The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will enforce a significant reduction in the amount of silica that workers can be exposed to beginning September 23.
The amount of silica dust that workers can be exposed to over an eight-hour day is being reduced from 250 micrograms per cubic meter of air to 50 micrograms. Employers must provide vacuum dust collection systems and water-delivery systems to limit worker exposure. In some cases, respirators might also be required.
Power tool manufacturers have developed products and systems to meet OSHA requirements. The focus has been on developing better dust extractors and attachments, such as shrouds, to capture dust at the source.
According to estimates, 2.3 million U.S. workers are exposed to respirable silica dust at work each year.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 17, 2020
Spate of energy code appeals could hamper efficiency progress
Construction and fossil fuel interests oppose portions of latest model energy code.
Codes and Standards | Sep 16, 2020
Heat pumps are the future for hot water
Sustainability policies will drive trend.
Codes and Standards | Sep 15, 2020
Taller timber buildings approved in National Fire Protection Association code
Ensures compatibility with the International Building Code.
Codes and Standards | Sep 14, 2020
Relocation of neighborhoods, the next step in U.S. flood strategy, is underway
Repeated rebuilding after successive floods now seen as bad policy.
Codes and Standards | Sep 10, 2020
Fannie Mae programs provide incentives for multifamily solar
Affordable housing projects can find PV installations to be cost-effective.
Codes and Standards | Sep 9, 2020
Corporate pledges accelerate net-zero building movement
World Green Building Council drives goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Codes and Standards | Sep 8, 2020
Study will examine elevator airflow amid COVID-19 pandemic
Researchers to investigate risk of airborne transmission.
Codes and Standards | Sep 4, 2020
Updated selection, application guide for plastic glazed skylights, sloped glazing released
Part of suite of skylight documents by Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance.
Codes and Standards | Sep 3, 2020
Turner Construction takes strong stand against racism
Shuts down work sites for anti-bias training.
Codes and Standards | Sep 2, 2020
California releases guide for state water policy
Water Resilience Portfolio is roadmap for meeting water needs as climate changes.
