All sand blast workers are trained and given physical examinations annually. Also some written materials describing silicosis are provided to each employee. Housekeeping is critical to controlling exposures. Vacuums equipped with HEPA filters are used. Silica is not handled like asbestos or lead where plastic enclosures are used to isolate work areas.
Ventilation is used only in limited areas.
Training for silica is non-existent on most construction sites. Substituting lower silica content core wash materials. Cleaning furnace inserts outside the shop. Wet methods do not work well in foundries because of the heat in the environment or process. Electrostatic dust collectors also do not work well.