The rule establishes two standards, where only one existed previously, and reduces the permissible exposure limit (PEL) from 100 µg/m3 for an eight-hour time-weighted average to 50 µg/m3.
The rule aims to curb lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease by limiting workers exposure to respirable crystalline silica.
Knowing the facts on safety guidelines will not only make for a secure work environment, but it will also have fabricators prepared when OSHA or the Ministry of Labour stop by for a shop inspection
OSHA is currently in the process of analyzing the substantial comments it received on its proposed silica rule, which the agency has scheduled to take place through at least the middle of this year.
Last year, OSHA released an official proposal to cut the silica exposure limit formula in half, to 50 micrograms of respirable crystalline silica per cubic meter of air over an eight-hour workday.
Natural stone quarry and fabrication operations have had increasing concerns with the regulatory practices of MSHA and OSHA in regards to inconsistent and unpredictable enforcement efforts