Watch iSi's Free Webinar on Silica in Construction
Watch our free webinar on the construction silica standard. OSHA's silica in construction standard goes into effect on September 23, 2017.
Watch our free webinar on the construction silica standard.
OSHA’s silica in construction standard took effect September 23, 2017. iSi recorded a webinar to cover the critical aspects of the standard that apply to demolition, cutting, grinding, and sandblasting operations.
⚡ TL;DR — Get a full rundown of the 50 mcg/m³ PEL, exposure sampling methodology, engineering control hierarchy, and medical surveillance requirements in 60 minutes. Learn exactly which job roles trigger compliance obligations.
Elements of the New Standard, Exposure Sampling Requirements and Compliance, Engineering and Equipment Controls Overview, Respiratory Protection, Housekeeping, Medical Surveillance, and Training Requirements are all covered in depth.
⚠️ The Problem — Construction silica claims are the #1 OSHA violation. Without a written silica plan, inadequate controls, and proper medical monitoring, you’re exposed to per-violation penalties that add up fast. Workers don’t know exposure risks, and supervisors can’t defend compliance decisions.
This webinar walks through a complete framework—what to monitor, how to sample, when to require respirators, and how to document everything for an OSHA inspection.
Most construction firms skip the planning phase and jump straight to buying masks. That approach fails inspections and puts workers in harm’s way. We’ll show you the control hierarchy that OSHA expects: eliminate the task, engineer the dust away, then protect workers if the first two options don’t work.
This webinar is free – watch it now.
💰 Real construction cost: Initial exposure sampling + professional safety plan = $3,500–$6,000. OSHA penalties for non-compliance run $15,000–$50,000 per violation. Median settlement: $80,000+.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the OSHA silica in construction standard and when did it take effect?
OSHA’s Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) standard for construction took effect September 23, 2017. The standard applies to all construction work where employees are exposed to respirable crystalline silica, including demolition, cutting, drilling, grinding, and sandblasting of concrete, stone, or masonry materials.
Q: What are the main requirements of the construction silica standard?
The construction silica standard requires exposure monitoring if workers may exceed the Action Level (25 micrograms per cubic meter), implementation of engineering controls such as wet cutting or local exhaust ventilation, respiratory protection when controls are insufficient, housekeeping practices to minimize dust, medical surveillance for highly exposed workers, and training on silica hazards and control methods.
Q: What engineering controls reduce silica exposure in construction?
Primary engineering controls include wet cutting (water suppression), local exhaust ventilation at the dust source, use of low-silica or silica-free products where feasible, and substitute materials with lower silica content. When engineering controls cannot reduce exposure below the PEL, respiratory protection becomes necessary.
Need help building your construction silica compliance plan? 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 the OSHA silica in construction standard and when did it take effect?
OSHA’s Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) standard for construction took effect September 23, 2017. The standard applies to all construction work where employees are exposed to respirable crystalline silica, including demolition, cutting, drilling, grinding, and sandblasting of concrete, stone, or masonry materials.
Q: What are the main requirements of the construction silica standard?
The construction silica standard requires exposure monitoring if workers may exceed the Action Level (25 micrograms per cubic meter), implementation of engineering controls such as wet cutting or local exhaust ventilation, respiratory protection when controls are insufficient, housekeeping practices to minimize dust, medical surveillance for highly exposed workers, and training on silica hazards and control methods.
Q: What engineering controls reduce silica exposure in construction?
Primary engineering controls include wet cutting (water suppression), local exhaust ventilation at the dust source, use of low-silica or silica-free products where feasible, and substitute materials with lower silica content. When engineering controls cannot reduce exposure below the PEL, respiratory protection becomes necessary.
Q: What training is required for construction workers exposed to silica?
Construction workers must receive training on silica hazards, health effects of exposure, work practices that minimize exposure, proper respiratory protection use and maintenance, and the employer’s written silica compliance plan. Training must be documented and updated when new work methods or equipment are introduced.
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.