Safely Managing Silica Exposure

PPE is the last resort for protection of workers from silica dust.

Under the new standard employers are required to protect employees from exposure above the PEL.

Which of the following are components of the Written Silica Exposure Control Plan:

OSHA requires the employer to offer medical surveillance and examinations at no cost to employees.

When does OSHA require an initial medical examination for employees?

The new standard allows workers to be exposed to silica while completing housekeeping tasks.

Which of the following is the most common form of silica?

Once an employer has determined an employee is exposed to silica it is their duty to protect those workers.

Which of the following are employers required to keep on record?

Dry sweeping, dry dusting, use of compressed air, and vacuuming are all acceptable forms of cleaning for respirable silica dust.