**New OSHA Silica Exposure Regulations: What You Need to Know**
**Updated: December 22, 2023**
Exposure to crystalline silica has long been recognized as a serious health hazard. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has introduced updated regulations with stricter limits on respirable silica exposure to better protect workers across different industries.
At Finishing Systems, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our employees and customers. Staying informed about industry changes is essential for maintaining a safe working environment. If you have questions or need more information about the new silica standards, visit OSHA’s official website or consider using their On-Site Consultation Program. This service provides expert guidance to help identify and reduce silica-related risks in your workplace.
The two key OSHA standards apply to:
- **Construction workers**
- **General industry and maritime workers**
While the construction standard has been in effect since September 23, 2017, the general industry and maritime rules came into force on June 23, 2018. These regulations cover workers exposed to loose silica products, such as during blasting, abrasion, and foundry work, as well as those involved in tasks that generate airborne silica, like cutting, grinding, or crushing concrete, stone, and brick.
### What Is Crystalline Silica?
Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in sand, stone, concrete, and mortar. It's also used in glass, pottery, and ceramics. There are three main forms:
- **Quartz**: The most common form, found in nearly all types of rock.
- **Cristobalite**: Rare, often found in volcanic rocks or formed when quartz is heated.
- **Tridymite**: Also rare, typically not encountered in most workplaces.
When silica is broken down into fine dust, it becomes respirable and can be inhaled, leading to serious health issues.
### The Effects of Silica Exposure
Respirable silica is extremely fine — up to 100 times smaller than a grain of sand. Activities like cutting, drilling, and grinding can release this dangerous dust into the air. Prolonged exposure increases the risk of:
- **Silicosis**, an irreversible lung disease
- **Lung cancer**
- **Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)**
- **Kidney disease**
### How Do Workers Get Exposed?
Workers in construction, manufacturing, and other industries may be exposed to crystalline silica through routine tasks such as:
- Using power tools (saws, drills, jackhammers)
- Operating demolition equipment
- Performing abrasive blasting
- Crushing or milling materials
- Tunneling or excavation
OSHA estimates over 600,000 U.S. workplaces expose employees to respirable silica annually. That’s why the agency has implemented strict control measures to minimize risks.
### OSHA Silica Exposure Standards
OSHA Standard 1926.1153 outlines requirements for controlling silica exposure in construction. Employers must:
- Develop an **exposure control plan** listing all silica-related tasks and protective measures
- Designate a **competent person** to oversee compliance
- Provide **medical exams** for workers exposed to silica
- Train employees on hazards and safety procedures
- Maintain **records** of exposure and medical data
For example, if a worker uses a saw outdoors for less than four hours, no respirator may be needed. But for longer periods or indoor use, additional protection is required.
### Solutions for Silica Inhalation
To prevent silica inhalation, employers should implement a combination of:
- **Personal protective equipment** (PPE), such as respirators and masks
- **Engineering controls**, like ventilation systems and dust collection devices
- **Good housekeeping practices**, including regular cleaning and removal of silica dust
### Protecting Your Workforce
At Finishing Systems, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our team and our clients. We’ve conducted thorough monitoring and professional testing to maintain a safe working environment.
If you're looking for reliable safety equipment to protect your workers from silica exposure, we offer a wide range of high-quality products designed to keep your employees safe.
**Contact us today** to learn more about our safety solutions and how we can help you meet OSHA standards.
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