At this point, the OSHA silica rules are forthcoming, what should you be doing to prepare?
- Read the OSHA Small Entity Guide. Initially it is daunting – 103 pages, but much of it is specific to tasks from Table 1 and the full rules are within it, as well. Plus, they have pictures!
- Identify tasks which could have silica exposures
- Train employees, identify your “competent person(s)” – my suggestion is: Superintendents/Project Managers
- Warn those on your projects: NO VISIBLE DUST on any tasks (cutting, finishing, dry sweeping, etc.)
- Document activities with airborne silica exposures below 25 ug/m3
- Identify possible solutions for overexposures
- Verify airborne levels with personal air sampling
- Start a process to log the number of days with (any) exposure – >30 is inclusion into medical
- Find a medical provider that can have medical screen performed & with a B reader
*Thanks Andrew for the photos*