CONTROL OF SILICA DUST IN CONSTRUCTION 

Jackhammers or Handheld Powered 

Chipping Tools

The use of a jackhammer or handheld power chipping tools to break or demolish 

concrete, stone, masonry or other silica-containing materials can generate respirable 

crystalline silica dust. When inhaled over time, 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 jackhammers or handheld 

powered chipping tools as listed in Table 1 of the Respirable Crystalline Silica 

Standard for Construction, 29 CFR 1926.1153.

Engineering Control Method: Water applied continuously to the impact point OR Shroud with Vacuum 

Dust Collection System

Two methods for controlling dust when using 

jackhammers or powered chipping tools are: 

(1) continuously feed water to the point of impact; 

or (2) use a shroud or cowling with a vacuum dust 

collection system.

Wet Methods

When jackhammering, wetting must occur with a 

continuous stream or spray of water at the point 

where the jackhammer’s tip strikes the surface 

material. Employers may use manual spraying 

or water- spray systems. Under either approach, 

water must be applied at a flow rate sufficient to 

minimize the release of visible dust.

Manual Spraying. One option for applying water 

when jackhammering is to have one worker direct 

a stream or spray of water at the impact point 

while another worker operates the jackhammer or 

powered chipping tool. A portable sprayer with a 

nozzle can be used for this job.

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.

Photo courtesy of OSHA

One worker applies water using a portable sprayer 

to suppress dust while the other jackhammers. 

Only wetting the surface is not sufficient. 

Continuous water application either streamed or 

sprayed at the point where the jackhammer or 

handheld powered chipping tool breaks the surface 

is necessary because as the tool breaks through 

the surface, dry materials below are disturbed, 

which can produce dust.

Water-Spray Systems. Spray nozzles aimed at 

the tip of the tool on jackhammers and handheld 

powered chipping tools can lower silica exposures. 

Existing equipment can be retrofitted. The 

FactSheet
National Institute for Occupational Safety and 

Health (NIOSH) has developed designs for a 

water-spray retrofit system for jackhammers. See 

NIOSH’s design at: www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/wpsolutions/2008-127/pdfs/2008-127.pdf.

Employers are responsible for keeping equipment 

in good working condition to minimize dust. 

Workers must receive training on how to use dust 

suppression equipment.

• Dust and debris can clog spray nozzles. 

Check the nozzle frequently. Observe the water 

spray to be sure it is directed at the point of 

impact. Clean or change if the nozzle is dripping 

or spurting.

• Take steps to provide consistent water flow. 

Make sure there is an adequate supply of water. 

Prevent kinked hoses, heavy equipment, or 

other vehicle traffic from running over hoses, 

and identify other potential blockages and 

impediments that could cause a drop in water 

pressure.

• The spray angle is critical. Check the water-spray 

angle frequently. Make sure the spray is focused 

on the breakpoint and the spray is wetting the dust 

before it spreads away from the tip of the hammer.Photo courtesy of NIOSH

A worker chips concrete with a jackhammer using a 

water-spray attachment to control dust. 

Clean up any slurry produced to prevent the slurry 

from drying and releasing silica dust into the air. Wet 

slurry can be cleaned up using, for example, shovels 

or a wet vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter.

Vacuum Dust Collection System (VDCS)

Employers may use commercially available VDCSs 

for jackhammers and handheld powered chipping 

tools to reduce silica exposure. A VDCS includes a:

• hood or shroud for the tool that is recommended 

by the manufacturer;

• vacuum meeting the specifications 

recommended by the tool manufacturer, 

with enough suction to capture dust at the 

cutting point;

• dust collector equipped with a filter efficiency 

of 99 percent or greater and a filter-cleaning 

mechanism; and 

• vacuum exhaust hose capable of providing the 

airflow recommended by the tool manufacturer. 

A 1.5” to 2” diameter vacuum exhaust hose is 

typically adequate.

Photo courtesy of Stanley Black and Decker

Jackhammer equipped with VDCS. Shroud around 

hammer connects to the vacuum on the right. 

The tool and VDCS must be operated and 

maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ 

instructions to minimize dust emissions. Focus on 

the following areas:

• Keep the vacuum hose clear and free of debris, 

kinks and tight bends.

• Change vacuum-collection bags as needed or at 

least as often as the manufacturer recommends. 

Do not over fill the bag.

• Set a regular schedule for maintenance and filter 

cleaning of the VDCS.

• Avoid exposure to dust when changing vacuum 

bags and cleaning or replacing air filters.

Indoors or in Enclosed Areas

When jackhammers or chipping tools are used 

indoors or in an enclosed area, wet methods or a 

VDCS may not reliably keep exposure low. Extra 

ventilation may be needed to reduce visible airborne 

dust. Extra ventilation can be supplied by using:

• Exhaust trunks

• Portable exhaust fans

• Air ducts

• Other means of mechanical ventilation

Ensure that air flow is not impeded by the 

movements of employees during work, or by the 

opening or closing of doors and windows.

Position the ventilation to move contaminated air 

away from the workers’ breathing zones.
DSG FS-3629 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.

Use of Compressed Air. Unless there is a 

ventilation system that effectively captures 

the dust cloud, do not use compressed air or 

blowers to clean surfaces, clothing or filters 

because it can increase exposure to silica. 

Instead, clean with a HEPA filter-equipped 

vacuum or by wet methods.

Respiratory Protection

In addition to using wet methods or a VDCS, the 

use of respiratory protection with a minimum 

Assigned Protection Factor (APF) of 10 is required 

whenever jackhammers or handheld powered 

chipping tools are used indoors or in an enclosed 

area. APF 10 respirators are also required when 

jackhammers or handheld powered chipping tools 

are used outdoors for more than 4 hours per shift.

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 mediumsized businesses in all states and several territories 

across the country, with priority given to highhazard 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.