Occupations involving chipping, cutting, drilling, or grinding materials such as soil, concrete, granite, slate, sandstone, or other natural substances can generate extremely small particles known as respirable crystalline silica. These particles can travel deep into the lungs, causing scarring that reduces lung capacity. Over time, this damage can lead to silicosis, a serious and irreversible lung disease.
To address this hazard, OSHA updated its silica standard in 2017 for both the construction and general industry sectors. The standard applies to any workplace where employees may be exposed to silica dust above the action level of 25 µg/m³ (micrograms per cubic meter), averaged over an 8-hour shift. The permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 50 µg/m³ over the same period.
If there is any uncertainty about whether employee exposures exceed the action level, an exposure assessment should be conducted. Employers must also develop and implement a written exposure control plan. Failure to comply can result in substantial OSHA citations and penalties.
We assist businesses with:
- Conducting silica exposure monitoring
- Creating respiratory protection programs and training
- Performing compliance audits to identify and correct program gaps
Many organizations believe they are meeting the standard, but program reviews often reveal areas needing improvement. Expert crystalline silica exposure assessments are needed to help your workplace meet OSHA standards. We provide monitoring, testing, and compliance solutions to protect worker health. Proactive evaluation not only ensures compliance it protects workers’ long-term health and prevents regulatory citations.
Midwest IHS - Industrial Hygiene, Safety and Environmental Consulting 