CONTROL OF SILICA DUST IN CONSTRUCTION 

Drivable Saws 

Using a drivable saw to cut masonry, concrete, stone, or other silica-containing 

materials can generate respirable crystalline silica dust. When inhaled, the small 

particles of silica can irreversibly damage the lungs. This fact sheet describes 

dust controls that can be used to minimize the amount of airborne dust when 

using drivable saws as listed in Table 1 of the Respirable Crystalline Silica 

Standard for Construction, 29 CFR 1926.1153.

Engineering Control Method: Water continuously fed to saw blade

Wet Cutting

Wet cutting is an effective method to reduce 

exposure to silica dust when outdoors using 

drivable saws equipped with an integrated 

water delivery system. This system directs a 

continuous stream of water onto the blade where 

it wets the materials being cut and reduces the 

amount of dust generated. These saws have 

built-in water tanks, or water is supplied to the 

saw from a source such as a hose connected to a 

faucet or portable tank. Water flow rates must be 

sufficient to minimize the release of visible dust. Photo courtesy of Husqvarna

A construction worker cutting pavement using a drivable saw with 

an integrated water delivery system. 

The saw must be operated and maintained in 

accordance with manufacturers’ instructions 

to minimize dust emissions. Focus on the 

following areas:

• Check that hoses are securely connected and 

are not cracked or broken.

• Adjust nozzles so that water goes to the blade 

and wets the cutting area.

• Inspect the saw blade before use to be sure 

it is in good condition and does not show 

excessive wear.

Clean up any slurry produced during wet cutting 

to prevent the slurry from drying and releasing 

silica dust into the air. Wet slurry can be cleaned 

up using shovels or a wet vacuum equipped with 

a HEPA filter.

If employers operate drivable saws indoors 

or in an enclosed area, they must conduct an 

exposure assessment and may need to take 

additional action.

Electrical Safety. Where water is used 

to control dust, electrical safety is a 

particular concern. Use ground-fault circuit 

interrupters (GFCIs) and watertight, sealable 

electrical connectors for electric tools and 

equipment on construction sites.

Respiratory Protection

When properly used outdoors, wet methods can 

effectively control silica dust. Therefore, Table 1 

in the silica standard does not require use of 

respiratory protection when using wet methods 

FactSheet
for outdoor operation of drivable saws. Table 1 

does not apply to drivable saws used indoors 

or in enclosed areas. Therefore, if drivable saws 

are operated indoors or in an enclosed area, 

employers must conduct an exposure assessment 

and may need to take additional action including 

the use of respiratory protection.

When respirators are required, employers must 

put in place a written respiratory protection 

program in accordance with OSHA’s Respiratory 

Protection standard 29 CFR 1910.134.

Additional Information

For more information, visit www.osha.gov/silica

and see the OSHA Fact Sheet on the Crystalline 

Silica Rule for Construction, and the Small Entity 

Compliance Guide for the Respirable Crystalline 

Silica Standard for Construction.

OSHA can provide compliance assistance 

through a variety of programs, including 

technical assistance about effective safety and 

health programs, workplace consultations, 

and training and education. OSHA’s On-Site 

Consultation Program offers free, confidential 

occupational safety and health services 

to small and medium-sized businesses in 

all states and several territories across the 

country, with priority given to high-hazard 

worksites. On-Site consultation services are 

separate from enforcement and do not result 

in penalties or citations. To locate the OSHA 

On-Site Consultation Program nearest you, 

visit www.osha.gov/consultation.

Workers’ Rights

Workers have the right to:

• Working conditions that do not pose a risk of 

serious harm.

• Receive information and training (in a 

language and vocabulary the worker 

understands) about workplace hazards, 

methods to prevent them, and the OSHA 

standards that apply to their workplace.

• Review records of work-related injuries and 

illnesses.

• File a complaint asking OSHA to inspect their 

workplace if they believe there is a serious 

hazard or that their employer is not following 

OSHA’s rules. OSHA will keep all identities 

confidential.

• Exercise their rights under the law without 

retaliation, including reporting an injury or 

raising health and safety concerns with their 

employer or OSHA. If a worker has been 

retaliated against for using their rights, they 

must file a complaint with OSHA as soon as 

possible, but no later than 30 days.

For additional information, see OSHA’s Workers 

page.

How to Contact OSHA

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 

of 1970, employers are responsible for providing 

safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. 

OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for 

America’s working men and women by setting 

and enforcing standards, and providing training, 

education and assistance. For more information, 

visit www.osha.gov or call OSHA at 1-800-321-

OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627.

DSG FS-3928 12/2017

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or 

standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of 

compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. 

The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.