Silica Monitoring during Multi-industry Projects for Compliance

On March 25, 2016, the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published the final rule for Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica (29 CFR 1910, 1915, and 1926). This major occupational regulatory development had a drawn-out process, originating in 1971 when the previous permissible exposure limits (PELs) for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) were established. The agency estimates that approximately 2.3 million workers are exposed to RCS in construction, mining, brick manufacturing, foundries, and oil/gas drilling (hydraulic fracturing). In addition, the railroad industry sometimes faces the potential for silica exposure to its employees. This talk will focus on the evaluation of airborne silica concentrations during response incidents and projects involving coal, sand, mining operations, and manufacturing facilities. A proactive approach to monitoring was taken during these recent projects to identify the potential for airborne silica, if any, that may be posed to workers or communities affected by work activities. Results of monitoring will be discussed, and suggestions for future activities will be provided on the basis of these experiences.