OSHA Enforces Silica Construction Final Rule

On September 23, 2017, OSHA began enforcement of the respirable crystalline silica standard for construction, while offering compliance assistance to employers making good faith efforts to comply during the first 30 days.

Click below to read the federal construction regulation in its entirety.
 
29 CFR 1926.1153 - Respirable Crystalline Silica

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Final Rule Key Provisions

• Reduces the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8-hour shift. 
• Requires employers to: use engineering controls (such as water or ventilation) to limit worker exposure to the PEL; provide respirators when engineering controls cannot adequately limit exposure; limit worker access to high exposure areas; develop a written exposure control plan, offer medical exams to highly exposed workers, and train workers on silica risks and how to limit exposures.
• Provides medical exams to monitor highly exposed workers and gives them information about their lung health. 
• Provides flexibility to help employers — especially small businesses — protect workers from silica exposure.