Key Provisions of the OSHA Regulations

The key provisions of the new OSHA regulations for silica require employers to do the following:

• Reduce the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an eight-hour shift.
• Protect workers from respirable crystalline silica exposures above the PEL.
• Use engineering controls, such as water, ventilation, and dust controls, to limit workers' exposure to the levels specified by the PEL.
• Provide respirators when engineering controls cannot adequately limit exposure.
• Limit worker access to high exposure areas.
• Use housekeeping methods that do not create airborne dust, if possible.
• Develop a written exposure control plan.
• Offer medical exams, including chest X-rays and lung function tests, every three years for workers exposed at or above the action level for 30 or more days per year.
• Train workers on silica risks and how to limit exposures.
• Keep records of exposure measurements, objective data, and medical exams.
• Medical surveillance obligations began June 23, 2018, for employees who will be occupationally exposed to respirable crystalline silica above the PEL for 30 or more days per year. Obligations start June 23, 2020, for employees who will be occupationally exposed to respirable crystalline silica at or above the action level for 30 or more days per year. Hydraulic fracturing operations in the oil and gas industry must implement engineering controls to limit exposures to the new PEL by June 23, 2021.

To learn more about Silica Safety visit our General & Maritime Silica Safety Online Training web page.