NEWSWATCH​
SILICA
Fact Sheets Address Silica Exposures from Construction Equipment
More than a dozen fact sheets recently published or revised by OSHA describe controls that can be used to minimize airborne dust and limit exposures to silica in the construction industry. Each fact sheet addresses controls for a specific type of construction equipment referenced in Table 1 of OSHA’s recent final rule on respirable crystalline silica, including crushing machines, dowel drilling rigs for concrete, heavy equipment and utility vehicles used during demolition, and several handheld tools such as grinders and power saws. The fact sheets identify specific controls, depict proper usage of the equipment, and explain how to use associated personal protective equipment such as respirators. OSHA’s fact sheets on silica exposures from construction equipment are available as PDFs on the agency’s
website
.