Dust and Particulate Control (Non-Silica)

Talking points

1. Not all dust is silica, but that does not make it harmless. Wood dust, fiberglass, gypsum, and general construction dust all irritate the lungs and can cause chronic respiratory problems.
2. OSHA's PEL for 'nuisance dust' (particles not otherwise regulated) is 15 mg/m³ total dust and 5 mg/m³ respirable dust. Visible dust clouds usually exceed these limits.
3. Control dust at the source: wet methods for cutting and sweeping, HEPA vacuums for collection, local exhaust ventilation for stationary operations.
4. Sweeping with a broom creates more airborne dust than it collects. Use a HEPA vacuum or wet sweeping to clean up dust — especially in enclosed spaces.
5. Wood dust from hardwoods (oak, walnut, beech) is a known carcinogen. Softwood dust causes allergic sensitization. Both require dust controls and may require respiratory protection.

Ask the crew

Can you see visible dust in the air in your work area right now — and what can we do to reduce it?

Standards this talk is built on

• 29 CFR 1926.55
• 29 CFR 1910.1000

A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.

Sign-in sheet

Print this page to collect signatures, or run the talk in Jobsite and workers sign in on their phones.

© Jobsite. Free to read aloud, print and use in your own crew's safety meetings. Republishing, reselling or bulk-copying these talks is not permitted.