New Silica Standard

22 Sep

On September 23rd the new standard for Silica exposure from OSHA will be implemented for the Construction Industry. OSHA estimates that the new rule will save over 600 lives and prevent more than 900 new cases of silicosis each year, once its effects are fully realized. About 2.3 million workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica in their workplaces, with about 2 million being construction workers.
Key provisions of the new standard include:
• Reduced Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8-hour shift.
• Employers are required to: use engineering controls(i.e. water or vents) to limit the PEL, provide respirators when needed, develop a written exposure control plan, offer medical exams, and train workers on silica risks
• Provides flexibility to help employers protect their employees from silica exposure.