Demonstrating Compliance with the OSHA Silica Rule

Safety Isn't Just A Work Thing. It's An Every Thing.TM

There are three options for employers to demonstrate compliance with the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica. While all options require some education, Option 2 and Option 3 require additional documentation or proof sources and recordkeeping on the employer’s part.
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Option 1
Presumed Compliance: Table 1
Controls (Safe Harbor)

Table 1 (view or download below), identifies 18 common construction tasks that generate respirable silica dust. For each task, Table 1 specifies tools, practices and respiratory protection that OSHA has deemed will keep exposures below the PEL when they are fully and properly implemented.

Employers using the tools and practices ("engineering controls") listed in Table 1 are not required to conduct exposure assessments for silica exposure.

OSHA provides a specific Table 1 engineering control for cutting fiber cement with a handheld circular saw.
Table 1 Overview for Fiber Cement
Documents
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To learn more about Table 1, please visit here.

Option 2
The Performance Option: for Tasks not on Table 1

Option 2, the "performance option" applies when employees are not using engineering controls listed in Table 1. Examples of engineering controls not listed in Table 1 include using miter saws or panel saws to cut the fiber cement, or using fans to disperse fiber cement dust.

Under the performance option, employers may rely on a combination of objective data and air monitoring data to show that employee exposure is below the PEL.

The combination of objective data and air monitoring data must reflect workplace conditions that closely resemble the employer's operation on their jobsite, or represent a "worst case" production of silica dust.

James Hardie has compiled a list of reports that may be used as objective data to support your written exposure plan.
OSHA Silica FAQ

Option 3
Scheduled Exposure Monitoring

If a control method is not listed on Table 1 and no objective data is available for the performance option, OSHA requires employers to assess exposure for each employee who may be exposed at or above the Action Level (AL). An exposure assessment is not required if the employer has made a reasonable determination that exposures will remain below the AL under all foreseeable circumstances. Depending upon the results of the sampling, the standard may require additional sampling at set periods of time.

Employers do not need to monitor at each jobsite provided that the task and the workplace conditions in the new work area are substantially similar.

James Hardie can assist you with identifying a certified satefy professional or industrial hygienist who can conduct exposure monitoring.
OSHA Silica FAQ

James Hardie Silica
Training in Action

Watch our video to see how you can easily work with James Hardie products and the OSHA silica rule change.

Questions

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