Silica is a common mineral found in soil, sand, and rock. Silica dust is extremely dangerous and may become airborne by cutting, grinding, drilling, or otherwise disturbing these silica-containing materials. It is among the most common workplace hazards Island workers face.
Silica Control Tool
Island employers have access to the Silica Control Tool. This tool helps you:
- Estimate silica dust exposures for a specific task
- Select the appropriate controls
- Establish an Exposure Control Plan detailing personal protective equipment required (PPE)
The tool is free, easy to use, data driven, and provides workplaces with a convenient way to reduce the serious risks of silica dust exposure.
What do I need to create an account to use the Silica Control Tool?
While the log in page contains the message “New Brunswick Silica Control Tool,” it is set up for use by employers registered with WCB PEI. (You’ll notice the WCB PEI logo at the top right corner of the log in page.)
You will need your company’s WCB employer number and the legal company name you used to register with the WCB. Companies registered with the WCB often have both a legal name and an operating name. Be sure to use the registered legal name, as it may differ from the name commonly used in day-to-day business.
You can find your legal company name on any official document sent to you by the WCB.
If you’re registered with the WCB and don’t know your employer number, you can ask your finance or HR department.
You can also call 902-569-0449 or email ohs@wcb.pe.ca so we can help you create your account.
How does the Silica Control Tool work?
The occupational exposure limit has been established for respirable silica at 0.025 mg/m3. But what does that mean? That’s where the Silica Control Tool can help.
Once you sign in to the tool:
- Input task details, like material used, process and duration. Based on that information, the tool will predict the amount of respirable silica being released.
- Add control options and see how the risk of exposure to respirable silica decreases.
The tool will then generate an Exposure Control Plan for you which will describe the anticipated exposure, chosen control options and the resulting level of respiratory protection required, if any.
Watch an informational video on how to use the Silica Control Tool, using your Silica Control Tool login information.
What do I do with the Exposure Control Plan?
The Exposure Control Plan generated by the Silica Control Tool outlines the expected exposure levels, appropriate control measures, and any required respiratory protection.
You can use this plan to:
- Communicate expectations to workers performing the task.
- Train workers on proper controls and safe work procedures.
- Increase awareness of silica hazards and required protection.
- Demonstrate compliance to OHS Officers.
OHS Officers may review the plan to confirm that:
- The identified controls are in place and effective.
- Work is being performed as outlined in the plan.
- The appropriate level of respiratory protection is being used, if required.
We have a silica dust generating process in our workplace. Are we required to use the Silica Control Tool or are there other options?
Employers are required to have information about the toxic substances used, handled, produced or otherwise present at the workplace that may be hazardous to the health and safety of their workers. Employers are also required to take every reasonable precaution to protect the workplace health and safety of persons at or near the workplace.
With these legal requirements in mind, the WCB expects that employers know the level of silica exposure for their workers and that workers have been equipped with the appropriate controls, training, information, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for the silica-related task. The level of silica exposure for a worker must be assessed by using the Silica Control Tool or by conducting air sampling. The WCB accepts both methods.