OSHA Issues Guidance for Silica

December 19, 2018

OSHA Issues "Frequently Asked Questions" guidance document for Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction (29 CFR 1926.1153)

Key Highlights:

1. Defines specific tasks and job categories that are outside of the scope of the standard.
2. Exempts employers from developing an exposure control plan if exposures are regularly less than the Action Level of 25 ug/m³.
3. Uniquely provides two methods for compliance to control exposures:
   • Specified exposure control methods – Requires full implementation of engineering, work practices and respiratory protection which eliminates the need for exposure monitoring
   • Alternative exposure control methods – Requires documentation of alternative control methods via performance or scheduled exposure monitoring.

Full document can be viewed via this link:

https://www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/silicacrystalline/SilicaConstructionFAQs.pdf