Washington — OSHA and NIOSH have released an updated version of their joint hazard alert on respirable crystalline silica exposure in countertop manufacturing, finishing and installation.
Respirable crystalline silica exposure can lead to scarring and inflammation in the lungs, and result in incurable (and often fatal) silicosis, among other health problems.
The alert includes a table that lists the typical crystalline silica content by product, such as engineered stone and quartzite. It also outlines the requirements of a worker exposure assessment.
OSHA’s permissible exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica is 50 micrograms per cubic meter over an 8-hour time-weighted average. The action level is 25 micrograms per cubic meter over that same time-weighted average.
The hazard alert details how to control exposures using the Hierarchy of Controls and safe work practices, as well as recent exposure-related research.
