OSHA Crystalline Silica Compliance Set For September

Crystalline silica is commonly found in many naturally occurring materials and used in many industrial products and construction sites. It is well known that inhaling crystalline silica particles causes multiple diseases that can lead to cancer and even death. However, until recently OSHA’s permissible exposure limits (PEL’s) for silica were outdated and inconsistent, based on studies from the 1960’s that did not reflect more recent scientific evidence.

Not for long.

Effective September 23, the General Industry, Construction and Maritime industries will have to comply with OSHA’s new Respirable Crystalline Silica Rule which will require employers to utilize engineering controls to control airborne silica and conduct stricter personnel monitoring to measure their employee’s exposure to respirable silica dust. The previous PEL of 100 micrograms per cubic meter has been cut in half and action levels have been set to 25 micrograms per cubic meter.

As the compliance date approaches the demand for personnel dust monitoring equipment will increase significantly as will manufacturer’s lead-times for new equipment. Don’t wait! Eco-Rental Solutions LLC is an authorized distributor and rental supplier for TSI’s entire line of Aerosol and Dust Monitors including the AM520 Personal Dust Monitor, DustTrak Desktop Aerosol monitor and the Environmental DustTrak (EDT). Call for pricing now so you aren’t left out in the cold as the September 23 compliance date approaches!