This rule reduces the limit of respirable crystalline silica to 50 mg per cubic meter of air averaged over 8-hour shift.
Compliance dates
Construction industry September 23, 2017 (fully enforceable 30 days later, October 23)
General Industry June 23, 2018
Requires employers to:
- Use engineering controls (such as water or ventilation) to limit worker exposure;
- 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.
Where to get more information:
- https://www.osha.gov/silica/Silica_FAQs_2016-3-22.pdf
- Factsheet For Construction: www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3681.pdf
- Factsheet for General Industry: www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3682.pdf
- Article from October 2017 that goes over the rule:www.constructiondive.com/news/oshas-silica-rule-now-fully-enforced/507913/
