ASTM E2625-19

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Designation: E2625 − 09 (Reapproved 2017) E2625 − 19
Standard Practice for
Controlling Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline
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Silica for Construction and Demolition Activities
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2625; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Silicon dioxide (silica, SiO ) is encountered in nature and industry in a wide variety of forms. These
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range from essentially anhydrous types with or without a very high degree of crystallinity, to highly
hydroxylated or hydrated types which are amorphous by X-ray diffraction examination. Crystalline
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silica exists in a number of forms or polymorphs. The three major forms, quartz, cristobalite, and
tridymite, pertain to this practice. Quartz (or alpha quartz) is the more common form encountered as
airborne particulates. Two of the polymorphs, cristobalite and tridymite, are formed at elevated
temperatures and are much less common in nature, but might be encountered in several occupations
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where silicas are fired (calcined) at high temperatures. These silica materials have a broad range of
physical and chemical properties.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice describes several actions to reduce the risk of harmful occupational exposures in environments containing
respirable crystalline silica. This practice is intended for the unique conditions during construction and demolition activities.
1.2 Health requirements relating to occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica not covered in this practice fall under
the jurisdiction of Practice E1132.
1.3 Nothing in this practice shall be interpreted as requiring any action that violates any statute or requirement of any federal,
state, or other regulatory agency.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
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2.1 ASTM Standards:
D4532 Test Method for Respirable Dust in Workplace Atmospheres Using Cyclone Samplers
E1132 Practice for Health Requirements Relating to Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica
E1542 Terminology Relating to Occupational Health and Safety
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This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E34 on Occupational Health and Safety and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E34.80 on Industrial
Heath.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2017Aug. 15, 2019. Published November 1, 2017August 2019. Originally approved in 2009. Last previous edition approved in 20092017
as E2625 – 09.E2625 – 09 (2017). DOI: 10.1520/E2625-09R17.10.1520/E2625-19.
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Smith, Deane K., “Opal, Cristobalite, and Tridymite: Noncrystallinity Versus Crystallinity, Nomenclature of the Silica Minerals and Bibliography,” Powder Diffraction,
Vol 13, 1998, pppp. 1–18.
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Miles, W. J., “Crystalline Silica Analysis of Wyoming Bentonite by X-ray Diffraction After Phosphoric Acid Digestion,” Analytical Chemistry Acta, Vol 286, 1994, pppp.
97–105.
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For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
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E2625 − 19
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2.2 ANSI Standards:
Z88.2 1992 American National Standard Practice for Respiratory Protection
ANSI/AIHA Z9.2 2001 Fundamentals Governing the Design and Operation of Local Exhaust Systems
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2.3 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations:
29 CFR 1910.134 Respiratory Protection
29 CFR 1910.1000 Air Contaminants
29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication
42 CFR 84 Title 42, Part 84 Approval of Respiratory Protective Devices, Tests for
...