Questions from the Field is a selection of questions NPCA Technical Services engineers received from calls, emails and comments on blog posts or magazine articles on precast.org.
If you have a technical question, contact us by calling (800) 366-7731 or visit precast.org/technical-services.
Tracey writes:
How often do precast plants have to perform silica exposure assessments?
NPCA Technical Services engineers answered:
Exposures are to be reassessed whenever there is a change in production, process, control equipment, personnel, or work practices that may reasonably be expected to result in new or additional exposures to crystalline silica above the action level, or when there is reason to believe that new or additional exposures at or above the action level have occurred.1
NPCA file photo
Tim writes:
What is the significance of the silica rule being added to OSHA’s National Emphasis Program? Has the rule changed?
NPCA Technical Services engineers answered:
In June 2018, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration began enforcing a new rule regarding silica exposure for general industry, which includes precast concrete manufacturing facilities. Now, OSHA is including the rule in its National Emphasis Program, meaning states will be targeting this rule as a point of enforcement. Neither the rule nor the compliance requirements have changed.
NPCA has developed numerous resources that address OSHA’s silica rule so you have the tools to ensure your precast concrete plant is in compliance. In addition, NPCA and the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute produced a precast-specific silica exposure control manual that will help you implement the necessary processes and meet OSHA’s compliance standard.
To download your copy of the manual, which is free for NPCA members, visit NPCA’s online shop at precast.org/silica-manual.
The OSHA silica rule establishes an 8-hour, time-weighted average (TWA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 micrograms of silica per cubic meter (μg/m3), and an action level (AL) of 25 μg/m³. It also requires other employee protections, like performing exposure assessments, using exposure control methods, using respiratory protection, establishing regulated areas, developing and implementing a written exposure control plan, offering medical surveillance, developing hazard communication information and keeping silica-related records.
An employer can claim exclusion from the standard if they meet certain conditions outlined in the rule. PI
References:
1. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1153
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