Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/708006
AGGREGATES MANAGER / July 2016 41 line silica. OSHA has identified four categories of engineering controls to limit exposure: substitution, isolation, ventilation, and dust suppression. These controls can take the form of the use of water to reduce dust propagation and increased venti- lation to clear areas of airborne dust, amongst others. Employers are required to provide employees with respira- tors in situations where engineering controls are not sufficient to adequately limit exposure. Employers must take steps to limit employee access to areas that have, or have the poten- tial to have, high concentrations of respirable crystalline silica. Employers must also develop and implement a written expo- sure control plan that describes the tasks in the workplace that involve exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The plan must take steps to ensure that the proper engi- neering controls are identified and implemented, procedures are developed to restrict employee access to high exposure areas, proper personal protective devices are identified and obtained for use in situations where engineering controls are inadequate, and employee training on work operations that result in high respirable crystalline silica exposure is performed and documented. The plan must also describe the housekeep- ing measures to be used to limit employee exposure. OSHA's new crystalline silica rule implements require- ments for employers to provide medical exams and moni- toring for employees who are exposed to concentrations of respirable crystalline silica in excess of the PEL for 30 or more days per year. Employers must provide a medical exam to employees within 30 days of initial assignment to a task that exposes them to crystalline silica. The exam must be repeated at least every three years. The OSHA rule takes effect on June 23, 2016, triggering a five-year window during which employers must achieve compliance with the new standard. Construction employ- ers must comply with the new rule by June 23, 2017, one year from the effective date. General industry and maritime employers must comply by June 23, 2018. Employers in- volved in the hydraulic fracturing industry must comply with all provisions except those related to engineering controls by June 23, 2018. The hydraulic fracturing engineering controls contemplated by the standard must be implemented by June 23, 2021. We will continue to monitor MSHA's regulatory activity and provide updates on any crystalline silica exposure rule- making from MSHA. AM ROCKLAW Be a cool operator Be a cool operator 1-800-267-2665 • sales@hammondac.com • www.hammondac.com When you work hard in small spaces, you need AC big time! With over 1200 different kits engineered and developed, count on Arctic Wolf™ for factory-style integrated air conditioning systems in ready-to-t kits. Loaders. Dozers. Excavators. Graders. Tractors. If your equipment has an engine and a cab on it, we can put cool air into it. Call today. 1-800-2 MR COOL or go online at www.hammondac.com and order your system and parts today. 081-178 Equip World 4.5x4.5.indd 1 2016-06-01 2:18 PM Untitled-7 1 6/6/16 2:14 PM