CONTROL OF SILICA DUST IN CONSTRUCTION 

Handheld and Stand-Mounted Drills

The use of handheld and stand-mounted drills, impact and rotary hammer 

drills, and similar tools used to drill holes in concrete, masonry, or other silicacontaining 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 handheld and stand-mounted drills as listed in Table 1 

of the Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction, 29 CFR 1926.1153.

Engineering Control Method: Vacuum Dust Collection System

Vacuum Dust Collection System (VDCS)

When using handheld or stand mounted drills to 

drill into concrete or other materials that contain 

crystalline silica, reduce exposure to silica dust 

by enclosing the drill in a commercially available 

shroud or cowling with a vacuum attached to 

capture the silica dust as it is generated around 

the drill bit.

A VDCS is commercially available in a variety 

of designs that include a dust collection device 

(shroud or cowling), vacuum, hose, filter, and 

filter-cleaning mechanism. These systems are 

typically available integrated into the tools or as 

add-on systems.

The VDCS must be equipped with a:

• Shroud or cowling sized to fit around the drill 

bit that is compatible with the manufacturer’s 

vacuum system;

• Vacuum that is rated to provide the airflow 

recommended by the tool manufacturer or 

greater to remove dust at the drilling point; and

• Air filter with a 99 percent or greater efficiency 

and a filter cleaning mechanism.

The drill and VDCS must be operated 

and maintained in accordance with the 

manufacturer’s instructions to minimize dust 

emissions. Focus on the following areas:

• Keep the vacuum hose clear and free of 

debris, kinks and tight bends.

• Activate any non-automatic filter-cleaning 

mechanism as needed to reduce dust buildup 

on the filter.

• Change vacuum-collection bags as needed.

• Set a schedule for filter cleaning and 

maintenance.

• Avoid exposure to dust when changing vacuum 

bags and cleaning or replacing air filters.

When necessary to clean the dust and debris 

from the drilled holes, a HEPA-filtered vacuum 

system must be used to capture the dust.

Photo courtesy of OSHA

Worker drilling into concrete with a rotary hammer

equipped with a shroud and dust collection system.

FactSheet
Indoors or in Enclosed Areas

Using a VDCS indoors or in enclosed areas may 

not reliably keep silica exposures low, so 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 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.

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.

Photo courtesy of the University of California, Berkeley (D. Rempel)

Worker drilling horizontal holes in a concrete wall using two 

stand-mounted drills equipped with two dust collectors. 

Note that the shrouds around drill bits, black hose, and dust 

collector are attached conveniently to the stand. 

Respiratory Protection

When properly used, a VDCS can reduce 

airborne dust levels to below the permissible 

exposure limit (PEL) of 50 μg/m3, calculated as 

an 8-hour time-weighted average. Therefore, 

respiratory protection is not required when using 

drills equipped with a VDCS and a filter cleaning 

mechanism as specified earlier.

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.

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-3630 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.