A recent post to this space discussed OSHA's publishing of its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica in the Federal Register. The NPRM seeks to decrease the OSHA PELs for silica exposure to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air (μg/m3) on an 8-hour time-weighted average. The new rule would also include new provisions governing the measurement of silica exposure, limiting workers' access to areas where silica exposures are high, methods for reducing exposures, provision of medical exams to workers with high silica exposures, and provision of training for workers regarding silica-related hazards. The new rules would apply to all OSHA industry standards, including the General Industry Standards.
The proposed proposed rule was published in September of 2013 and was initially open for comment until December 11, 2013. The deadline for submitting comments has since been extended. The comment period will remain open until February 11, 2014. Employers who may be affected by this proposed rule should review its provisions and immediately submit any comments they have by following this link.
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