Determine OSHA Table 1 engineering controls for walk-behind saws and handheld/walk-behind grinders on a concrete job

Steps

1. Identify the specific task and its corresponding Table 1 entry under 29 CFR 1926.1153 (e.g., walk-behind saws, handheld grinders for mortar removal, handheld grinders for other tasks) rather than assuming one generic grinder entry covers all uses.
2. For walk-behind saws, confirm the required control is water fed continuously to the blade/cutting point to suppress dust.
3. For handheld grinders, confirm the dust-collection shroud is intact and manufacturer-installed, the vacuum hose is unkinked, filters are maintained per manufacturer instructions, and the tool is kept flush to the surface during use.
4. When work occurs indoors or in an enclosed area, add supplemental general ventilation (fans, ducts, exhaust), since OSHA guidance notes Table 1 dust-collection controls alone may not keep visible dust and exposures low in enclosed spaces.
5. If a task or piece of equipment is not listed on Table 1, or the employer does not fully implement the listed control, conduct exposure assessment/air monitoring instead of assuming compliance.