The New Rule & Standard Requirements

The new rule and standard for the general industry and maritime sectors requires employers to do the following:

• Measure the amount of silica workers are exposed to and determine if it is above an action level of 25 micrograms per cubic meter, averaged over an 8-hour day
• Protect workers from silica exposure over the PEL of 50 micrograms per cubic meter averaged over an 8-hour day
• Limit worker access to areas where PEL exposure may occur
• Use dust controls to protect workers
• Provide respirators
• Restrict housekeeping practices where feasible alternatives are available
• Establish and implement a written exposure control plan
• Offer medical exams, including chest X-rays and lung function tests, at least every 3 years
• Train workers on operations that result in silica exposure, and ways to limit exposure
• Keep records of workers' silica exposure and medical exams

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