Is Your New Silica Exposure Plan Ready?

On March 25, 2016, OSHA released its final rule on crystalline silica exposure, which cuts permissible exposure limits (PELs) in half from the previous limits to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air (m/cu.m.). If you don't already have a silica exposure plan in place that meets these limits, now is the time to start working on your revised plan.

Not sure where to start, or how to meet the new limits? Don't worry—we can help.

As a service to our clients in silica-producing industries, RoboVent's dust collection solution experts will be available to assist with development of the required written silica exposure control plan, which identifies tasks that involve exposure and methods used to protect workers, including dust and fume control remedies. Over the next few weeks, we will be adding more resources to our site at www.robovent.com/dust-collection/silica-dust-collection/. If you would like some additional support, give us a call.

The new rule comes in response to strong consensus from the scientific community that links silica to lung cancer, kidney failure, serious respiratory issues such as chronic bronchitis, and silicosis, a serious lung disease. OSHA estimates that the new rule will prevent 700 deaths and 1,600 new cases of silicosis each year. For this reason, RoboVent supports the new, more stringent PELs for silica and believes that manufacturing companies should adopt policies that actively promote the wellbeing of employees and ensure a safe environment.

We recognize that meeting the new rule will involve new costs for companies engaged in processes that produce silica fumes or dust. We are committed to helping companies meet these new regulations in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible while minimizing unnecessary disruptions.

Helping companies meet the new silica standards is part of RoboVent's ongoing mission: improving lives through clean air.