OSHA Requiring Engineering Controls To Minimize Workers’ Silica Dust Exposure
Posted on Mar 25, 2016 in Construction, Energy/Environmental, OSHA, Process Safety | Comments Off on OSHA Requiring Engineering Controls To Minimize Workers’ Silica Dust Exposure
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a final rule targeting silica dust exposure. The rule reduces the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8-hour shift. The rule also requires employers to use engineering controls to limit worker exposure, provide respirators when engineering controls would not be adequate, limit worker access to high exposure areas, develop written control plans, and train workers on silica risks and how to limit exposure. The rule will be effective for the construction industry on June 23, 2017 and for general industry and maritime on June 23, 2018.
The full rule can be viewed here.
