Silica Dust Testing & Air Monitoring - NIOSH 7500
What is Crystalline Silica Construction Dust
The disturbance of cement, concrete, and brick during the performance of demolition work, gutting work, and facade renovation and re-pointing work unavoidably results in the release of high levels of crystalline silica dust, which is an eye, nose, and throat irritant and an IARC category 1 carcinogen.
To prevent demolition and construction-related dust from infiltrating into non-work areas, the work areas must be sealed off from the non-work areas with the use of poly sheeting. The work areas must also be negatively pressurized relative to the non-work areas with the use of negative air machines that are exhausted to the outdoors. The use of poly sheeting containment and negative air machines will often be sufficient to control dust migration into non-work areas of a building. Crystalline silica dust testing can be performed outside the work area to measure levels of fugitive crystalline silica particles. Contact Angstrom Testing Services today!
NYC Transit – Silica Projects
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Mandatory Baseline Testing: Contractors disturbing concrete on NYC subway or transit property may be required to perform baseline crystalline silica testing before work begins.
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Public Safety Monitoring: Area monitoring ensures the general public’s exposure remains strictly below the OSHA PEL and ACGIH TLV.
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Extended Sampling Duration: To meet NYC Transit’s analytical sensitivity and stay below regulatory action levels, sampling times typically last 4 to 6 hours.
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Stringent Quality Control: In compliance with the NIOSH 7500 method and OSHA, a minimum of three samples—including 2 field blanks—must accompany area or employee samples.
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Rapid Reporting Turnaround: Results are typically required within 72 hours of collection, necessitating expedited lab processing with a 48-hour turnaround.
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Expert Consultation: Direct access to Certified Industrial Hygienists at 516-724-4574 for specialized MTA project compliance.
