The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a final rule regarding worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The final rule takes effect on June 23, 2016, after which the construction industry has one year to comply with the requirements, by June 23, 2017.

Notable updates to this OSHA Standard:

• Reduces the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8-hour shift.
• Establishes an action level for respirable crystalline silica of 25 micrograms per cubic meter, dictating performance requirements for employers.
• Requires employers to: use engineering controls (such as water or ventilation) to limit worker exposure to the PEL; provide respirators when engineering controls cannot adequately limit exposure; limit worker access to high exposure areas; develop a written exposure control plan, offer medical exams to highly exposed workers, and train workers on silica risks and how to limit exposures.
• Establishes expectations for medical exams to monitor highly exposed workers and gives them information about their lung health.

OSHA Safety and Health Topics: Silica, Crystalline