OSHA's Silica Rule Deadline Approaches
Colin Casey, Esq., CSP
Certified Safety Professional driving regulatory compliance and employee safety in industry and construction
After a three-month delay, OSHA's new silica standard for construction is scheduled to go into effect September 23, 2017. What will this more stringent standard mean to your construction business?
Exposure to respirable crystalline silica, found in the dust created by cutting, grinding, or blasting concrete and other materials, can cause silicosis, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases. OSHA's new standard significantly reduces the permissible exposure limit by 80%, from approximately 250 micrograms per cubic meter to only 50. Those found to be out of compliance are subject to a maximum fine of $12,675 initial fine and up to $126,749 for repeated or willful violations.
OSHA published in the new standard a list of specific control methods when working with materials containing crystalline silica. Table 1, found in CFR 1926.1153, prescribes activity-specific engineering and work practice control methods, such as the use of commercially available dust collectors and integrated water delivery systems, as well as any requirement for respiratory protection. As long as the activity you are performing is listed in Table 1, and you follow the methods prescribed therein, you are compliant with the new silica standard.
If, however, you are performing an unlisted activity or the prescribed control methods are unfeasible or impractical to your specific job, baseline monitoring to determine personnel exposure is required to prove no employees are exposed above the permissible exposure limit.
Other requirements under the new standard include a written silica exposure control plan, designating a competent person to implement the written plan, training workers so that they understand the risks of silica exposure, and conducting medical surveillance of any employee required to wear a respirator for more than 30 days each year.
Compliance with the new standard takes planning, but is not a monumental task. If you have any questions about implementing your silica program, please feel free to contact me. Stay safe!