SafetyQuestion 514 of 700
Cutting concrete and masonry generates respirable crystalline silica dust. What is the BEST engineering control to reduce worker exposure?
a.Use water (wet cutting) or a vacuum dust-collection system to control dust at the source
b.Have workers hold their breath while cutting
c.Cut faster to finish sooner
d.Rely only on a paper dust mask with no other controls
Explanation
The preferred controls for silica are engineering controls that capture or suppress dust at the source, wet cutting with water or a tool-mounted vacuum with HEPA filtration, supplemented by respirators when needed. Option a reflects this hierarchy. Breath-holding (b) and cutting faster (c) do nothing to reduce airborne silica, and a single paper mask alone (d) is inadequate for crystalline silica.
Law Reference: Cal/OSHA Title 8, Construction Safety OrdersPractice all 700 questions free — no signup required.
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