OSHA's Respirable Crystalline Silica Final Rule

OSHA's Respirable Crystalline Silica Final Rule became effective June 23, 2016, establishing significant new requirements for protecting workers from silica dust exposure. Employers in construction and general industry — including the oil and gas sector — need to understand what this rule requires.

New Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)

The new rule reduces the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air as an 8-hour time-weighted average. This is a significant reduction from the previous standards and requires many employers to implement new controls.

Key Employer Requirements

Employers are required to:

• Use engineering controls and work practices to limit worker exposure to silica
• Provide respiratory protection when engineering controls cannot sufficiently limit exposure
• Offer medical surveillance to workers who are exposed at or above the action level for 30 or more days per year
• Train workers on the health hazards associated with silica exposure
• Keep records of worker exposure measurements and medical surveillance

EWN Course Update

Energy Worldnet has updated course 17335-EWN-CBT-Respirable Crystalline Silica (OSHA) to reflect the new Final Rule requirements. Updated course objectives include:

• Identifying sources of respirable crystalline silica in the workplace
• Understanding health hazards associated with silica exposure
• Knowing the new PEL and action level
• Understanding required engineering controls and work practices
• Knowing when respiratory protection is required
• Understanding medical surveillance requirements

The full rule can be found at 29 CFR 1926.1153 (construction) and 29 CFR 1910.1053 (general industry). Contact EWN to ensure your training program is up to date.