![]() Watch the video below to learn more about silica and its dangers. But, any operation that involves cutting, crushing or pulverizing materials that contain silica will create tiny particles of silica dust - or crystalline silica, which has been classified as a human lung carcinogen. If it’s not being disturbed, then it’s not hazardous. It’s used to make products such as glass, concrete, bricks and artificial stone. It's found in materials like sand, soil and granite. Silica is a naturally occurring mineral that is found all over the planet. And it also makes workers more susceptible to other lung infections, such as tuberculosis. Silicosis contributes to around 100 deaths per year according to NIOSH. This impaired lung function can lead to lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease. These microscopic dust particles cause scar tissue that impairs lung function by reducing the ability to take in oxygen. What exactly is silica and why is it hazardous?Ī single grain of salt is 60 times larger than a particle of silica dust. With hydraulic fracturing technology still in development, enforcement for this industry is not scheduled until June 23, 2021. Enforcement for construction industry regulations began in September 2017 and enforcement for general industry and maritime operations is scheduled for June 23, 2018. The new regulation provides flexible compliance dates to employers. Because so many people are affected, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health ( NIOSH) has been recommending stricter regulation for several years. ![]() OSHA estimates that over 2 million workers are exposed to silica dust each year. That's why OSHA changed its standards on silica in 2016, updating regulations from the 1970s to lower the amount of acceptable exposure in accordance with more recent research. J– Engineering controls must be implemented to limit exposures to the new PEL.Deaths and diseases due to silica dust exposure are 100 percent preventable.J– For this three-year period, employers can continue to have employees wear respirators to comply with the PEL.J– Requirements are the same as “All operations in general industry and maritime.”.Hydraulic Fracturing for the Oil & Gas Industry J– Employers are required to also offer medical surveillance to employees who will be exposed at or above the action level for 30+ days a year.J– Employers are required to comply with all obligations of the standard including offering medical surveillance to employees exposed above the PEL for 30+ days a year.J– Employers are required to comply with all obligations of the standard, including methods of sample analysis.Īll Operations in General Industry and Maritime. ![]() J– Employers are required to comply with all obligations of the standard, except methods of sample analysis.Industries Affected by OSHA Silica Standards OSHA limits exposure to respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m3) over an eight-hour day with an action level of 25 µg/m3 over an eight-hour day. Provide guidance to reduce employee exposureĪs stated, our services include monitoring the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica.Assist with silica and OSHA training and documentation.Compare exposure monitoring results to the current OSHA Action Level and PEL. ![]()
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