The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) deadline for enforcement of the respirable crystalline silica standard for construction is September 23, 2017.

“Don’t get caught under the gun to comply with the new silica rules,” Joe Unangst, vice president, SGS EHS, says. SGS Galson is fully compliant with the new OSHA silica standard. “Our new silica kits and renowned FreePumpLoan™ program will provide exactly what you need to easily monitor your silica dust hazards,” Unangst said.

The final rule, which is already being enforced for general and maritime industries, was written to curb lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in America’s workers by limiting workers’ exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

According to OSHA, the key provisions of the silica standard are it:

• Reduces the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8-hour shift.
• Requires employers to: use engineering controls (such as water or ventilation) to limit worker exposure to the PEL; provide respirators when engineering controls cannot adequately limit exposure; limit worker access to high exposure areas; develop a written exposure control plan, offer medical exams to highly exposed workers, and train workers on silica risks and how to limit exposures.
• Provides medical exams to monitor highly exposed workers and gives them information about their lung health.
• Provides flexibility to help employers — especially small businesses — protect workers from silica exposure

Construction industry professional Kent Crytzer, Certified Safety Professional (CSP) of the Construction Employers Association (CEA), said, “SGS Galson has become a partner and a reliable resource to CEA … Over the past year, our members and I have come to appreciate the high level of service SGS Galson and its team provides to our membership. We look forward to a long-lasting relationship.”

Definitive details on SGS Galson’s Crystalline Silica and Respirable Dust Testing & Resources, and ordering information for the silica test kit ordering information are found here.

For information on any SGS Galson programs or services, contact our award-winning Client Service Representatives toll-free at (888) 432-5227, ehs.clientcare@sgs.com or chat, or connect by IHLive HelpCam in real time on your cell phone, tablet, or desktop/laptop. And with IHLive Text, you can immediately connect by text at our same toll-free number.