If engineering controls and work practices are not effective in controlling exposure to this material, then wear suitable personal protection equipment including approved respiratory protection. Have appropriate equipment available for use in emergencies such as spills.

If respiratory protection is required, institute a complete respiratory protection program including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection. Refer to the CSA Standard Z94.4-93, "Selection, Use and Care of Respirators," available from the Canadian Standards Association, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 1R3.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION GUIDELINES:

NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SILICA (CRYSTALLINE (AS RESPIRABLE DUST)) CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR:

UP TO 0.5 mg/m³: Air-purifying respirator with high-efficiency particulate filter(s).

UP TO 1.25 mg/m³: Powered air-purifying respirator with high-efficiency particulate filter; or SAR operated in a continuous-flow mode.

UP TO 2.5 mg/m³: Full-facepiece air-purifying respirator with high-efficiency particulate filter(s); or powered air-purifying respirator with tight-fitting facepiece and high-efficiency particulate filter.

UP TO 25 mg/m³: Positive pressure SAR.

EMERGENCY OR PLANNED ENTRY INTO UNKNOWN CONCENTRATIONS OR IDLH CONDITIONS:

Positive pressure, full-facepiece SCBA; or positive pressure, full-facepiece SAR with an auxiliary positive pressure SCBA.

ESCAPE: Full-facepiece respirator with high-efficiency particulate filter(s); or escape-type SCBA.

NOTE: The IDLH concentration for quartz silica is 50 mg/m³.

NOTE: The purpose of establishing an IDLH value is to ensure that the worker can escape from a given contaminated environment in the event of failure of the most protective respiratory protection equipment. In the event of failure of respiratory protective equipment every effort should be made to exit immediately.

NOTE: NIOSH has classified this material as a potential occupational carcinogen, according to specific NIOSH criteria. This classification is reflected in these recommendations for respiratory protection, which specify that only the most reliable and protective respirators be worn at any detectable concentration. The requirements in Canadian jurisdictions may vary. The respirator use limitations specified by the approving agency and the manufacturer must be observed. Air-purifying respirators do not protect against oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Recommendations apply only to NIOSH approved respirators.

ABBREVIATIONS: SAR = supplied-air respirator; SCBA = self-contained breathing apparatus; IDLH = Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health.

Safety goggles suitable for dust protection.

No specific requirement, but it is good practice to prevent skin contact. To reduce exposure, work clothing should be left at the workplace.

No specific guidelines are available. Most materials commonly used in protective clothing are probably adequate.

Remove contaminated clothing. Keep contaminated clothing in closed containers. Discard or launder before rewearing. Inform laundry personnel of contaminant's hazards.