OSHA Issues Final Rule on Silica Standards

OSHA has released its final rule prescribing the regulations and effective dates for its new regulations on exposure to respirable crystalline silica.  Silica dust—which workers may be exposed to by breathing in dust produced by drilling, cutting, crushing or grinding silica-containing materials such as stone or concrete—can cause severe health issues, such as lung cancer, silicosis, and kidney disease.  OSHA’s new measures are intended to provide better protections by limiting 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;
• Employers must implement engineering controls (e.g., water or ventilation) to limit exposure, or provide respirators where engineering controls are inadequate;
• Employers must limit employee access to high exposure areas; and
• Employers are to develop a written exposure control plan, offer medical exams to monitor highly exposed workers, and train workers on silica risks and how to limit exposure.

Given the wide number of industries the Rule effects (such as, but not limited to, construction, glass manufacturing, foundries, dental laboratories, jewelry production, concrete products, etc.), the Rule has a staggered effective date for compliance to offer employers more flexibility.