Watch iSi's Free Webinar Covering OSHA's General Industry Silica Regulation
Watch our webinar to determine how these regulations apply to your organization. OSHA's general industry silica standard went into effect on June 23, 2018.
Watch our webinar to determine how these regulations apply to your organization.
OSHA’s general industry silica standard went into effect on June 23, 2018. iSi recorded a webinar on Friday, June 22, 2018 which covered essential compliance elements for any facility handling silica dust.
⚡ TL;DR — Know exactly how the 50 mcg/m³ PEL applies to your operation. See the exposure sampling, control hierarchy, and medical monitoring steps that separate compliant facilities from those facing fines.
iSi’s webinar walks through the foundational elements of the new standard with real examples from grinding, blasting, and material handling operations.
⚠️ The Problem — Misclassifying which operations trigger silica exposure can cost you thousands in unnecessary remediation. Underestimating exposure levels puts workers at risk of silicosis and lung disease while exposing your facility to OSHA enforcement action.
Elements of the New Standard, Exposure Sampling Requirements and Compliance, Dust Controls, Respiratory Protection Implications, Medical Implications and More are all covered in detail.
Is your company affected? Check our previous blog article to see if your industry is a target. We have also summarized the key requirements of the standard.
Most facilities underestimate how many job categories need exposure monitoring. Loading, unloading, sweeping, maintenance—all can exceed the action level. We’ll show you the sampling protocol that OSHA expects and how to structure your compliance documentation so an inspection goes smoothly.
This webinar is free — watch it now.
💰 Typical cost to remediate: $4,000–$8,000 for exposure sampling, control evaluation, and respiratory protection program setup. One inspection penalty often exceeds that cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is OSHA’s general industry silica standard and when did it take effect?
OSHA’s Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) standard for general industry and maritime took effect June 23, 2018. The standard establishes a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 50 micrograms per cubic meter as an 8-hour time-weighted average to protect workers from silica dust-related lung disease, including silicosis and lung cancer.
Q: What industries are affected by the OSHA silica standard?
Industries affected include construction (saw cutting, grinding), general industry (grinding, material handling, blasting preparation), and maritime operations. Any facility where workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica from sand, rock, concrete, brick, tile, or silica flour must comply with the standard.
Q: What exposure monitoring and controls does OSHA require for silica?
Employers must identify all operations that may generate silica dust exposure, conduct initial sampling to determine worker exposure levels, and implement engineering controls such as wet cutting, local exhaust ventilation, or process substitution. If engineering controls cannot keep exposure below the PEL, respiratory protection and medical monitoring are required.
Need help with silica compliance? Contact iSi Environmental for a same-day quote, or explore our OSHA services to see how we can help your facility.
We Plug In. You Level Up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is OSHA’s general industry silica standard and when did it take effect?
OSHA’s Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) standard for general industry and maritime took effect June 23, 2018. The standard establishes a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 50 micrograms per cubic meter as an 8-hour time-weighted average to protect workers from silica dust-related lung disease, including silicosis and lung cancer.
Q: What industries are affected by the OSHA silica standard?
Industries affected include construction (saw cutting, grinding), general industry (grinding, material handling, blasting preparation), and maritime operations. Any facility where workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica from sand, rock, concrete, brick, tile, or silica flour must comply with the standard.
Q: What exposure monitoring and controls does OSHA require for silica?
Employers must identify all operations that may generate silica dust exposure, conduct initial sampling to determine worker exposure levels, and implement engineering controls such as wet cutting, local exhaust ventilation, or process substitution. If engineering controls cannot keep exposure below the PEL, respiratory protection and medical monitoring are required.
Q: What medical examinations are required for workers with silica exposure?
Workers whose exposure equals or exceeds the Action Level (25 micrograms per cubic meter) must be offered baseline and periodic medical examinations including chest X-rays and spirometry. Medical professionals evaluate workers for signs of silica-related lung disease and restrict work if occupational exposure poses significant health risks.
Need help with osha compliance? Contact iSi Environmental for a same-day quote, or explore our osha services to see how we can help your facility.