OSHA Publishes Guidance Document on Silica Control

摘要

The new OSHA publication Controlling Silica Exposures in Construction addresses the control of worker exposure to dust containing crystalline silica, known to cause the lung disease silico-sis. The document includes methods for controlling silica, such as wet cutting during construction operations when hand-held saws, grinders, and jackham-mers are used. Wetting materials at the point of impact makes the dust particles heavier and more likely to stick to each other, reducing the chance of airborne dust, according to OSHA.rnThe agency says employers should conduct periodic monitoring of silicarnexposure by testing air samples at the construction site to determine if the level exceeds OSHA's permissible exposure limit.