SILICA IN THE WORKPLACE
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365-AXJ-01-iGDO © 2020, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
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Reference should also be made to the O. Reg. 490/09 (2019) on Designated Substances, and the Code for
Medical Surveillance for Designated Substances in Ontario Regulation 290/09 under the Occupational
Health and Safety Act, R.S.O 1990.
3. Responsibilities Under Designated Substances Regulation
With Respect to Silica
The Designated Substances Regulation contains specific precautions, which must be taken in workplaces
where silica is present, produced, processed, used, handled or stored and at which a worker is likely to be
exposed to silica.
Under this Regulation, the employer and the worker bear certain legal responsibilities at a workplace in
which silica is present and the worker is likely to inhale it.
For example, the employer is responsible for:
Carrying out a written assessment of possible exposure to silica.
Developing, implementing and maintaining a control program.
Providing a written respiratory program including training and instruction in the selection, care, use
of respirators, its limitations, and proper fitting.
Consulting with the joint health and safety committee on the assessment and the control program
Providing a medical surveillance program for silica in accordance to the code.
Workers have a responsibility to:
Work in accordance with the work hygiene practices established under the silica control program.
Use the respiratory equipment provided by the employer.
Undergo medical examinations and clinical tests as required under the code for medical surveillance
of silica exposed workers. Worker participation in medical surveillance program is not mandatory.
