Cal/OSHA’s Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard Enforcement

Last September, Cal/OSHA began enforcing employer obligations under the new Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction, found in Title 8 section 1532.3 of the California Code of Regulations. This was the same date that federal OSHA began enforcement of their corresponding standard across the rest of the United States.

Occupational exposures to crystalline silica can occur during workplace operations that involve cutting, sawing, drilling and crushing of concrete, brick, block, rock and stone products. Processes historically associated with high rates of silicosis include sandblasting, sand-casting foundry operations, mining, tunneling, cement cutting and demolition, masonry work and granite cutting.

The new standard was issued to curb lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and kidney disease in construction workers by limiting their exposure to this known respirable hazard. 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.

“Cal/OSHA’s reduced PEL for respirable crystalline silica is good news for countless construction workers across the state,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “At LA Testing, we offer industrial hygiene and environmental analysis of crystalline silica and other respirable hazards associated with the construction industry. We provide all of the sampling supplies necessary to collect samples, offer real-time air monitoring equipment, and stock a comprehensive line of respirators and other personal protective equipment (PPE).”

LA Testing recently sponsored an educational video about crystalline silica and respirable exposures in the construction industry that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/NhYWn87xu7Y.

To learn more about this or other industrial hygiene, occupational, environmental or air quality testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. 

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.

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LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

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