OSHA Issues Guidance to Ensure Uniform Enforcement of Respirable Crystalline Silica Standards

Earlier this summer, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a compliance directive designed to ensure uniformity in inspection and enforcement procedures when addressing respirable crystalline silica exposures in general industry, maritime and construction.

According to OSHA, the directive provides compliance safety and health officers with guidance on how to enforce the silica standards’ requirements, including:

• Methods of compliance
• Table 1 tasks and specified exposure control methods
• Exposure assessments
• Housekeeping
• Respiratory protection
• Regulated areas
• Recordkeeping
• Employee information and training
• Medical surveillance
• Communication of hazards

OSHA began enforcing most provisions of the construction standard in September 2017, with enforcement of the requirements for sample analysis starting in June 2018. Enforcement of most of the general industry and maritime standards began in June 2018, with enforcement of some medical surveillance requirements commencing this past June. Next June, the agency will begin enforcing requirements for engineering controls for hydraulic fracturing operations in the oil and gas industry.

“Workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica may develop a number of serious health conditions, including silicosis - an incurable lung disease that can lead to disability and death, so mitigating exposure risks is essential,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Not only is it required, but noncompliance penalties can be quite costly. Our laboratories across North America provide industrial hygiene testing services, sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments and personal protective equipment (PPE).”

To learn more about crystalline silica testing or for access to sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments and PPE, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail