Hellman & Associates

Is Your Industry On The List?

OSHA Issues New Focus on Respirable Crystalline Silica

In May 2020, OSHA rolled out its National Emphasis Program (NEP) centered on protecting workers from Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) inhalation. After the initial program roll out, significant changes were made. The following is an overview of the NEP differences:

  • Change in the permissible exposure limit for RCS covering general industry, maritime and construction
  • An updated list of target industries listed by NAICS codes
  • Updated Inspection Procedures for RCS Standards
  • Mandatory state plan participation in this NEP
  • Requirement for Area and Regional Offices to comply but not required to develop and implement corresponding programs
  • Requirement for Area Offices to conduct outreach programs three months prior to initiating RCS inspections
  • Area Offices are no longer required to send abatement verification to the National Office

Details can be read in OSHA directive number CPL_03-00-023.pdf. The appendices in this directive contain the complete list of target and supplemental industries for this NEP.

Is Your Industry On The List?If your facility is not in compliance with OSHA’s RCS Standard, you may be subject to citations and fines. OSHA guidance materials are available to download if you wish to see the details.

Construction

 

General Industry & Maritime

www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3902.pdfwww.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3911.pdf

Need help to navigate the complex standards and guidelines? Keep your work environment safe and your costs minimized. Contact H&A for information about the ASSUREDCompliance ProgramSM which identifies and helps you manage safety risks. And, we guarantee regulatory compliance. If you incur a citation for an issue, we should have managed, we pay for it…guaranteed