How often should respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure monitoring be undertaken to meet legal requirements?
The frequency of the RCS exposure monitoring varies with the policy requirements, the risk level and working environment. Some important recommendations include: Some important recommendations include:
- Initial Assessment: Monitoring should be done when silica generating tasks are started or when new processes or new materials are put into use.
- Regular Monitoring: This should therefore involve routine monitoring (say once every year) especially in areas that have regular exposure to silica to ensure that the exposure is within the permissible levels. the
- Risk-Based frequency Monitoring: in Enhance the high-risk areas or when there are major changes in the work processes, controls or equipment.
- Post-Incident Monitoring: It is advisable to check on exposure levels after an event that can include failure of equipment or increased dust emission.
The frequency of monitoring will depend on the local laws and regulations or industry practices which may be the COSHH guidelines in the UK if you are working with silica or OSHA regulations on silica in the USA.
