SDS sheets for materials you are working with, as handling
procedures and respirator requirements vary. Some substances contain much more
silica than others do. Always be sure you are adequately protected. Dusty conditions on
a work-site can be controlled by adequate dust control measures such as watering or
using tools that are equipped with attachments to capture the dust.
This ASCC publication should not be regarded as legal advice or a substitute for independent research, investigation, or consultation with qualified
professionals such as OSHA representatives. ASCC makes no warranty or representation as to this publications completeness, accuracy, or in the
correctness of its contents, and assumes no liability in connection therewith or any obligation to review or update this publication, or warn users in the
event errors are discovered. It is suggested that reference be made to your specific state and/or federal safety regulations.