The Silica Saga
What does OSHA’s delay of the enforcement of the crystalline silica standard mean to the masonry industry?
By Jennifer Morrell
On April 6, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a delay in enforcement of the crystalline silica standard, citing a need for more time to conduct additional outreach and provide educational materials and guidance for employers. The standard was set to begin June 23, but is now set to be enforced Sept. 23.
OSHA says additional guidance is necessary, “due to the unique nature of the requirements in the construction standard.” The administration expects employers in the construction industry to continue working toward compliance with the new PEL (permissible exposure limit), or to implement specific dust controls for certain operations.
Respirable crystalline silica consists of small particles at least 100 times smaller than ordinary sand one might encounter on beaches and playgrounds, says OSHA. It is created during work operations involving stone, rock, concrete, brick, block, mortar and industrial sand. Exposures to respirable crystalline silica can occur when cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling and crushing these materials.
The administration says these exposures are common in brick, concrete and pottery manufacturing operations, as well as during operations using industrial sand products, such as in foundries, sand blasting, and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations in the oil and gas industry. According to OSHA, exposure to respirable crystalline silica can cause silicosis, lung cancer, other respiratory diseases, and kidney disease.
For mason contractors, the postponement is good news. Gary Joyner, president of Joyner Masonry Works in Greenville, S.C., told Pro Masonry Guide in April, “I am happy the rule has been postponed. Many of the regulations in place are not very clear as far as enforcement. Hopefully they will clarify some before implementation.”
The effect of the standard will be significant. Regardless of which exposure control method is used, all construction employers covered by the standard are required to:
- Establish and implement a written exposure control plan that identifies tasks that involve exposure and methods used to protect workers, including procedures to restrict access to work areas where high exposures may occur
- Designate a competent person to implement the written exposure control plan
- Restrict housekeeping practices that expose workers to silica where feasible alternatives are available
- Offer medical exams, including chest X-rays and lung function tests, every three years for workers who are required by the standard to wear a respirator for 30 or more days per year
- Train workers on work operations that result in silica exposure and ways to limit exposure
- Keep records of workers’ silica exposure and medical exams.
As for the manufacturers, they are rolling with the punches and responding as best they can.
“It’s good for our customers that the enforcement date for meeting stricter respirable silica dust levels has moved out 90 days to Sept. 23, 2017, which gives everyone more time to prepare,” says David Pizzolato, Robert Bosch Tool’s group marketing manager. “Clearly, the danger from silica dust exposure still exists, and this later enforcement date offers more time for employers to meet these requirements and keep workers safe. Bosch remains committed to working with the construction industry to get people trained, as well as providing industry-leading products that meet the growing need for dust solutions.”
Exposure assessment, medical surveillance and employee training are among other requirements of the standard, and OSHA expects employers to continue toward meeting those. Visit www.osha.gov/silica for more information about OSHA’s silica rule.
