Tips and Help for the New US OSHA Silica Regulation

OSHA Silica: Know the drill.

OSHA's silica construction standard is already in effect. Is your crew protected? 

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Reducing Exposures to Crystalline Silica

It’s estimated that more than 2.3 million workers in the United States are potentially exposed to dust containing crystalline silica — with nearly 90% of those workers employed in the construction industry. According to OSHA, in 2014 more workers died from silicosis than from being caught in or crushed by collapsing materials, such as in trench and structure collapses.* 

* OSHA Frequently Asked Questions: Respirable Crystalline Silica Rule


What is the new US OSHA construction silica regulation?


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  • Beyond the cutting and crushing: Helpful tips for the new US OSHA Construction Silica Regulation

    Federal US OSHA has published several support documents that should be reviewed along with the complete regulation. Below are a few highlights that apply to construction applications.

    New Reduced Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): Lowered by 80% from what it used to be. OSHA has identified three methods to conduct an exposure assessment:
     

    1. Table 1: Identifies common construction tasks and specifies appropriate and effective engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection for each task.
    2. Performance Monitoring: Assess the 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) exposure based on air monitoring data and other objective data.
    3. Schedule Monitoring: Initial monitoring is used to assess the 8-hour TWA exposure based on a personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples.

    Written Exposure Control Plan: Describes methods used to control workplace exposures, such as engineering controls, work practices, and housekeeping measures. The requirements for the written exposure control plan include:
     

    1. Description of the silica tasks
    2. Engineering controls
    3. Housekeeping measures
    4. Methods to restrict access to work areas
    5. Annual review of the plan for effectiveness and updates
    6. Designated competent person to make frequent and regular inspections of job sites, materials, and equipment to ensure the implementation of the written exposure control plan

    Medical Surveillance: The employer is required to make medical surveillance available at no cost and at a reasonable time and place for each worker required to wear respirators due to silica exposure. Required procedures:
     

    1. Initial (baseline) examinations
    2. Periodic examinations
    3. Information provided to the physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP)
    4. PLHCP’s written medical report for the employee
    5. PLHCP’s written medical opinion for the employer
    6. Additional examinations

    Silica Competent Person: An individual who is capable of identifying existing and foreseeable respirable crystalline silica hazards in the workplace and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate or minimize.

    Seven things to help you be in compliance with the new US OSHA construction silica regulation.

    1. Identify a silica competent person and ensure they are trained appropriately
    2. Decide if Table 1 can be used or if an exposure assessment must be done
                - Using Table 1 - fully and properly implement all required controls (example: ensure tools operate per the manufacturer’s instructions)  
                - Not using Table 1 – conduct exposure assessment of workers
    3. Develop the written exposure control plan 
    4. Implement the exposure control plan 
    5. Conduct frequent and regular inspections of the jobsite and modify the plan as conditions change
    6. Call in qualified persons to support the competent person with complex or unique situations
    7. Review the plan at the end of the project for lessons learned and incorporate them into future plans 

    Note: This is a brief overview of compliance. The employer must read and understand 29 CFR1926.1153 and all other US OSHA silica compliance directives prior to starting any silica work. 


Respiratory protection based on the OSHA Construction Silica regulation revision

This is only a brief overview. Consult the full OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1926.1153 before starting any silica work.

Download Infographic (PDF, 598 KB)

  • OSHA Silica Regulation Product Chart

8210

3M™ Particulate Respirator 8210, N95


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8210V

3M™ Particulate Respirator 8210V, N95
 

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8511

3M™ Particulate Respirator 8511, N95
 

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  • Advanced electrostatic media is designed for ease of breathing

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9211+

3M™ Aura™ Particulate Respirator 9211+/37193(AAD), N95
 

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6000

3M™ Half Facepiece Respirator 6000 Series
 

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6500

3M™ Rugged Comfort Half Facepiece Respirator 6500 Series
 

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6500QL

3M™ Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Half Facepiece Respirator 6500QL Series
 

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7500

3M™ Half Facepiece Respirators 7500 Series
 

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TR-600

3M™ Versaflo™ TR-600 Series Powered Air Purifying Respirators
 

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M-307

3M™ Versaflo™ Respiratory Hardhat Assembly M-307
 

  • Helps provide respiratory protection, plus limited head and eye protection
  • Six-strap textile suspension offers maximum comfort
  • Available with a variety of faceseal fabrics

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GVP PAPR

3M™ GVP-Series Belt-Mounted Powered Air Purifying Respirators
 

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  • Battery-powered blower pulls the air through the filter

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TR-300

3M™ Versaflo™ PAPR Assembly TR-300 Series
 

  • Slim profile is designed for use in tight spaces
  • Alarms alert the user to either a low battery or low airflow
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6000 FF

3M™ Full Facepiece Respirator 6000 Series
 

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FF-400

3M™ Ultimate FX Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator FF-400 Series
 

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7800S

3M™ Full Facepiece Respirator 7800 Series
 

  • Silicone facepiece improves durability
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TR-600

3M™ Versaflo™ TR-600 Series Powered Air Purifying Respirators
 

  • Multiple airflow rate options for comfort
  • LED lights for battery charge
  • Compatible with multiple configurations of headtops, breathing tubes, batteries, filters, and cartridges

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M-407

3M™ Versaflo™ Respiratory Helmet Assembly M-407
 

  • Helps provide respiratory protection, plus limited head and eye protection
  • Six-strap textile suspension offers excellent comfort
  • A variety of outer shroud materials available

Where to buy

GVP PAPR

3M™ GVP-Series Belt-Mounted Powered Air Purifying Respirators
 

  • Rugged, durable PAPR system
  • Constant flow of air can provide cooling for the worker, resulting in greater comfort
  • Battery-powered blower pulls the air through the filter 

Where to buy

TR-300

3M™ Versaflo™ PAPR Assembly TR-300 Series
 

  • Slim profile is designed for use in tight spaces
  • Alarms alert the user to either a low battery or low airflow
  • Lightweight lithium ion battery quickly charges

Where to buy

  • OSHA Silica Regulation Product Chart

SecureFit 400

3M™ SecureFit™ Protective Eyewear 400-Series
 

  • 3M™ Pressure Diffusion Technology allows temples to adjust to a wide range of head sizes for a secure, snug fit
  • Padded temples and soft nosepads
  • 3M™ Scotchgard™ Anti-Fog Coating available

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318-1001

3M™ E-A-R™ Push-Ins™ Earplugs 318-1001, Corded
 

  • Soft, flexible foam for comfortable noise reduction
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  • Cord allows earplugs to be stored conveniently around the neck
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702R-UV

3M™ Hard Hat with Uvicator H-702R-UV, Yellow, 4-Point Ratchet Suspension
 

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3100400

3M™ Protecta® Rebel™ Self Retracting Lifeline, Web 3100400
 

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  • Self-locking snap hook on lifeline
  • Quick activating speed sensing brake system
  • High capacity external energy absorber and impact indicator

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1100797

3M™ DBI-SALA® Delta™ Comfort Construction Style Positioning Harnesses
 

  • Comfort padding
  • Fixed D-ring
  • Rigid body belt and hip pad with side D-rings
  • Built-in lanyard keepers with break-away feature
  • Vertical torso adjusters
  • Impact Indicator

Where to Buy

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