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ARTICLE · 05 APRIL 2016

OSHA Issues Final Rule With More Stringent Silica Exposure Limit

Smith Gambrell & Russell
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On March 24, 2016, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration issued a final rule, which among other things, significantly reduces the permissible exposure limit for workers' exposure to respirable crystalline silica...

United StatesEmployment and HR
Stephen O'Day
Stephen O'Day
Andrew Thompson
Andrew Thompson
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On March 24, 2016, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) issued a final rule, which among other things, significantly reduces the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for workers' exposure to respirable crystalline silica from 100 micrograms per cubic meter of air (averaged over an 8-hour shift) to 50 micrograms per cubic meter.  The new OSHA rule impacts a wide range of industries including construction, manufacturing, oil and gas production, and railroads.  In addition to the more stringent PEL, the new rule includes monitoring, training, record-keeping, housekeeping, and other requirements for employers.  The rule will take effect in June 2016 with the construction industry required to comply with the new standards by June 2017 and general industry required to comply by June 2018.

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