Title: Exposure Sources & High-Risk Tasks
Type: Lesson
Respirable crystalline silica is released during high-friction work on materials containing silica — typically through cutting, grinding, drilling, blasting, or crushing.
Concrete
Cement
Brick
Mortar
Tile
Stone (granite, quartz, sandstone)
Drywall mud
Asphalt and roof tiles
If the material has dust and comes from rock, cement, or masonry — assume it contains silica.
| Task | Why It’s Risky |
|---|---|
| Cutting concrete, tile, or brick | Power saws release fine dust into the air |
| Grinding or sanding | High-speed surface abrasion kicks up particles |
| Jackhammering / chipping | Dislodges material and creates dust clouds |
| Dry sweeping | Spreads accumulated dust back into the air |
| Tuckpointing | Involves grinding mortar from brick joints |
| Mixing cement | Creates airborne powder during handling |
| Demolition | Breaks up large areas of silica-based material |
| Sandblasting | Often uses silica-based blasting media |
Indoor work usually has less ventilation, so dust lingers longer
Outdoor work may be windy, but that can spread dust to other workers
Proper controls are needed no matter where the job is located.
If you’re working with masonry or cement products — or near someone who is — you are likely exposed to respirable silica. Knowing the tasks that produce it helps you plan your protection.
Click “Mark Complete” to continue to Lesson 4: OSHA Table 1 – Control Methods by Task, where we’ll break down OSHA’s approved dust control strategies for specific tools and jobs.