Silica Exposure Control Plan Audit

Audit template for verifying compliance with a silica respirable crystalline exposure control plan, including task controls, competent person oversight, and medical surveillance requirements.

Audit Scope and Plan Review

• Written silica exposure control plan is available at the worksite
  Verify the plan is accessible to supervisors and affected employees and covers the tasks performed on site.
• Plan identifies silica-generating tasks and applicable controls
  Check that the plan lists tasks such as cutting, grinding, drilling, jackhammering, crushing, or abrasive blasting and the required control methods.
• Plan is reviewed and updated when processes or equipment change
  Verify the plan reflects current equipment, materials, work methods, and exposure control practices.
• Affected employees have been informed of the plan and task-specific controls
  Confirm workers know the required controls, PPE, housekeeping restrictions, and reporting process for deficiencies.
• Applicable silica standard category
  Select the standard framework that applies to this site.
• Audit notes and scope limitations
  Document the areas, crews, tasks, and shifts included in this inspection.

Task Controls and Exposure Reduction

• Engineering controls are installed and used as specified
  Verify local exhaust ventilation, water delivery systems, shrouds, vacuum attachments, or enclosed cabs are present and in use where required.
• Wet methods are functioning and maintained
  Confirm water suppression is adequate, continuous where required, and not bypassed or disabled.
• HEPA-filtered vacuum or dust collection controls are used where required
  Verify vacuums and dust collectors are appropriate for silica dust control and are maintained per manufacturer instructions.
• Tool and equipment controls match the task-specific exposure control plan
  Check that saws, grinders, drills, and other tools are the specified models or are used with approved control accessories.
• Observed silica-generating task is being performed using required controls
  Observe active work to confirm controls are actually in use during operation, not just present on site.
• Measured dust control deficiencies observed
  Record any visible dust release, dry cutting, missing shrouds, disconnected vacuums, or other control failures.

Housekeeping, Regulated Areas, and PPE

• Dry sweeping or dry brushing of silica dust is not observed
  Confirm dry sweeping, dry brushing, or compressed air cleanup that re-entrains silica dust is not used unless allowed under a controlled method.
• Housekeeping methods effectively minimize airborne dust
  Verify HEPA vacuuming, wet cleanup, or other approved methods are used and debris is removed without creating visible dust clouds.
• Regulated areas are established and controlled where required
  Confirm access is limited, signage is posted where required, and only authorized personnel enter affected areas.
• Respiratory protection is selected, fit tested, and worn as required
  Verify respirator use matches the exposure control plan, including medical clearance, fit testing, and correct use during silica tasks.
• Other required PPE is available and used
  Check eye protection, gloves, protective clothing, and hearing protection where applicable to the task and site conditions.
• Housekeeping or access-control deficiencies observed
  Document any uncontrolled dust accumulation, improper cleanup methods, or unauthorized access issues.

Competent Person Oversight and Training

• Competent person is designated for silica control oversight
  Confirm a competent person has been assigned to identify hazards, implement controls, and correct deficiencies.
• Competent person is present or reachable for active work areas
  Verify oversight is available during silica-generating operations and that field issues are escalated promptly.
• Employees have received silica hazard training
  Confirm training covers silica hazards, control methods, respirator use, housekeeping restrictions, and reporting procedures.
• Corrective actions from prior inspections have been closed
  Review whether previously identified deficiencies were corrected and verified effective.
• Competent person name and qualification summary
  Record the designated competent person and brief evidence of qualification or authority.
• Training or oversight deficiencies observed
  Document any gaps in training, supervision, or corrective action tracking.

Exposure Monitoring and Medical Surveillance

• Exposure assessment or objective data supports control selection
  Confirm the employer has exposure data, objective data, or monitoring results supporting the selected controls and respirator requirements.
• Medical surveillance is offered when required by exposure duration or task criteria
  Verify eligible employees are enrolled or offered medical surveillance per the applicable silica standard.
• Respirator medical evaluations are current
  Confirm employees required to wear respirators have current medical clearance under the respiratory protection program.
• Medical surveillance records are maintained confidentially and accessible as required
  Verify records are retained and handled according to privacy and recordkeeping requirements.
• Exposure monitoring or medical surveillance deficiencies observed
  Document missing records, overdue evaluations, or employees not enrolled when required.