Silica Regulations:
Get insights Into the New Regulation and How It Impacts Your Operations
Exposure to dust containing crystalline silica can cause scarring of the lungs, also known as silicosis. This is an irreversible disease that typically takes over a decade to develop, but with very high exposures can start to form within a few months. Other serious disease that can develop from crystalline silica exposure includes lung cancer, kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Crystalline Silica Emergency Temporary Standard
Silica exposure is regulated under Title 8 Section 5204 for General Industry and 1532.3 for Construction. In response to reports of dozens of young men in the countertop fabrication industry developing severe lung disease, the California Occupational Health and Safety Administration (Cal/OSHA) has issued a temporary emergency standard to better protect workers performing high-risk tasks, such as grinding, cutting and polishing stone that contains more than 10% crystalline silica. This revision, which went into effect on December 29, 2023, imposed significant changes for all countertop fabricators.
Summary of Regulatory Requirements under Title 8 Section 5204
The ETS armed Cal/OSHA with the authority to shut down operations if the new protective measures outlined in the standard are not met. Employers are required to implement the following measures:
- Effective dust suppression controls, such as using a dust shroud or wet methods;
- Delineating a regulated area with signage warning about silica exposure;
- Design housekeeping methods that prevent silica dust from becoming airborne;
- Develop a written Silica Compliance Plan;
- Provide respiratory protection;
- Conduct exposure monitoring for airborne silica on an annual basis; and
- Report confirmed cases of silicosis and cancer to Cal/OSHA and the Department of Public Health.
We provide the following services:
- Interpretation of Cal/OSHA silica regulations
- Silica air sampling to evaluate employee exposures
- Evaluation if medical surveillance is required for your employees
- Recommendation for engineering controls and personal protective equipment
- Deliniation of "regulated areas" in your facility
- Development of a written silica exposure program based on site-specific work procedures
- Determining if your facility is subject to the Carcinogen Use Reporting Requirements
Call (562) 357-7783 today or use our Website Form to get expert guidance on navigating the Cal/OSHA lead regulations.
More Resources
General Industry:
8 CCR Section 5204
Construction Industry:
8 CCR Section 1532.3
CA Department of Public Health
(English and Spanish):
Silica Safety Resources for Stone Fabricators
Center for Disease Control:
Health Risks of Crystalline Silica Exposure